Cedar Rapids man takes a plea after fighting for new trial

A 60-year-old man who always represents himself in court fought for a new trial last month on a burglary charge, was granted it, but landed up pleading guilty that same charge.

Steven Cooley, of Cedar Rapids, pleaded to second-degree burglary and being a habitual offender Thursday in Linn County District Court. He faces up to 10 years in prison as part of plea agreement. His sentencing is 2:30 p.m. April 13.

Cooley was convicted by a Linn County jury last October of the same charges for breaking into a house while two residents were in the basement. He rummaged through the house, found a wallet in a purse and started to leave but he was stopped by police.

Cooley argued he was only guilty of criminal trepassing. He was looking for shelter and he didn't steal anything, he said.

Cooley was granted a new trial in December because he wasn't informed of the lesser charges that could have been presented to the jury. He then filed last month for a dismissal of the burglary charge.

Sixth Judicial District Judge Sean McPartland denied the dismissal last week.

Cooley, who from jail wrote to a Gazette reporter saying he planned to plead guilty because of his older brother's health issues. He thought taking 10 years as opposed to 15 years, which is the penalty for second-degree burglary and being a habitual offender.

Cooley has a lengthy criminal history including four felony and several misdemeanor convictions.