Over the past several months there have been multiple burglaries and thefts reported in Mahaska County, as well as the City of Oskaloosa.

On Thursday, February 2, 2017, the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to 1200 block of River Road, Leighton in reference to two suspicious subjects. While responding to and investigating this call deputies uncovered evidence of an active burglary and theft ring. This information led to the issuance of two search warrants. These warrants were for stolen property, firearms and illegal drugs.

Later this date, the Sheriff’s Office executed one search warrant at 201 Church Street, Martinsburg, Iowa. At the same time, deputies executed the second warrant at 1213 River Road, Leighton, Iowa. During the execution of these warrants, multiple items of evidence were seized. Many of these items are believed to be stolen. One firearm, drug paraphernalia, and controlled substances were also seized during the execution of these warrants.

During this investigation the following subjects were arrested: 35-year-old Travis Wayne Ehrman of Hedrick was arrested on a Mahaska County warrant for a violation of a no contact order. 45-year-old Travis William Batterson of Beacon was arrested on two Mahaska County warrants, one for failure to appear and one for pretrial release violation. Ehrman and Batterson were arrested in the 500 block of Reed Street, Beacon. Also arrested was 20-year-old Claudia Ann Blizzard (homeless) on two outstanding arrest warrants out of Wapello County, both warrants for escape from custody. Lastly, 30-year-old Steven Joseph Johnson of 1213 River Road, Leighton was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon as well as drug violations. Blizzard and Johnson were taken into custody at 1213 River Road, Leighton. All four of these subjects will make their initial appearance in the Mahaska County Magistrates Court Friday.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted with this investigation by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Oskaloosa Police Department, and the Keokuk County Sheriff’s Office. This investigation is continuing and additional charges are anticipated.

As a reminder, a criminal charge is merely an accusation and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office would like to make all residents of Mahaska County aware that citizens have been receiving numerous reports in reference to scams within the Mahaska County area. Lately the Sheriff’s Office has been informed that citizens are receiving calls from subjects who claim to be affiliated with Mid-American Energy and are telling people that their power will be disconnected unless a payment is made. The method of payment that has been suggested is by gift card/pre-paid credit card and giving the numbers from the back of the card over the phone. The scammer has also been giving out a phone number of 1-800-490-2177.

The Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office has notified Mid-American Energy about the scam and they advised they were already aware of this scam. Mid-American stated that it has been reported in several other surrounding areas.

The Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office would also like to inform the public about another scam that involves a phone call from a person claiming to be an attorney and that they are representing a family member of yours whom has been arrested and currently in jail. The person on the phone will then instruct you on how to send them money or suggest payment by gift card/pre-paid credit card and then asks the citizen to give them the numbers from the back of the card over the phone. The Sheriff’s Office has also received reports that when subjects call you they will state “can you hear me” and they will record your response. They will use that recording for part of their scam. The Sheriff’s Office is recommending that citizens do not answer any calls if you do not recognize the caller and let them leave a message.

The Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office would like all Mahaska County residents to be extremely cautious when giving any information over the phone. Upon receiving any calls that you believe could possibly be a scam, the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office suggest calling the Mahaska County E911 Center (641-673-8403) before making any form of payment.