Des Moines Man Sentenced to 25 Years for String of Burglaries

Evan Gustin stole $35,000 worth of jewelry from a JCPenney store during his crime spree.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:08pm

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A 31-year-old Des Moines man named Evan Gustin has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for committing a series of burglaries at multiple local businesses last year, including stealing about $35,000 worth of jewelry from a JCPenney store in the Valley West Mall.

Why it matters

Repeat property crimes and burglaries have been an ongoing challenge for law enforcement in the Des Moines metro area, with businesses and residents alike concerned about public safety and the impact on the local economy. This sentencing highlights the efforts of prosecutors to hold repeat offenders accountable and send a strong message about the consequences of such crimes.

The details

Gustin pleaded guilty to a range of charges, including first-degree theft, multiple counts of third-degree burglary, criminal mischief, and assault causing bodily injury. The judge ordered four of the felony charges to run consecutively, leading to the 25-year sentence. Gustin must also pay restitution for the damages and financial losses he caused to the targeted businesses.

  • On June 1, 2025, Gustin broke into the Regency Office Building and stole $200 from an ATM.
  • On October 29, 2025, Gustin unsuccessfully tried to break into South Side Liquor and Tobacco and a Git-N-Go convenience store.
  • Also on October 29, 2025, Gustin broke into a Clean Laundry location and damaged a wall while trying to access the office.
  • On November 17, 2025, Gustin robbed the JCPenney store in the Valley West Mall twice, stealing about $35,000 worth of jewelry.

The players

Evan Gustin

A 31-year-old Des Moines resident who pleaded guilty to a range of burglary and theft charges related to his crime spree.

Polk County Attorney's Office

The local prosecutor's office that brought the charges against Gustin and secured the 25-year prison sentence.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Evan Gustin out on bail pending his appeal.

The takeaway

This sentencing highlights the efforts of local prosecutors to hold repeat offenders accountable for burglary and theft crimes that can have a significant impact on businesses and the broader community. It serves as a warning that such crimes will be met with serious consequences.