Trial continued for man accused of 11 robberies

IOWA CITY - The trial for an Iowa City man who police said robbed several businesses throughout Eastern Iowa has been continued until at least April.

Jay M. Harkless, 24, waived his right to speedy trial at the Johnson County Courthouse Thursday morning.

Harkless, who remains in the Johnson County Jail on a $205,000 bond, was arrested after he allegedly robbed Rent-a-Center, 1214 S. Gilbert St., on Jan. 7.

During a search of Harkless' residence at 840 Maggard St. Apt. 10, officers found items they believed linked him to 10 additional bank and credit union robberies in Iowa City, North Liberty, Cedar Falls, Waterloo, and Muscatine. Harkless confessed to all 11 of the robberies, police said.

In Johnson County, he faces four charges of second-degree robbery after police said he robbed the Rent-a-Center,

West Bank, and

Midwest One Bank in Iowa City and

Midwest Bank in North Liberty.