Iowa City man accused of vandalizing over a dozen downtown businesses reaches plea deal

Lang
10/2/23

A suspect accused of spray-painting the outside of over a dozen downtown Iowa City businesses has reached a plea deal.

Iowa City Police say they observed 21-year-old Jacob Theisen of Church Street riding an e-bike through the Ped Mall around 1:30am on May 5th. He reportedly pulled out a can of spray paint and began marking up a business’ wall.  Once police identified themselves, Theisen allegedly ran and was caught on South Dubuque Street. There, he reportedly fought with the officers and had to be taken to the ground to be apprehended. An officer suffered injuries to his hand and elbow during the altercation.

A post-arrest search allegedly turned up a fictitious ID showing Theisen to be of legal drinking age. Under Miranda, Theisen reportedly admitted to defacing over a dozen buildings on East Washington, East Iowa, East Burlington, West Jefferson, North Dubuque and North Clinton streets.  Damage at each location was estimated to be under $300.

Theisen is charged with 13 counts of Criminal Mischief, as well as Possession of a Fictitious ID and Interference with Official Acts Causing Bodily Injury. If convicted on all counts, he could have been sentenced to up to 37 months in jail.

Terms of the plea deal reached Monday and a sentencing date have not been released.