Hunter
12/05/24
Two Johnson County residents were arrested after an alleged theft that occurred at the Aspire at West Campus Apartments late this summer.
University of Iowa Police received a report of a theft from the community room at the complex on evening of September 12th. The victim reported their wallet and keys were stolen after he left them in the room twenty minutes earlier. The key fob belonged to an Audi sedan, which the dealer estimated would cost around $650 to replace.
The victim’s credit card was used at a nearby McDonalds, charging just over $20.
Management at the apartment building was able to determine two individuals arrived together and took the items from the community room before fleeing. An investigation identified the individuals as 29-year-old Michael Bartels of Zeller Crossing in North Liberty, and 26-year-old Gabrielle Fortunato of 2nd Street in Coralville.
A search warrant was executed on Bartels’ vehicle, and the key to the Audi was allegedly found, but the fob, wallet and credit cards were not recovered. In a post-Miranda interview, the two reportedly admitting to conspiring to steal the items, purchase the meal at McDonalds, and attempt to get gas at a Casey’s location which was declined except for the $1 authorization fee. Additionally, surveillance footage showed the two arriving at the McDonalds and Fortunado entering the restaurant to purchase the food.
Bartels allegedly admitted to throwing the key fob into a wooded area near Aspire; neither investigators or the victim were able to locate the item. Fortunado also reportedly admitted to stealing a package from the entry to an apartment at Aspire and discarding the items.
Warrants were issued November 25th and served on Tuesday. Bartels and Fortunado were charged with 4th degree theft, a serious misdemeanor punishable by a jail sentence of a year apiece if convicted.