Iowa Woman Accused of Using Stolen Credit Cards to Rent Bouncy Houses for Parties

If you’ve ever rented a bouncy house for a birthday party or family get-together, you probably wouldn’t expect the rental to turn into a police investigation. But in eastern Iowa, one woman is accused of using stolen credit card information to pay for inflatable attractions at two holiday parties.

Shanyce Hill, 30, is facing charges connected to the alleged scheme, according to police and court documents.

Bouncy Houses Showed Up at Two Iowa City Parties

Investigators allege Hill arranged to rent bouncy houses for parties held at an Iowa City park on Father’s Day and the Fourth of July.

However, authorities say the rentals were allegedly paid for using credit card information that did not belong to the person making the purchases.

The situation reportedly left the business that provided the bouncy houses dealing with approximately $1,350 in losses after the payments were disputed and charged back.

Children playing on a large inflatable water slide in a sunny backyard

Police Say the Paper Trail Led Back to Hill

The investigation reportedly started after people who were affected by the alleged credit card fraud contacted authorities.

When officers questioned Hill, she denied being the person who ordered the inflatable rentals, according to the criminal complaints.

Investigators say they found connections between Hill and the rental arrangements. The phone numbers and email accounts used to make the reservations reportedly belonged to her, were managed by her, or were assigned to her minor children. Police also allege Hill was responsible for renting the Iowa City park space where the bouncy houses were set up.

Authorities have not publicly established exactly how the credit card information was obtained. However, the complaints suggest the numbers may have been stolen electronically or purchased online.

Iowa Woman Faces Charges as Case Moves Forward

Hill has been charged with theft and unauthorized use of a credit card in connection with the allegations.

She was released on a $6,000 bond while awaiting her arraignment. Court documents indicate that a date for the proceeding had not yet been scheduled at the time of the report.

Hill reportedly works as a special education assistant at an elementary school in Coralville, just outside Iowa City.