Hunter
07/24/25
An Iowa City area transient much too familiar to police was arrested this week on theft and drug possession charges.
The incidents involve 56-year-old Gary Leon Duffel, who allegedly entered the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center Monday evening around 6:50 and took a backpack containing identification documents, electronics and cash. The victim estimated their loss at approximately $1500.
Tuesday afternoon, officers located Duffel and made contact with him in regards to the theft investigation. Duffel was wanted on a previous theft charge and he was taken into custody.
A search incident to arrest allegedly found a baggie containing meth, an a prescription bottle not belonging to him that contained one pill.
Duffel was charged with unlawful possession of a prescription drug and a 3rd or subsequent Controlled Substance violation, as well as 2nd degree Theft. If convicted on all charges, Duffel could be sentenced to up to 11 years in prison.
Online court records show Duffel has a long list of criminal charges dating back to 2002.