Overdue Library Book Results in Theft Charge

(Jesup, Iowa) A 39-year-old area woman, Shelly Koontz, was arrested last Thursday by Jesup Police for theft because she failed to return an overdue library book.

Koontz checked out the book in April 2008. Library staff called Koontz four times asking for the book to be returned. Officials sent three letters to Koontz's home and a fourth, certified letter, which Koontz refused to sign for, police said.

A police officer visited Koontz at home in September and told Koontz's teenage daughter that the book needed to be returned or paid for.

After another month passed, [Jesup Police Sgt.] Boos advised Jesup library director Cindy Lellig and the library board that Koontz could be arrested on a theft charge.

Koontz was booked into custody at the Buchanan County Jail and subsequently released on $250 bond.