Newton man accused of stealing vehicles, firearms

A Newton man is facing multiple theft charges after a skid loader and ATV were reported stolen from a farm.

Matthew Bakalar, 34, was arrested Tuesday after he was found to be in possession of multiple stolen items.

A homeowner reported to law enforcement seeing their skid loader and ATV parked at a residence located at 1954 W. 32nd St. N. Deputies made contact with a resident, identified as Bakalar.

A search warrant at the property allowed deputies to recover suspected stolen property, including a truck reported stolen to the Newton Police Department on Dec. 21.

Officials also found a handgun reported stolen from Marion County and additional firearms were also recovered.

Bakalar is charged with first-degree theft, a Class C felony; felon in control of firearms, a Class D felony; possession of a controlled substance, a Class D felony and fourth-degree theft, a serious misdemeanor.

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