Hunter
01/30/23
An out-of-state couple faces multiple charges after a search warrant executed at their hotel room found stolen mail.
According to police, 34-year-old Don Basney of Clinton Township Michigan and 36-year-old Joann Soderberg of West Hollywood California were staying at the Radisson on 1st Avenue in Coralville on Saturday morning when they executed the warrant. The two were allegedly found with ingoing and outgoing mail from over 20 different Iowa City addresses. There were reportedly three outgoing checks for utility payments that were never delivered. A further search of Basney’s vehicle found additional pieces of stolen mail.
When interviewed, Soderberg admitted that she and Basney stole the mail, and Basney had also stolen mail in Michigan.
A further search of the room allegedly turned up about five grams of methamphetamine. Basney reportedly admitted that the pair had been using meth for about two days and were using the room to host the use, possession and distribution of controlled substances.
Basney had been stopped in Iowa City earlier that morning, near the intersection of Market and Johnson streets. He allegedly gave police a false name initially but eventually provided his real identity.
Both Basney and Soderberg were charged with 3rd degree theft, gathering where controlled substances are used, and meth possession. Basney was also charged with providing false ID information, while Soderberg was additionally charged with keeping premises for controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.
If convicted on all charges, Basney could be sentenced to over 8 years in prison, while Soderberg could get a sentence of over ten years.