Hiawatha woman accused of stealing bricks from Tiffin business, allegedly claimed she thought they might be free

Lang
9/24/21

A Hiawatha woman faces charges that she stole bricks from a Tiffin landscaping business, allegedly telling police she thought they might be free.

Johnson County Sheriff’s deputies were called to Jan’s Lawn Care on Greenfield Drive just after 10:30 Thursday night for a suspicious van parked outside the business. Officers located the vehicle at a nearby gas station and made contact with the driver, 39-year-old Kristina Waybill of Northwood Drive. Waybill allegedly told deputies that she had been the person parked outside Jan’s Lawn Care, and that she had run out of gas and was trying to get her 2003 Chevy Express G3500 going again.

Investigators say Waybill then uttered something about taking bricks from outside the business. She allegedly admitted to taking over 40 bricks worth an estimated $150, even though she said she wasn’t sure if they were free for the taking or not.

A search of Waybill’s purse turned up a glass pipe she allegedly admitted she used to smoke marijuana.

The sheriff’s office says the van had expired registration, Waybill was unable to provide proof of insurance, and she was driving while her license was suspended.

Waybill was arrested and charged with 3rd Degree Burglary, 5th Degree Theft, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Operating a Non-Registered Vehicle, Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability, and Driving While Suspended. If convicted on all charges, she faces a maximum of over five years in prison.