March 29, 2024

Police Blotter

Newton Police

Department

• Randy J. Ward, 42, of Newton was charged with fifth-degree theft after officers were called to Walmart at 4:34 p.m. Monday in reference to a shoplifter. Ward was allegedly found with several items, valued at $168.50, in his coat. He was released to appear.

• Joseph J. Young, 28, of Newton was charged with driving with a suspended license when his vehicle was stopped in the 1500 block of First Avenue West for an expired license plate. He was released to appear.

Jasper County

Sheriff’s Office

• Scott W. Allspach, 15, of Newton was arrested for assault at 12:02 p.m. Tuesday for an incident at Thomas Jefferson Elementary at 8 p.m. Monday. Allspach allegedly struck another juvenile in the head, then kicked the victim in the head. He was referred to juvenile authorities.

• James D. Brake, 43, of Newton was charged with violation of the sex offender registry exclusion at 4:59 p.m. Tuesday when he was observed at the Newton Public Library by someone who knew him to be a sex offender. Brake was arrested later at his residence at 301 S. 15th Ave. W. and taken to the Jasper County Jail.

• Ryan B. Cass, 15, of Newton was charged with disorderly conduct at 9:12 a.m. Monday when officers were called to the Newton Senior High School for a male being disruptive in class. Cass was referred to juvenile authorities.

• Richard Lewis, 48, of Marshalltown was charged with operating while intoxicated (third offense) when his vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation in the 5500 block of Highway F17 W. at 2:19 a.m. Sunday. Lewis also was cited for no proof of insurance and driving with a revoked license. He was taken to the Jasper County Jail.

• Derrick A. Ravey, 28, of Des Moines was arrested at 3:05 a.m. Saturday at the Mitchellville off-ramp of I-80 on a Jasper County warrant for failure to appear for a driving while suspended sentencing. He was taken to the Jasper County Jail.

• Gary E. Shirk, 67, of Marshalltown was charged with operating while intoxicated and a concealed weapon violation when his vehicle was stopped at mile marker 3 on Highway 330 at 12:04 a.m. Friday. A datamaster test indicated his blood alcohol level at .166. He was taken to the Jasper County Jail.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. It is the policy of the Newton Daily News to release the names of individuals charged with a crime who are 15 and older.