Lang
1/27/23
An Iowa City man is accused of stealing a van from a local dealership, then altering the vehicle identification number.
Iowa City Police say 39-year-old Joshua Kelley of Southgate Avenue stole a white 2016 Chrysler Town & Country van from Billion Automotive on Mormon Trek Boulevard on October 18th, 2021. The value of the van was estimated at $25,000.
The van was seized from a residence on I Street on the afternoon of January 20th. An inspection by the Iowa Department of Transportation determined the VIN on the dashboard had been altered and replaced. A check of a hidden VIN and a computer check confirmed the van was the one stolen from Billion. Kelley had allegedly painted the vehicle multiple times to hide its original appearance.
Kelley is charged with 1st Degree Theft and Altering a Vehicle Identity Number. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.
Police say Kelley has a history of stealing vehicles and changing the VINs. Just last week he was accused of changing the VIN on another stolen van, trying to register a stolen van with the Johnson County Treasurer’s Office, and stealing copper from Brandt Heating & Air Conditioning on Heinz Road.