Police: Iowa City convenience store clerk stole lotto tickets, cash from behind counter

Iowa City police have arrested a convenience store clerk on suspicion of stealing lottery tickets and cash from her place of work.

Brooke Elizabeth Ritesman, 30, of Iowa City, is accused of taking lottery tickets from the ticket dispenser in the Hawkeye Convenience Store where she worked at 2875 Commerce Drive in Iowa City, according to a criminal complaint. Surveillance video shows Ritesman in November take the lotto tickets and slip them into her purse without making any attempt to pay for them or notify store management, according to police.

Ritesman also is seen taking what appeared to be cash from the register, police reported. On Nov. 6, store accounting revealed Ritesman's drawer was short $360 cash and $129 in scratch lottery tickets, according to the complaint.

When confronted by investigators, Ritesman admitted to taking the tickets, according to the complaint.  She also apologized to the store management for her behavior and took responsibility for her actions, police reported.

Ritesman, who faces charges of third-degree theft and theft or forgery of a lottery ticket, has been released from the Johnson County Jail after being arrested over the weekend.

She has a lengthy criminal history in Iowa, including theft convictions in May 2009 and October 2003.