2 women arrested for theft in Maquoketa

Two arrests were made in Maquoketa early this morning and are still in custody.

46-year-old Renee Walker and 40-year-old Marlena Bonney were both arrested for theft around 4:30am. Police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of the Maquoketa Municipal Electrical Utilities. Once police arrived they found a van that matched the description. Police conducted a traffic stop and found a large amount of aluminum wire in the back of the van.

The MMEU identified the wires as their own through serial numbers and video. Part of the wire was going to be used in a project this week while the other part was going to be recycled for money. In stealing the wire the two women robbed MMEU of project materials and the value of the scrap metal.

Renee Walker is being charged with Theft in the 3rd degree which is an aggravated misdemeanor, as she has 2 prior convictions of theft. Marlena Bonney is being charged with theft in the 5th degree which is a simple misdemeanor. The will be appearing in front of a magistrate who will determine what their release conditions are.