Shoplifting case leads to drug charges for Jefferson City man

A Jefferson City man is facing two counts of delivery of a controlled substance.

Daniel Loepke, 32, is also charged with one count of stealing.

This began as a theft call at Kohl's on Stoneridge Parkway on Christmas Eve of last year, according to a Jefferson City Police Department probable cause statement.

Loepke was seen concealing a camera and exiting the store without paying for it and other merchandise.

He fled the store and a short time later was stopped while in a vehicle traveling near Kohl's and taken into custody.

When questioned, he allegedly confessed to hiding the camera behind Sam's Club, which is near Kohl's.

Officers searched Loepke's vehicle and found a bag containing marijuana, a digital scale, 10 grams of methamphetamines and packaging materials for the sale of narcotics.

When they searched the rear of Sam's Club for the camera, officers found Loepke's wallet with nearly $700 inside. The camera, valued at $750, also was recovered.

Loepke has been on probation for DWI and has two prior stealing-related convictions and multiple charges for narcotics related offenses.