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Atkins Woman Accused of Stealing Shoes from Shelter House Resident
Surveillance footage allegedly shows Jessica Samples taking victim's shoes
Mar. 24, 2026 at 6:44pm
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A 40-year-old Atkins woman named Jessica Samples was arrested last week after she was accused of stealing a pair of shoes from a resident at Shelter House, a local homeless shelter. Samples was later found wearing the stolen shoes and also charged with drug possession.
Why it matters
Theft and property crimes against vulnerable populations like the homeless are an ongoing challenge for communities. This incident highlights the need for security measures and support services at shelters to protect residents' belongings and well-being.
The details
On March 17th, surveillance cameras at Shelter House reportedly captured Samples taking a pair of shoes from a resident around 2:15pm. The following day, police located Samples down the street from the shelter wearing the victim's shoes. A search incident to her arrest also uncovered a small amount of methamphetamine and a pipe.
- On March 17th, Samples allegedly stole the shoes from the Shelter House resident around 2:15pm.
- On March 18th, around 5:45pm, police found Samples wearing the stolen shoes down the street from Shelter House.
The players
Jessica Samples
A 40-year-old woman from Atkins, Iowa who was arrested and charged with theft, drug possession, and drug paraphernalia.
Shelter House
A local homeless shelter in Iowa City, Iowa where the alleged theft took place.
What’s next
Samples is facing a maximum jail sentence of 14 months if convicted on all charges. The judge will decide on her bail status at a future court hearing.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the challenges homeless shelters face in protecting the belongings of vulnerable residents, and the need for robust security measures and support services to address issues like substance abuse that can contribute to property crimes.


