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Eric Cokley
James Hale
The West Burlington Police Department arrested 23-year-old Eric Cokley Jr yesterday (Thursday) at 3:19 in the afternoon. He is charged with second-degree theft. Also arrested was 25-year-old James Hale. The two men were caught trying to take items from the Target in West Burlington without paying for them According to the criminal complaint, Loss Prevention stopped to two men that had put $491 worth of merchandise in a cart and tried to leave the store without paying. Hale admitted to the theft and told authorities that Cokley had selected the items. Hale was charged with fourth-degree theft and held on a $1000 bond. Cokley was held on a $5000 bond. Both men are currently free on bond pending their court appearance.
Brett Gerling
An obstructed license plate led to the arrest of 36-year-old Brett Gerling at 11:01 PM on Wednesday. According to the criminal complaint, officers spotted a car with a yellow license plate cover that made the plate impossible to read. When they pulled the car over they smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the car. Officers ordered Gerling from the car and he refused a number of times. Officers ended up removing the suspect from the car. Gerling then reportedly told officers that there was marijuana in the center console of the car. He is charged with second offense possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with official acts. He was held on a $2000 bond.
