Hunter
7/27/20
A Coralville man has been arrested after allegedly committing several crimes this year.
53-year-old Eric Burgess of Boston Way had been given a suspended sentence on charges of Unauthorized use of a Credit Card and 3rd Degree Theft in February 2019. He successfully completed a court-ordered stay at Hope House and was discharged with a two-year supervised probation.
This past January through early March, Burgess was fired from gainful employment, missed several probation meetings, admitted to using methamphetamine and cocaine, and failed to report for a random drug test.
Police say his more crimes started up again in April.
On the 18th of that month, Burgess reportedly placed $1000 in fictitious checks into an account that did not belong to him at Central State Bank on 22nd Avenue in Coralville. He then withdrew cash and made debit card purchases at local grocers totaling $1000.
On June 2nd, Burgess allegedly used stolen checks to make 4 checks out to himself in various amounts. Hills Bank on the Coralville Strip provided video and photos reportedly showing Burgess attempting to cash one of the checks and presenting his ID.
The victim in that incident reports that Burgess used her debit card and spent money at local businesses and hotels. The loss to the victim was $1800.
On June 18th, the Coralville Walmart reported that Burgess grabbed a 65-inch Samsung TV and left using an emergency exit without paying for the nearly $500 item. Officers recognized Burgess using a photo from the incident.
Then on June 21st, Burgess allegedly went into the Menards on Naples Avenue, attempting to exchange a laser range meter that he didn’t have a receipt for. Surveillance video showed that Burgess was in the store earlier and took two meters off the shelf and concealed them under the waistline of his pants.
A warrant was issued on June 26th for Burgess’ arrest, and he was booked into the Johnson County Jail Saturday afternoon.
His charges include 3 Forgeries, 2 2nd Degree Thefts, 2 3rd Degree Thefts, 1 4th Degree Theft, two Unauthorized Use of Credit Card, one Aggravated Misdemeanor Forgery, and three Probation Violations. If convicted on all counts, Burgess could be sentenced to a maximum 42 years in prison.