Newton Police Department
• Devin T. Kovach, 18, of Newton was charged with fifth-degree theft after police were dispatched to Walmart at 3:40 p.m. Tuesday. Kovach allegedly stole $21.23 worth of baseball hats. He was released to appear.
• Kelly L. Taft, 37, of Newton was charged with a operating while intoxicated after officers were dispatched to investigate a report of a specious vehicle at 623 E. 71⁄2 St. N. at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. According to police reports, officers arrived at the scene and observed Taft acting erratically. His blood alcohol content was zero but he failed sobriety tests. Taft was taken to the Jasper County Jail.
• Jayla A. Woody, 22, of Newton was cited for following too closely following a two-car accident in the 1200 block of North Fourth Avenue East at 4:20 p.m. Monday. Woody was traveling eastbound when she allegedly struck the rear of a vehicle driven by Heather J. Dawson, 37, of Newton. Damage to Woody’s vehicle was estimated at $500, and Dawson’s vehicle damage was estimated at $1,500. No injuries were reported.
Jasper County Sheriff’s Office
• Shawn A. Housley, 42, of Newton was arrested on a outstanding warrant issued from Polk County for third-degree theft after officers were sent to 7178 W. 100th St. N. to investigate a car in a field at 5:04 p.m. Tuesday. 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 16 and older.