Newark Man Charged With Multiple Thefts From Vehicles & Theft of a Vehicle
On May 21, 2024, Newark Police responded to reports of thefts from vehicles parked in the 200-block of East Main Street and the unit block of North Chapel Street. Investigation at the scene determined that during the early morning hours, vehicles were entered and personal property was removed from the vehicles. A total of nine vehicles were entered and had property removed. In the majority of the cases, there was no damage to the vehicle and the vehicle had been left unlocked.
In addition, a Mazda CX5 was stolen from the unit block of North Chapel Street. This vehicle was recovered about a week later in the Brookside neighborhood in Newark.
Based upon video surveillance, witness interviews and physical evidence recovered at the scenes, James Butler, 35, of Newark, was identified as a suspect.
On June 13, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Butler’s residence. During the search, evidence connecting Butler to these crimes was seized. Butler was taken into custody without incident.
Butler was transported to Newark Police headquarters where he was charged with:
- Burglary Third Degree (9 counts)
- Theft of a Motor Vehicle
- Theft Under $1500 (9 counts)
- Criminal Mischief (2 counts)
Butler appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #11 by video and was ordered to be held in default of $31,000 secured bail. Butler was turned over to the custody of the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Officer Conner at (302) 366-7100 x. 3408 or kconner@newark.de.us. Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on our tips page, where reward information may also be available.
