Lang
7/13/19
Shoplifting wine by smuggling the bottle in his pants has led to an Iowa City man’s arrest.
According to arrest records, 59-year-old Russell Weston of Cross Park Place was observed by staff at the Waterfront Hy-Vee selecting a bottle of wine and concealing it in his pants just before 6:30 Tuesday morning. Weston tried to leave without paying, but was stopped by Hy-Vee staff. Weston showed multiple signs of intoxication, and claimed he was stealing the wine for someone else. He had no money in his possession. The wine was worth $8.99.
Iowa City Police say Weston has been trespassed from the Waterfront Hy-Vee on multiple previous occasions. He’s charged with 3rd Degree Theft, Public Intoxication and 3rd Offense Trespassing. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum of 25 months in prison.
A preliminary hearing is set for Friday.
