Prosecutor drops theft charge against Cedar Rapids developer

CEDAR RAPIDS — A theft charge against a Cedar Rapids developer has been dismissed by a Linn County prosecutor.

Eric Gutschmidt, 39, was charged last November with second-degree theft. He was accused of stealing over $2,000 worth of floor planks and tiles from Menards, 200 Menard Lane, in Marion.

“I’m just thankful for everyone who was in my corner and has been supportive during this weird time,” Gutschmidt said Tuesday. “I just wish that this could have happened six months ago.”

Gutschmidt said he had receipts for the items he was accused of stealing.

According to the complaint, Gutschmidt, during a phone call with police, denied any “wrong doing.”

Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks told The Gazette on Tuesday that the case was assigned to assistant prosecutor Jordan Schier, who reviewed the case and determined there was reasonable doubt regarding the defendant’s intent to commit theft. The case was dismissed in the “interest of justice.”

Sixth Judicial District Judge David Cox reviewed the motion and dismissed the case last Friday.

Gutschmidt’s company, Gutschmidt Properties, is working over the next two years to create “Rainbow Road” on M Street SW between 10th and 12th avenues in Cedar Rapids — a block where properties were destroyed by the 2008 flood. The City Council approved financial incentives in October and signed off Nov. 7 on a development agreement with Gutschmidt’s company.

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