Hunter
07/04/22
An area transient who has a long criminal history of harassing women and damaging property has been charged with breaking into a closed building and stealing items.
The incident occurred on June 30th at the home of the Domestic Violence Intervention Program on South Gilbert Court. At approximately 2pm, after property management had closed the building and ceased providing services for the day, 46-year-old Michael Dacunos, of the newly opened 501 Shelter House apartment building, allegedly entered the DVIP building and was observed holding three framed photographs that he had removed from the walls as he attempted to exit the building.
Staff still on hand confronted Dacunos and demanded that he return the property. He allegedly refused, and when staff attempted to take their property back, Dacunos reportedly pulled free while still holding one of the photographs and fled the area.
When officers located Dacunos nearby, he allegedly admitted to possessing the photograph, but claimed that he was given permission to take the photograph by one of the staff members. The staff member was actually one of the employees who reported the theft to officers.
Dacunos was taken into custody and charged with 2nd degree Burglary, a Class C Felony punishable by a prison term of up to ten years if convicted.
On Monday July 11th, Dacunos faces sentencing on Assault and Animal Abuse from an incident from this past October when he allegedly assaulted a woman in Riverfront Crossings Park and kicked her dog in the ribs. He has a history of following and attacking women in Iowa City and has had numerous charges against him for assaults and damaging property.