A local man has been accused of selling a stolen HP laptop computer.

Joseph Velasquez, 28, was charged June 29 with fourth-degree theft.

According to an Iowa City police complaint, Velasquez allegedly stole the computer from a vehicle on April 24.

Velasquez then reportedly sold the computer to Money & More, 1025 S. Riverside Drive, on June 29 and received a loan for $60, which he allegedly did not pay back.

Velasquez admitted that he originally purchased the computer from an unknown individual on the street for $100, but sold it because he needed money to support his synthetic marijuana addiction.

He later admitted that he knew the person who sold the computer to him, but he would not provide a name.

Velasquez also said he suspected the computer was stolen when he bought it. Replacement value for the computer is approximately $400.

Fourth-degree theft is a serious misdemeanor.

— by Megan Sanchez