Area man charged in rash of burglaries

Authorities have accused a North Liberty man of committing a series of burglaries at farm buildings.

Aaron Parker, 24, was charged Jan. 16 with eight counts of third-degree burglary, third-degree theft, first-degree theft, and possession of burglar’s tools.

According to the arrest affidavit, Parker admitted to entering half a dozen properties between Jan. 4 and Jan. 16. The total of the property stolen from all of the burglaries is in excess of $10,000.

Parker allegedly stole items including power tools, air compressors, toolboxes, a canoe, heaters, a fan, lights, chain saws, come-alongs, jacks, speakers, a metal detector, a smoldering kit, and welding equipment. The stolen goods were later located in Parker’s garage.

Parker entered outbuildings on farms across Johnson County during the night by using a crowbar. Parker said that he intended to sell the items for his personal gain.

Third-degree burglary is a Class-D felony. First-degree theft is a Class-C felony.

— Kate Pixley