A Coralville woman was charged Nov. 4 with third- and fourth-degree theft after she allegedly stole from a downtown business.

According to a complaint by Iowa City police, Julie Ereth, 42, was shopping at Domby’s, 128 E. Washington St., when she allegedly exited the store with more than $1,100 worth of merchandise.

Ereth allegedly went into the store Nov. 1 and conversed with employees, giving a false name and background. She was reportedly collecting items with the intention to buy them and then allegedly exited the store without paying for them.

Domby’s employees called the police, who were able to identify Ereth from the store’s security camera footage. Employees alerted the police Nov. 4 when Ereth was in the vicinity of the store wearing a sweater she had allegedly stolen, valued at $295.

Police confronted Ereth and showed her the security footage. She reportedly admitted it was her on the tape but denied taking anything from the store.

Third-degree theft is an aggravated misdemeanor, and fourth-degree theft is a serious misdemeanor.

— by Matt Starns