Hunter
08/14/24
An Oxford man was arrested over the weekend after allegedly taking scrap metal from a rural farm.
Police say 28-year-old Jacob Cooling was at a farm property on James Avenue in North Liberty the afternoon of July 8th. Trailcam video allegedly caught Cooling arriving with an empty flatbed truck, and leaving over an hour and a half later with a load of scrap metal taken from the property valued at less than $200.
Cooling reportedly returned on July 10th, once in the afternoon and again late that night. He again arrived with an empty flatbed truck, and trailcam footage allegedly caught him leaving with a load of scrap metal.
The morning of July 11th, an International 6-row cultivator was observed on the trailcam, pulled out of the farmyard and into the driveway. It was reportedly found that half of the cultivator had been removed. The cultivator is valued at $325.
A warrant for Cooling’s arrest was issued on July 29th; the warrant was served Saturday. He was charged with one count each of 4th and 5th degree Theft, and one count of Trespass causing Damage. If convicted on all charges, Cooling could be sentenced to up to 25 months in jail.
Cooling was released on his own recognizance after a Tuesday court appearance; a public defender was appointed to his case.