Hunter
07/22/25
An area transient was arrested after allegedly stealing a purse from a downtown Iowa City store.
31-year-old Jamal Cotton was identified by a witness possessing a purse stolen from Stuff Etc. in Pepperwood Plaza on July 3rd. The witness said that another person gave Cotton the purse. An officer located him wearing the purse, walking near the scene. The other person stated that Cotton instructed him to steal the purse.
The purse was valued at around $20.
A warrant was issued the same day, and Cotton was served Monday.
Due to two previous convictions, one earlier this year and another in 2023, Cotton was charged with an aggravated misdeameanor. He was released on his own recognizance pending arraignment.