Hunter
10/20/25
A Coralville man was taken into custody after police say he committed two thefts and was wanted after escaping Hope House.
37-year-old Rashaud Lee of the residential correctional facility, who has a long history of theft convictions, was allegedly at the Casey’s on First Avenue in Coralville the evening of August 2nd and was observed taking merchandise as well as $140 from the cash register. He returned on August 8th and took more items, this time reportedly taking $100 from the register.
The total reported loss to the store was just under $300. Lee allegedly admitted to both thefts to store staff.
At 3am September 10th, Lee allegedly was found at Hope House with a clear glass pipe containing residue that is known for the smoking of methamphetamine. He reportedly tried to conceal the pipe in a pair of pants hidden underneath the bed that fell to the floor.
Shortly thereafter, Lee signed out on a medical pass to University of Iowa Health Care main campus. Hope House staff were alerted that his GPS strap was tampered with at 3:44 and 4:03am. Lee was discharged at 6am and failed to return to Hope House within two hours and was placed on escape status.
Iowa City Police were dispatched to the Target store on East Washington Street Wednesday morning for a shoplifting in progress. Loss prevention observed Lee take a powerbank and a roll of elastic tape. He left the store without paying for the items and was detained by loss prevention before police arrived. Lee returned the powerbank, then allegedly ran from the store and changed clothes before getting on an Iowa City Transit bus.
Lee remained at large until he was taken into custody Saturday morning after being called in by a Coralville resident who reported he was on their front porch. He allegedly admitted he was in possession of meth.
He was charged with 3rd and 5th degree Theft, Possession of Contraband in a Correctional Institution, 3rd offense Drug Possession and Escape from Custody. He faces a prison sentence of up to over 13 years if convicted.