Fired employee charged with burglary after allegedly returning and stealing construction materials

Hunter
04/15/24

A Coralville man was arrested after allegedly returning to his place of work after being fired that day and stealing construction materials.

Iowa City Police reportedly located 32-year-old Dedrick Smith of Stratford Court inside the premises at The Hive Apartments on South Dubuque Street just before 8:45pm  April 9th.  The property manager was contacted, who advised that Smith had been fired earlier that day and was no longer allowed on the premises.

Further investigation allegedly determined that Smith had numerous construction items stashed in a backpack located in his personal vehicle  The property manager confirmed that the items did not belong to Smith and should not be in his possession.

Smith was arrested and charged with 3rd degree Burglary and 5th degree Theft. If convicted on both counts, he could be sentenced to over five years in prison.