On May 27^th, 2017 the Waterloo Police Department, with assistance of the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Department, took John F. Bennett (age 47) of Waterloo and Cody J. Laughlin (age 25) of Gilbertville into custody for numerous criminal incidents where vehicles were used to gain entry into store fronts for the purpose of theft.

On May 18^th, 2017 at 0204hrs a stolen silver 2007 Chevrolet Uplander from 1720 5^th Street, Gilbertville was used to make entry into Texas Street Market, 4335 Texas Street, Waterloo. An unsuccessful attempt to take a game machine was made, but nothing was taken. There however was extensive damage to front of the business. (Charges of Criminal Mischief 2^nd and Burglary 3^rd Degree).

This same Chevrolet Uplander was used on make entry into the Prime Mart, 3535 Marigold Drive, Waterloo, on May 19^th at 0028hrs. There again was extensive damage to the building however they did not take anything from the store. (Charges of Criminal Mischief 2^nd and Burglary 3^rd Degree).

On May 21^st a 1995 GMC Safariland minivan was stolen from 153 Lehman Circle, Waterloo. This vehicle was used to enter the B & B gas station, 1615 Bishop Ave, Waterloo. There was extensive damage to the building and an ATM machine was stolen. This vehicle was recovered later that morning at 240^TH St and Oakland Ave in Bremer County after it was found burning in a roadside ditch. The ATM from B & B gas station was recovered from inside the minivan. (Charges of two counts of Theft 2^nd, Criminal Mischief 2^nd, and Burglary 3^rd).

On May 25^th at 0224hrs a 1992 Red Ford Ranger was used to enter the Dupaco Community Credit Union at 1946 Schukei Road, Waterloo. Once entry was gained they attempted to steal a cash recycle machine, but were unsuccessful. There was an extensive amount of damage the building and the cash machine. (Charges of two counts of Criminal Mischief 1^st and Burglary 3^rd Degree).

On May 27^th at 0326hs a 2002 Ford F150 that was stolen from 720 Belle Street, Waterloo and was used to transport and ATM that was stolen from University of Iowa Community Credit Union, 930 Tower Park Drive, Waterloo. A forklift from a nearby construction site was used to remove the ATM and load it into the truck. (Charges of two counts of Theft 1^st, Criminal Mischief 1^st, Criminal Mischief 2^nd, Theft 2^nd and Operation of a Motor Vehicle without the Owners Consent).

As a result of the investigation search warrants were completed on John Bennett’s residence, 902 N Pilot Grove Rd in Waterloo, and Cody Laughlin’s residence at 706 8^th Ave in Gilbertville. Evidence related to these crimes was recovered to include the cash removed from the ATM’s.

Three of the vehicles used in these crimes, 2007 Chevrolet Uplander, 1992 Ford Ranger, and the 2002 Ford F150 were recovered from the Cedar River near the Laughlin residence in Gilbertville. The ATM machine from the University of Iowa Community Credit Union was also recovered from the river.

Additional criminal charges are pending as this investigation continues.

Captain Dave Mohlis
Investigations Division