Area transient arrested on theft and burglary charges

Hunter
03/05/24

An area transient wanted on theft and burglary charges was arrested over the weekend.

Police alleged that 36-year-old Virgilio Reyes was seen on Ring footage entering Kiddie Konnection on Muscatine Avenue during the overnight hours of December 4th while the business was closed. He allegedly found the door unlocked and left with an electronic tablet.

Reyes was positively identified from the video footage, and when located was reportedly wearing the same clothing, shoes and distinctively-painted fingernails.

Reyes is also accused of taking a cocktail can from the L&M Mighty Shop on East Burlington Street the morning of January 26th.  He allegedly put the can in his pants and left without paying.  Reyes reportedly told officers that it was an accidental theft, and had the can in his hand but forgot to pay for it.

Reyes was arrested Saturday and faces 3rd degree Burglary and 5th degree Theft charges, and could be sentenced to up to over five years in prison if convicted.

A non-jury trial on the theft charge has been scheduled for April 9th; a public defender has been appointed for Reyes on the burglary charge and a trial date has yet to be set.