MASON CITY – A Thornton man who has been caught stealing before in Mason City was caught and prosecuted again, this time leading to a 60 day jail sentence.
The last time 40-year-old Kevin Christopher Becker was caught stealing prior to his latest crime was on the evening of November 9, 2015. Mason City police and Cerro Gordo deputies arrived at Kohls department store, 556 Indianhead Drive. Officers and deputies began searching for a male and female suspects who fled the store. Soon thereafter, deputies apprehended the pair in a vehicle and placed them under arrest. Taken to jail were Becker and Jill Ann Schwem, both of Thornton, on charges of theft in the third degree. Police told NIT that the couple tried to steal two pairs of jeans valued at $106.00 total. “They did allegedly exit the store with merchandise concealed and without paying for both items,” police told NIT. “Theft charge was enhanced to 3rd Degree due to prior convictions.”
Becker was later guilty and was given 365 suspended jail sentence, $545.00 in court costs and fees and 2 years of probation.
However, Becker was caught again by Mason City police after an incident on June 11, 2016. After a guilty plea, Becker was given a suspended fine and 60 days in jail, which he is serving at this time. He must also pay $363.00 in court costs and fees.
Last year, Becker pled guilty to reckless use of fire under an Alford Plea, in which he acknowledges the prosecution likely has enough evidence to convict him, but he doesn’t admit guilt. Two counts of child endangerment were dismissed. He was sent to jail for 30 days. He was also ordered to pay $845.25 in fines and court fees; records show he hasn’t made a payment yet. According to a report, Becker was involved in an argument with his girlfriend when he poured gasoline on his kitchen floor and threatened to burn the house down.
