Transient accused of trashing Iowa City laundromat

Lang
3/9/24

A local transient is accused of trashing an Iowa City laundromat.

Iowa City Police say security video shows 27-year-old Michael Pennell breaking chairs and overturning trash cans and displays inside Laundromania on East Bloomington Street just before 4:45 Wednesday morning. Pennell had been previously trespassed from the property in March of 2021.

Property management determined that Pennell broke six chairs and a toilet paper dispenser, totaling an estimated $1,350 in damages.

Pennell has since been taken into custody and charged with 3rd Degree Criminal Mischief and Trespass Causing Damage Greater Than $300. If convicted on both charges, he faces a maximum of three years in jail.

Pennell has a lengthy criminal history.