Newton Resident Arrested, Charged with Theft and Felon in Control of Firearm

Posted on December 28, 2017 by KBOE Administrator

Owners of a rural farm residence northwest of Newton reported a burglary with multiple items missing, including a skid-loader and ATV on Tuesday, Dec. 26.

While deputies were investigating the incident, the owner reported seeing their skid-loader and ATV parked at a residence located at 1954 W 32nd Street N in Newton, IA.

Deputies made contact with a resident, identified as 34-year-old Matthew Bakalar of this residence. A subsequent investigation and search warrant at the property allowed deputies to recover suspected additional stolen property. Included in these items was a truck reported stolen to Newton Police Department on Dec. 21, and a handgun reported stolen from Marion County. Additional firearms were also recovered.

Investigation continues in this case. Deputies charged Bakalar with:

Theft First Degree (property valued in excess of $10,000) Class C Felony
Felon in Control of a Firearm- Class D Felony
Possession of a controlled substance- (3rd or subsequent offense) = Class D Felony
Theft Fourth Degree – Serious misdemeanor (handgun)

Bakalar was transported to the Jasper County Jail and is currently being held on $41,000 bond.

All criminal charges are merely allegations and the subject should be considered innocent until proven guilty.

Reported Burglary at Fremont Elementary, Individual Remains At Large

Posted on December 4, 2017December 5, 2017 by KBOE Administrator

According to a Mahaska County Sheriff’s press release, a representative from the Fremont Elementary School contacted the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office on report of a burglary.

The burglary occurred at the school the night prior to October 27, 2017. Approximately $9,000 worth of electronic devices had been taken from the school.

As a result of the investigation into this matter, on November 25, 2017, Sheriff’s Officials charged 28-year-old Joel Thorn Welch, Fremont, and 24-year-old Blake Tyler Cassatt, Fremont, with Burglary in the Third Degree and Theft in the Second Degree. Both individuals were also charged with Possession of Marijuana.

Arrest warrants were issued for both Welch and Cassatt.

Welch was arrested as his residence, pursuant to this warrant, on November 27th. Cassatt remains at large on his warrant.

Burglary in the Third Degree and Theft in the Second Degree are both class D felonies.

Washington Police Investigate Theft from Stewart Boosters

Posted on October 19, 2017 by KBOE Administrator

The Washington Police Department received a call from the Washington School District in early October reference a theft of monies from the Stewart Boosters.

The Washington Police Department investigated the report and have charged 32-year-old Ashlee Marie Snakenberg, of Ainsworth, with Theft in the 1^st Degree. Theft in the 1^st Degree is classified as a Class C Felony, which has a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

*A criminal charge is merely an accusation, an the person charged is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Arrests in Theft Ring Lead to Charges

Posted on July 20, 2017 by KBOE Administrator

As part of an ongoing investigation into multiples thefts and burglaries within Mahaska County, the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 1212 High Avenue West on July 6th. As a result of this investigation and search warrant the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office has filed multiple charges against several individuals.

Steve Melvin Sams, 26, and Cody Lee Sams, 27, were both charged with one count of Ongoing Criminal Conduct, a class B felony; one count Theft in the First Degree, class C felony; and 1 count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, simple misdemeanor. Steve Sams has made his initial appearance in Mahaska County District Court and remains in the Mahaska County Jail on a $35,000 bond. Cody Sams was also charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (aggravated misdeamenor). He made his initial appearance in district court and remains jailed with a bond of $51,000.

Derek Lane Graham, 34, was charged with 1 count of Controlled Substance. Graham had his initial appearance in district court yesterday.
This theft investigation is ongoing and further charges are possible.

Press release from the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office.

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