The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Man reportedly steals more than $400 from local business

An Iowa City man has been charged with stealing money from a local business.

Matthew Behnami, 20, 1327 Doen Place, was charged Sunday with third-degree burglary and second-degree criminal mischief.

According to an Iowa City police complaint, Behnami allegedly stole money from the back office of a business located at 22 S. Clinton Street. He was reportedly observed on camera entering an area not open to the public and shutting off the lights.

Behnami allegedly took $403 from a cash drawer and attempted to get into a safe. He reportedly pulled numerous wires from the security device, causing an estimated $2,000 in damages to the business, the complaint said.

The complaint said Behnami stated he was too intoxicated to remember the events, but he reportedly admitted to knowing he was not supposed to be in the back office and had no right to take the money.

Third-degree burglary and second-degree criminal mischief are both Class-D felonies.

— by Amy Skarnulis

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