Not guilty plea from man accused of pocketing money while working at Mason City store

MASON CITY — A Mason City man accused of stealing money while employed at a local store has pleaded not guilty. A criminal complaint accuses 32-year-old Jonathan Patterson of second-degree theft.

On March 11th, employees at Mills Fleet Farm started a theft investigation after cash shortages associated with Patterson had been reported on all the days he worked since February 2nd. The investigation also alleges that employees also observed Patterson pocketing bills on four occasions.

The total amount of money taken between February 2nd and March 8th associated with Patterson was $4780. The criminal complaint says Patterson admitted to the theft to employees and a police officer.

Patterson recently pleaded not guilty to the charge in Cerro Gordo County District Court, with Judge Adam Sauer scheduling his trial to start on June 22nd. If convicted of second-degree theft, Patterson would face up to five years in prison.