ISU Police issued an arrest warrant Wednesday for an Onawa man in connection with a series of laptop computer thefts on the ISU campus.

Curtis Paul, 37, is suspected of stealing at least eight laptop computers reported stolen in 2002 from Iowa State, said ISU Police Capt. Gene Deisinger. The estimated cost of these laptops is $20,500.

“Our officers attempted to serve the arrest warrant today and were unable to locate Mr. Paul at his residence,” Deisinger said.

Paul’s last known residence is 1112 14th St. in Onawa.

Police received the tip Feb. 7 when they received a call from an individual in Texas who bought a laptop on eBay. The individual noticed user information and computer files that related to Iowa State when the individual turned the laptop on, Deisinger said.

Further investigation linked the eBay account used to sell the laptop to Paul. Officers obtained Paul’s user history on eBay and noticed several other laptop sales that resembled laptops reported stolen from Iowa State.

ISU Police executed a search warrant at Paul’s Onawa address Feb. 19 and seized a computer and media storage devices.

“He wasn’t present when we executed the search warrant,” Deisinger said.

Analysis of the items seized confirmed Paul’s computer was used to manage several eBay sales. Deisinger said police contacted the individuals who purchased the laptops through eBay and discovered seven other laptops stolen from Iowa State.

The investigation has been international, Deisinger said. Police have recovered stolen laptops purchased on eBay from Canada and all across the United States.

Additional charges may be filed against Paul. Police are still investigating whether Paul is linked to additional laptop thefts at Iowa State.

Police are attempting to contact the purchasers of several other laptops through eBay. Deisinger said there were approximately 35 laptop thefts in 2002 at Iowa State.

“We felt it was important and appropriate to charge Mr. Paul at this time to facilitate his apprehension and prevent other thefts,” Deisinger said.

Paul has no known connection to Iowa State, Deisinger said. A vehicle registered to Paul was cited for a parking violation on the ISU campus Feb.18.

There were three laptops reported stolen to ISU Police on that day. One of those laptops has been linked to Paul and recovered by police.

Deisinger said anyone with information about Paul’s whereabouts is encouraged to notify ISU Police at 294-4428.

Paul has been charged with first-degree theft. If convicted of the felony, Paul could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.