More than $10K in stolen property recovered at Afton residence

During search warrants served last week in Afton and Creston, more than $10K in stolen property was recovered by law enforcement, resulting in an Afton man being linked to thefts from city and school properties in Union County

Isaiah J. Lovell, 22, was charged with three counts of third degree burglary, three counts of possession of a controlled substance, third or subsequent offense and two counts of second degree theft, all Class D felonies; two counts of first degree theft, a Class C felony and ongoing criminal conduct - unlawful activity and a controlled substance violation, both Class B felonies,

Lovell was also charged with possession of burglar tools, keeping premises or vehicle for controlled substances and third degree burglary of a motor vehicle, all aggravated misdemeanors.

Lovell is believed to be responsible for numerous burglaries and thefts, committed on a continuous basis for his own financial gain between June and August, throughout Union County.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25, the Multi-Jurisdictional Entry Team executed a search warrant at 106 W. Filmore St. in Afton. The residence is rented by Lovell. Inside the home, a large amount of tools, valued at more than $10K were found. A substantial amount were confirmed to be tools taken Sept. 20, from a Jensen Builders trailer from a construction site near 190th Street and High School Drive in Afton.

Leading up to the tool theft, police say Lovell entered a locked building in the 300 block of Railroad Street, belonging to the city of Afton, by breaking the handle of a walk-through door and then flipping the power breaker off to the building. Once inside, Lovell stole a truck, valued at under $10K, which he used to take the trailer. Both the truck and trailer were found abandoned near 148th Street and Kingfisher Avenue. The trailer had been entered and more than $10K in tools had been taken.

Between Sept. 11 and Sept. 13, an unoccupied structure in the 1100 block of 190th Street was entered and a generator, livestock blowdryer and other miscellaneous items were taken, valuing $4,000.

Officials with the Creston Community School District reported a burglary Aug. 22, at the old bus barn in the 100 block of East Swigart Street in Creston. Approximately $8,590 in tools and miscellaneous items were stolen, as well as a John Deere Gator UTV from the unoccupied building. The Gator was later found in the 700 block of Ash Street, without the ignition key. A key appearing to match the missing key was located during the search of Lovell’s home.

Also found inside the home was more than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale and numerous plastic baggies commonly used to package narcotics for sale. Burglar tools, including bolt cutters, pry bars and a night monocular were seized, believed to have been utilized by Lovell to obtain the stolen property found at his home.

A second search warrant was served by the Creston Police Department the following day at a storage unit rented by Lovell in the 600 block of New York Avenue. Inside the unit, police located narcotics consistent with marijuana, methamphetamine and psilocybin mushrooms. Lovell has two prior convictions of possession other than marijuana.

Two sprayer tanks belonging to Creston Community School District, reported stolen in August, were also found in the storage unit.

A warrant was issued and Lovell was subsequently taken into custody Oct. 31 by the Creston Police Department. He is being held in the Union County Jail on a $300,000 cash-only bond.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 4 p.m. Nov. 10. According to Union County District Court documents, Lovell will retain his own counsel.