Kalona Woman Arrested on Theft, Drug Charges

Veronica Gatlin faces outstanding warrants in multiple counties

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A 49-year-old woman from Kalona, Iowa was arrested in Johnson County on Tuesday on outstanding warrants from Washington County. Veronica Gatlin faces charges of forgery, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Why it matters

Repeat offenders and property crimes continue to be an issue in Iowa communities, raising concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in addressing underlying factors that contribute to recidivism.

The details

According to court records, on February 2nd, Gatlin allegedly entered an Iowa City liquor store, concealed a bottle on her person, and left the store without paying. Gatlin has multiple prior theft convictions and was on probation for a felony forgery charge from a March 2025 case where she used a debit card to steal nearly $3,000.

  • Gatlin was arrested in Johnson County on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The alleged liquor store theft incident occurred on February 2, 2026.

The players

Veronica Gatlin

A 49-year-old woman from Kalona, Iowa who was arrested on outstanding warrants from Washington County.

Johnson County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that arrested Gatlin on the outstanding warrants.

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What’s next

Gatlin's bond has been set at $45,000 and a detainer was placed with Johnson County. The judge will determine whether to allow her release on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges communities face in addressing repeat offenders and property crimes, underscoring the need for a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of criminal behavior and ensures effective supervision and rehabilitation of offenders.