Man accused of stealing employer's bank deposit

A 19-year-old Florida man was arrested Thursday for allegedly stealing his employer's bank deposit because he was upset that he wasn't paid adequately, his co-worker told investigators.

According to a criminal complaint, Ryan M. Stewart was given a $5,761.55 business deposit on July 9 to deliver to an unnamed bank when he parked in an alley, near 228 S. Clinton St. in Iowa City, to make a delivery, leaving the doors locked but the windows open.

Investigators allege Stewart, of Jacksonville, told his co-worker the van would be left in the specified alley at a certain time and advised him take the deposit, as well as a pair of headphones, "to make it look like a random burglary."

The employee, whose name is not listed, was identified by witnesses as being in the alley at the time of the incident, police said, and later admitted he took the money and the headphones and gave them to Stewart.

He also told investigators that Stewart was upset with his employer because he was not paid adequately for his hours worked.

Stewart is charged with second-degree theft, a Class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison, and joint criminal conduct.

He is being held at the Johnson County Jail on $7,500 cash bond.