Lang
12/8/24
Police have arrested an Iowa City woman who allegedly returned to the scene of the crime after stealing over $30,000 in cash and jewelry.
62-year-old Rosa Harter of the Town & Campus Apartments on Arthur Street can reportedly be seen on security video taking a woman’s purse while at a business on Highway 6 East just after 4:45 Friday afternoon. The address listed in police records includes Stuff Etc., DEFY trampoline park and the Crowded Closet. Police say the video shows Harter take the purse into a dressing room, remove the contents, and leave the purse behind as she leaves the premises.
For reasons that remain unclear, Harter returned to the store about an hour later during the police investigation. An officer recognized her from the security footage and detained her. Harter allegedly admitted to stealing items from the purse, then produced those items from her own purse. They reportedly included the victim’s wallet, $2,000 in cash, credit cards, and checks. Police say Harter also had two of the victim’s wedding rings valued at over $15,000 apiece in her pocket. Harter also allegedly had two baggies of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia on her person.
Harter is charged with 1st Degree Theft, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. If convicted on all counts, she faces a maximum of over 11 years in prison.
Harter was also wanted for failing to appear for an initial court appearance on a previous 5th Degree Theft charge.