Credit card charges lead to Coralville prostitution arrest

CORALVILLE - Often described as a victimless crime, a Coralville man might feel differently about prostitution after a woman he hired racked up more than $500 worth of charges on his credit card.

According to Coralville police reports, on May 8, 32-year-old Crystal E. Dove El advertised herself as a prostitute on Craiglist and Backpage.com. Police said the victim, who is not identified in criminal complaints, contacted Dove El and the two agreed to exchange sex for money.

Police said Dove El went to the victim's home and the two of them went to US Bank in Coralville. The victim allegedly gave Dove El his debit card and PIN with the understanding she would withdrawal $100 for her services. However, police said Dove El took an additional $400 from the victim's account without his knowledge.

Dove El allegedly kept the man's credit card and made seven withdrawals from the victim's account that night and the following day. Police said Dove El bought lottery tickets at stores in North Liberty and Cedar Rapids.

Following the illegal activity, the man went to police and requested Dove El be investigated for theft. A police investigator contacted Dove El through her advertisement and they agreed to meet for sex. After she was taken into custody, Dove El made statements 'against her best interest” and confessed to the forgery, police said.

Dove El was arrested and faces charges of unauthorized use of a credit card, prostitution and third-degree theft. All of the offenses are aggravated misdemeanors.