A burglary and theft report was filed with the Marshalltown Police Department on February 21, 2021. A combined investigative effort between the victim(s) of those crimes and the Marshalltown Police Department culminated with a search warrant being executed in Marshalltown on March 2, 2021. Many stolen items were recovered during the execution of the search warrant, to include items related to the report made on February 21, 2021. Narcotic related items were also seized pursuant to the search warrant. Arrested in this case is Joseph Michael Witte, 33 years old, from Marshalltown, Iowa.
Joseph Michael Witte is charged with the following offenses:
- Burglary 2nd Degree—Class “C” Felony
- Theft 1st Degree—Class “C” Felony
- Theft 2nd Degree—Class “D” Felony
- Possession Schedule I—Class “D” Felony
- Possession Schedule II—Class “D” Felony
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia—Simple Misdemeanor
- Driving While Barred—Aggravated Misdemeanor
Class “C” felonies are punishable by confinement for no more than 10 years and a fine of at least $1,000 but not more than $10,000. Class “D” felonies are punishable by confinement for no more than five years and a fine of at least $750 but not more than $7,500. Aggravated misdemeanors are the most serious class of misdemeanors, generally punishable by up to two years in jail and a fine of between $625 and $6,250. A simple misdemeanor is punishable by up to 30 days in jail, a fine of $65 to $625, or both.
Joseph Michael Witte was transported to the Marshall County Jail on the above mentioned charges.
The investigation into this case continues. If you have any information about this or any other crime, please contact the Marshalltown Police Department at 641-754-5725 or tips may be submitted by calling (641) 753-1234, 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 earn a reward of up to $1,000 if the tip results in an arrest.
(A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.)
AUTHORITY: Lt. Tricia Thein (pthein@marshalltown-ia.gov or (641) 754-5725)