The Marshall County Crimes Stoppers presented the Outstanding Crime Fighter Award to Marshalltown Police Department Detective Brian Siegert at the Marshalltown City Council meeting on October 10, 2016. The award was present to Siegert in recognition of his outstanding service and commitment to the citizens of Marshalltown. The award was present by Mark Osmundson, Marshall County Crime Stoppers Chair and Marshalltown Police Chief Michael Tupper.

Marshalltown Police Chief Michael Tupper has these comments during the presentation of the award, “Detective Brian Siegert has served the Marshalltown community with pride and distinction for 14 years.  Brian has served the past 5 years as a detective assigned to the police department’s Special Services Division.”

“Over the past 5 years, Brian has worked several high profile cases.  Brian has done an exceptional job as a detective.  Brian is a dependable and knowledgeable team member.  He is a tenacious investigator who strives to ensure crime victims are served compassionately.  Brian has been a go to guy in many respects and can be counted upon to professionally serve his department and community each day.”

“In 2015, Brian was assigned a complicated investigation involving the sexual assault of a very young child.  This was a true “Who done it” case.  If not for Brian’s hard work, dedication and refusal to give up, this case would have gone unsolved.  Brian worked diligently with the victim, the victim’s family and several other agency partners to ensure that this case was not only solved but that the offender was held accountable for his actions.  Brian is extremely humble and will tell people that he was just doing his job.  However, Brian did more than just his job.  Brian went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure this heinous crime was solved.  We cannot put to words what Brian’s efforts meant for this case.  We can safely say that Brian made a difference.  Thanks to Brian’s efforts, a violent criminal offender is serving time in a State of Iowa penitentiary and our community is a safer place to live, work and call home.”

Marshall County Crime Stoppers is a local crime prevention agency that helps local law enforcement agencies. Crime Stoppers provides many ways for the public to report criminal activity and help local law enforcement solve crimes.

The Crime Stoppers phone line is available 24/7:   641.753.1234

Tips can also be sent online:  www.marshallcountycs.com

By text: 274637 (CRIMES) Put "Marshall" first followed by text message

All tips remain anonymous and may qualify for a reward of up to $1000.

Marshall County Crime Stoppers is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and donations can be sent to the following address:  Marshall County Crime Stoppers, 112 W Church St., Marshalltown, IA 50158 or online at their website: marshallcountycs.com

T-R PHOTO By MIKE DONAHEY
Det. Brian Siegert, center, of the Marshalltown Police Department, was presented the Marshall County Crime Stoppers Outstanding Crime Fighter Award by Mark Osmundson, left, and Marshalltown Police Chief Mike Tupper, at a city council meeting earlier this week. Osmundson, co-owner of Eldora Broadcasting, Inc., and MTN Broadcasting, Inc., is chairman of the all-volunteer MCCS. “Det. Siegert has served the community with pride and distinction for 15 years,” said Tupper. “He has served the past five years as a detective assigned to the MPD’s Special Services Division. Tupper also lauded Siegert’s ability in investigating an incident involving the sexual assault of a young child in 2015. “Brian went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure this heinous crime was solved.”

The Marshalltown Police Department requests the public's help in identifying the suspect or suspects and vehicle used during a vandalism spree where vehicles and residences were shot by a BB or pellet gun the late evening of Sept. 21 and early morning of Sept. 22.

Most of the damage occurred between 9th St. and 19th St. between Summit Street and Church Street.

The damage estimate is more than $10,000, according to a MPD press release.

At least 13 victims have been identified. However, more reports are expected,

Additionally, the MPD requests any resident or business in the area having video surveillance to check and report any possible suspect information.

The suspect vehicle, captured on a video surveillance system, is described as a smaller pickup truck such as a Dodge Dakota, Chevy S10, or Ford Ranger.

Tips may be submitted to Crimestoppers by calling 641-753-1234, via text by texting the word "marshall" followed by the tip to CRIMES (274637), or online at marshallcountycs.com. All tips are completely anonymous and could earn a reward of up to $1,000 if the tip results in an arrest. For more information, contact Capt. Brian Batterson at 641-754-5758 or via email, bbatterson@ci.marshalltown.ia.us

Courtesy of the Marshalltown Times Republican, September 23, 2016

From its inauguration Sept. 1, 2015, to the first tip logged two days later, to the first arrest, the Marshall County Crime Stoppers program is a proven crime-fighter.

The results, according to county law enforcement officials, are measured in the number of tips made and later, arrests and convictions.

"Crime Stoppers has exceeded my expectations, that is for sure," said Marshalltown Police Chief Mike Tupper. "It has been a successful the first year. It has been helpful, and has made our community safer. We have received more than 100 tips."

Crime Stoppers is a national organization offering cash rewards for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

The crime fighting initiative creates a cash incentive for tipsters to report information - and they can do it anonymously via an online form, text message or telephone call.

Tipsters can submit data pertaining to a potential suspect's name, address, race, gender, height, weight, age, hair color, scars and marks, tattoos, clothing or animal ownership.

That information is sent to a third-party server before being rerouted to law enforcement, said MPD Capt. Chris Jones.

"I have access and another police captain in our office has access and a series of other investigators that receive tips" he said.

Jones said he forwards promising tips to personnel assigned to the cases to which the tips pertain. Importantly, the cash incentives come completely from private donations.

Crime Stoppers tips can be submitted by telephone, text message or an Internet website.

The Crime Stoppers phone line is answered at all hours, seven days a week, at 641-753-1234. Calls are answered by Marshall County Communications Center operators.

Text messages can be sent to 247637 (CRIMES).

Tips can be submitted online at www.marshallcountycs.com.

Marshall County, and city law enforcement were quick to credit former local resident and now retired businessman Clark Wideman for starting Crime Stoppers.

Before stepping down as volunteer Crime Stoppers chairperson in March, Wideman served as vice-president and general manager of Marshalltown Broadcasting.  He retired from that company April 1.  He had an impressive 54-year career, ranging from broadcasting to marketing to sales.

Wideman went to work tackling local crime head on after hearing a presentation about local crime by Tupper in January 2015.

Wideman wanted to help, so he called Tupper.

Tupper suggested starting a Crime Stoppers program as a proven method to combat crime. That led to Wideman telephoning Mike Schlesinger, general manager and publisher of the Times-Republican, and Mark Osmundson, president of the local KDAO radio and television company.

"I got their support, so we had the three major media in town supporting the effort," he said. "That was what we needed. It takes three elements for a successful Crime Stoppers program: An all-volunteer board of directors, law enforcement and media."

Over a period of seven months, Wideman and team lined up the necessary resources.

This included recruiting more board members, drafting by-laws, establishing program guidelines, earning a 501(c)3 non-profit designation and securing cash donations for rewards.

Wideman, who has since moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, said Marshall County Crime Stoppers was the most rewarding community betterment effort he was ever involved with.

He credited the public, the board of directors. and law enforcement representatives for making Crime Stoppers successful.

"The public and media supported us, and the board, with law enforcement, have been terrific to work with," Wideman said.

Other officers are Osmundson, chair; Joel Greer, vice chair; Schlesinger, treasurer; Tami Lichtenberg, secretary; and Larry Raymond, fund-raising. Board members are Holly Reimenschneider, Bettie Bolar, Ellen Bergman, Carol Hibbs, Mike Miller, Todd Steinkamp and Carlos Portes.

Donations to MCCS are tax deductible, and can be made to MCCS, 112 W. Church St., Marshalltown, 50158.

Courtesy of Mike Donahey, Marshalltown Times-Republican. September 3, 2016

 On Saturday, July 30, 2016, at approximately 3:55 p.m., the Marshalltown Police Department responded to the 100 block of North Center Street following a report of a shooting at this location. Upon arrival, officers located an adult, male who was the victim of a non-life threatening gunshot wound. That subject was subsequently transported to a local medical facility for treatment. The victim was identified as Dustin A. INMAN, age 47, of Marshalltown.

The suspect in this shooting was identified as Perry W. DEWALT, age 45, of Marshalltown. On Monday, August 1, 2016, at approximately 5:45 p.m., DEWALT turned himself in at the Marshalltown Police Department. DEWALT has been arrested and is charged with Attempt to Commit Murder (Class B Felony) and Going Armed with Intent (Class D Felony). DEWALT is in police custody and will make an initial court appearance on August 2.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty

 On Saturday, July 30, 2016, at approximately 3:55 p.m., the Marshalltown Police Department responded to the 100 block of North Center Street following a report of a shooting at this location. Upon arrival, officers located an adult, male who was the victim of a non-life threatening gunshot wound. That subject was subsequently transported to a local medical facility for treatment. The victim has been identified as Dustin A. INMAN, age 47, of Marshalltown.

A one square block area around the 100 block of N. Center Street was blocked off by law enforcement for several hours as police searched the area for the suspect, interviewed witnesses and processed the crime scene. A suspect has been identified but is not in police custody. The police are actively searching for Perry W. DEWALT, age 45, of Marshalltown. DEWALT’s photo is included with this media release. DEWALT is wanted on the criminal charges of Attempted Murder and Going Armed with Intent.

The Marshalltown Police Department is still actively investigating this crime. Community members with information regarding this crime, or information concerning the whereabouts of Perry W. DEWALT, are encouraged to call the Marshalltown Police Department at 641.754.5725. Crime tips can also be submitted to Marshall County Crime Stoppers. Your anonymous tips may be submitted by calling (641) 753-1234 or via text by texting the word “marshall” followed by the tip to CRIMES (274637), or online at www.marshallcountycs.com. All tips are completely anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 if the tip results in an arrest.

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office and the State Center Police Department have assisted with this investigation. The Marshalltown Fire Department and ambulance crews from Central Iowa Healthcare also assisted in the response to this incident.

Questions regarding this media release should be directed to Police Chief Michael Tupper by calling 641.754.5771 or via email at mtupper@ci.marshalltown.ia.us.

(A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.)

KCCI's Lauren Donovan was in Marshalltown to report on the Marshall County Crime Stoppers Safety Camera project.

Here is the link to her report.

The Marshall County Crime Stoppers program has again helped local law enforcement identify criminal suspects.
Specifically, the Marshalltown Police Department recently arrested three juveniles in connection with burglaries at the city's compost facility in 2014, 2015 and earlier this year.

On May 8, the MPD with assistance from the Marshall County Sheriff's Office, began an investigation into the burglaries of the compost facility office and buildings used by the Marshalltown Sewer Department at 901 Woodland St. Several city vehicles were driven and damaged as well as city and personal property stolen.

On May 11, the MPD sent a media release asking for the public's help in identifying the suspects.

A Crime Stoppers tip in mid-May provided a lead. On May 26, detectives and MPD's Crime Scene Tech, with the assistance of the Mid Iowa Drug Task Force and MCSO, executed search warrants at residences in Marshalltown and Rhodes where stolen property was recovered.

During the execution of search warrants, one of the juvenile suspects was located and taken into custody. The juvenile was transported to the MPD with a parent for an interview with a detective. During the session, it was learned that this juvenile was responsible for two other burglaries to the compost facility - one in 2014 and another in 2015.

Afterwards, the juvenile was arrested and transported to the Juvenile Detention Facility in Eldora.

As the investigation continued, the identity of the two remaining suspects were revealed. On June 29, a second juvenile was arrested and charged for his part in the May 8 burglary.

Earlier this week, the third suspect and his parents came to the MPD to be interviewed by the investigating detective. On Wednesday, this juvenile was arrested and charged for his participation in a March 2015 incident.

All three juveniles were charged with third-degree burglary 3rd Degree, second-degree theft and first-degree criminal mischief. The case is now being handled by the Marshall County Attorney's Office and Juvenile Court Services.

The names and ages of the juveniles are being withheld as per Iowa law.

ARRESTED!

You might remember the Marshalltown Police Department's public notice a couple weeks back regarding wanted person JACOB LEE CATHERWOOD. He was located and arrested June 23, 2016.

Area graffiti artists have been busy, too busy for Marshalltown businessman Lonnie Hogeland.

The well-known owner-operator of L. Hogeland Auto Plaza learned recently vandals spray-painted a number of new buildings in Le Grand mid-last week.

Hogeland acted.

He donated $200 to Marshall County Crime Stoppers.

"I want to get a handle on graffiti," Hogeland said. "It is frustrating ... someone builds new storage garages in Le Grand and vandals spray-painted them ... Marshalltown has a horrible problem with graffiti too. Perhaps my $200 will motivate others to make donations as well."

Marshalltown Police Chief Mike Tupper, who is active with Crime Stoppers, was thrilled.

"We really appreciate Lonnie's generosity," Tupper said. "It is just another example of the great community support existing for public safety. Crime Stoppers and our K-9 program would not exist without generosity and support from the community."

Graffiti applications appear to spike in the summer but Tupper said it is a constant problem in Marshalltown.

The Third Avenue viaduct to commercial/industrial buildings to vacant properties are prime targets.

It ranges from crude obscenities to drawings to giant balloon letters in multiple colors. "This year (graffiti) has been a little bit worse than others," Tupper said. "We are trying to get on top of it ... no doubt someone in the community knows what is going on and can help us through Crime Stoppers."

Ongoing vigilance is another deterrent, said Capt. Mike Hanken of MPD.

"When one sees that they have graffiti, vandalism, or trash, correct those problems right away, so it does not worsen ... becoming an issue that one's neighbors call and report it to us as a nuisance."

He had more advice. "If residents see vandals in the act of applying graffiti, call the police immediately," Hanken said. "Don't wait to see if someone else calls it in, be the first to call."

Information can be submitted confidentially to Marshall County Crime Stoppers line by contacting 641-753-1234 (answered 24/7) texting at 274637marshall (followed by one's message) or going online at www.marshallcountycs.com. Donations to Crime Stoppers are tax deductible, and can be made to MCCS, 112 W. Church St, Marshalltown, IA 50158.

Courtesy of the Marshalltown Times-Republican. June 22, 2016

A Marshalltown man received the maximum sentence of 35 years in prison Monday at the Marshall County Courthouse for the sexual assault and kidnapping of a juvenile female in 2015.

District Court Judge John Haney imposed the maximum sentence of 25 years on a sexual assault charge and 10 years on kidnapping charges against Victor Manuel Angel-Garcia, 26.

The sentences will run consecutively.

Haney followed Marshall County Attorney Jennifer Miller's recommendations for the maximum sentencing on both counts and the defendant to serve terms consecutively.

"I would ask the court to consider the injury to this young victim in imposing sentence today," said Miller. "There were physical injuries. She had bruises and abrasions from being dragged across the gravel parking lot, bruises on her back from being sexually assaulted on rocky terrain, and injuries sustained during the actual sexual assault itself and fortunately all of those physical injuries have now healed."

However, MIller said the victim is still suffering significant

emotional injuries which may not heal for many years.

"This 7-year old little girl has been in counseling for nearly a year since the incident, sometimes going several times a week. Her counselor indicated there were many months where she could not be around any male without emotionally melting down. She missed school and up until recently had to sleep in her parents bed every night because she was so afraid of being taken again. Certainly they have a long road ahead. This child is still so traumatized she shuts down entirely when asked about what happened."

Miller went to commend the child for her bravery, and her excellent ability to give the Marshalltown Police Department a description of her assailant.

"Without her help we never would have been able to prosecute this dangerous predator and confirm his identity through DNA testing from a sexual assault kit that she submitted to."

Additionally, Miller complimented the MPD for an excellent investigation.

"I am very pleased with the outcome of this case and the sentence handed down by the court," Miller said.

The sentencing closes a case which began in August of last year, when the MPD began an investigation into the sexual assault of the girl who was with her family attending a reception at the Impala Ballroom.

Based on evidence, the victim's accounts, and results from the Department of Criminal Investigation crime lab, Angel-Garcia was arrested in October on first-degree kidnapping, first-degree harassment and second-degree sexual assault.

He was arrested following a pursuit by several law enforcement agencies.

Courtesy of the Marshalltown Times-Republican. June 21, 2016