NEWTON — In June 2024, World Liquor & Tobacco in Newton was burglarized, with the unknown suspect stealing a safe containing an undisclosed amount of money. An initial investigation did not develop any immediate leads. In December 2024, a burglary at the American Legion Post 111 in Newton resulted in cash being stolen from inside the business.

The Newton Police Department, in partnership with the Tama County Sheriff’s Office and Marshalltown Police Department, launched a joint investigation after multiple burglaries with similar characteristics were reported in several communities.

Search warrants executed in Marshalltown uncovered evidence identifying Matthew Lee Moore, 42, of Marshalltown, Iowa, as the suspect responsible for multiple burglaries, including those at the Newton American Legion and World Liquor & Tobacco.

On February 5, 2025, the Newton Police Department charged Moore with two counts of third-degree burglary (Class D Felony). He is currently being held in the Tama County Jail on a $150,000 bond. Additional charges are pending as the investigation continues.