Hunter
05/19/24
An area transient has been arrested after an alleged purse theft last year.
According to the victim, her purse was stolen from a shopping cart at a non-specific location north of the Lantern Park HyVee in Coralville the afternoon of December 10th. The purse reportedly contained the woman’s personal checkbook among other items. 34-year-old Joshua Jones allegedly wrote three checks from the account without permission. Two were remotely deposited; one was successful while the other one was declined. A third check was located, and returned by mail to the victim before it had been presented. An investigation determined that Jones was in possession of the stolen checkbook.
Jones also allegedly made purchases using credit cards located in the stolen purse. An online purchase was made for in-store pickup using his name and phone number for contact and pickup information. Security video showed Jones picking up the merchandise. Other online purchases were attempted but declined and marked as fraudulent.
The total value of all successful and attempted transactions totaled over $6300.
After an investigation, a warrant was issued on February 16th. Jones was arrested this past Thursday and charged with Forgery and Unauthorized Use of a Credit Card. If convicted on both counts, he could be sentenced to up to ten years in prison.
Jones was released on his own recognizance pending initial arraignment.