Hiawatha man accused of orchestrating Cedar Rapids theft

CEDAR RAPIDS - A Hiawatha man is accused of orchestrating the theft of a truck and welding equipment last month.

According to Cedar Rapids public safety spokesman Greg Buelow, a burglary and theft occurred at Pickwick Manufacturing, 4200 Thomas Dr. SW, in mid-October. Buelow said a truck and welding equipment - valued at approximately $60,000 - were stolen from the business.

Over the course of the investigation, 34-year-old Bret E. Wolf was developed as a person of interest when the stolen welding equipment was found in a vacant apartment in Hiawatha, Buelow said. Wolf lived close to the vacant apartment, police said.

Buelow said investigators determined Wolf was responsible for 'facilitating” the theft of the truck and equipment. The truck and most of the welding equipment were later recovered. Wolf now faces charges of first-degree theft and conspiracy to commit a felony.