Lang
1/13/24
A transient faces charges that he stole several books from a downtown Iowa City church and threw them into the snow.
Iowa City Police say 50-year-old Joseph Wilk entered Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on East Market Street just before 1:00 Tuesday morning, took books from the library and threw them into the snow-filled street. Wilk reportedly told investigators he only took books about war out of the library as a service to the community. He reportedly continued that he thought the street sweepers would “be fine” with picking up the books from the road.
The books were damaged and destroyed from being soaked. The estimated cost to replace them is under $300.
Wilk allegedly pulled away from officers as he was being taken into custody. He’s charged with 5th Degree Criminal Mischief, Littering, and Interference With Official Acts. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum of 90 days in jail.