Baker

A Des Moines man with a lengthy criminal history of similar offenses has been taken into custody on a total of five charges related to the burglary of Hellberg’s Jewelers on April 4, according to court records.

Douglas Allen Baker, 54, turned himself in at the jail on Sunday night at about 8:30 p.m. after a warrant was issued for his arrest last Wednesday. A warrant is still out for suspected co-conspirator Dewayne Rowley, who remains at large.

Baker has been charged with first degree theft, a Class C felony, third degree burglary and second degree criminal mischief, both Class D felonies, and possession of burglar’s tools and driving while barred, both aggravated misdemeanors.

“At the above stated date, time, and location; Baker arrived in the above vehicle and did commit burglary in the third degree by breaking into the jewelry store. Baker broke glass cases and stole jewelry from the cases. Baker drove the vehicle after the burglary. The burglary was captured on video. Baker has an extensive criminal history in burglary, theft, and criminal mischief,” a criminal complaint reads.

As of Monday morning, he was being held in the Marshall County Jail on a $24,000 cash only bond, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 14 at 9:30 a.m. An exact value on how much was stolen from the store and the monetary value of the damages has not been shared publicly.

As previously reported in the T-R, Baker has an extensive history of convictions regarding similar offenses, mostly in the Des Moines area, and he also pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy/commit felony (property), a Class D felony, in Marshall County in 2007 while charges of second degree theft, possession of burglar’s tools and habitual offender were all dismissed.