A string of tool thefts has been linked to a Columbia Falls man and in one case his son, who allegedly pawned the stolen items.

Darren Levinsky, 45, and his son Morgan Levinsky, 20, are both charged with felony theft for the alleged joint scheme.

According to court documents, Columbia Falls police received a report on April 28 about stolen drywall tools. A man named Michael Yelinek laimed that he loaned Darren Levinsky the tools, which were never returned. They were worth more than $1,500.

The tools were later found at First National Pawn in Columbia Falls. According to the court documents, pawn-shop records indicated that Morgan Levinsky pawned the tools for his father.

At the time of this alleged crime, Darren Levinsky was already facing two separate felonies for pawning stolen tools.

The first theft allegedly occurred last fall when a Somers man reported missing some tools from his home and tool trailer. A detective with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office found the tools, allegedly brought in by Darren Levinsky, at two different pawn shops.

Around the same time, a Whitefish man reported the theft of tools from a construction site. Darren Levinsky was identified as a previous employee and a suspect.

The tools were found at a pawn shop in Kalispell. The court document alleged that Darren Levinsky made the transaction.

In both previous cases, authorities say that Darren Levinsky admitted stealing and pawning the tools. He pleaded not guilty in both cases on April 9.

In the latest case involving the father-and-son suspects, an arraignment date has not been set in Flathead County District Court.

They could face maximum penalties of $50,000 and 10 years in prison.

Reporter Matt Hudson may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mhudson@dailyinterlake.com.