A southeast Iowa woman is accused of conspiring with two other people to rob a woman’s house last June.
53-year-old Angela Gomez of Centerville has been charged with first-degree theft against an older individual, a Class C felony, and third-degree burglary, a Class D felony.
According to court records, Gomez and two accomplices (Jodi Vanhoutan of Unionville, Missouri, and Kenneth Fry of Seymour) monitored the movements of the 76-year-old victim. Fry was stationed across the street from the victim’s business in Centerville on June 11, 2023, and informed Gomez and Vanhoutan of the victim’s arrival at her establishment.
Police say Gomez and Vanhoutan then successfully burglarized the victim’s Cincinnati home and got away with nearly $20,000 worth of jewelry. Other alleged stolen items include $7,000 worth of collectible coins, an AR-15 style rifle, Harley Davidson items, and a ruby ring and blue onyx diamond ring worth a combined $4,950.
The three alleged offenders reconvened at Vanhoutan’s business to split the items. Police say Fry admitted to staying in Vanhouton’s shop (across the street from the victim’s establishment) before, during, and after the burglary. Additionally, Gomez and Vanhoutan admitted to taking part in the burglary.
A warrant for Gomez’s arrest was issued last November and she was taken into custody on April 4.
Gomez was transported to the Appanoose County Jail. Her bond is pending a hearing with a magistrate judge.
Vanhoutan and Fry were both arrested in November.
Vanhoutan was charged with first-degree theft against an older individual and third-degree burglary. She has a trial scheduled for August 13. Gomez entered a plea of not guilty.
Fry was charged with first-degree theft against an older individual, fourth-degree theft against an older individual, and third-degree burglary. His trial is scheduled for May 14. Fry has pleaded not guilty.
