STORM LAKE, IA (Northwestiowanow) – A theft investigation at a Storm Lake motel led to the arrest of an Alta woman Sunday afternoon.

Authorities were called to the Super 8 Motel on West Milwaukee Avenue at approximately 1:20 p.m. on Sunday, August 31st, after a guest reported personal property missing from their room. Officers quickly launched an investigation.

The stolen items, valued at around $3,500, were recovered shortly after. Police identified the suspect as a 71-year-old Super 8 housekeeper, Dawn James of Alta. She was taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Buena Vista County Jail.

James was charged with second-degree theft, a Class D felony, and held on a $5,000 bond.