March 19, 2024

Police Blotter

Newton Police Department

• Hank L. Benson, 25, of Newton was charged with eluding, driving while license barred and possession of drug paraphernalia following a pursuit by police on Wednesday. At 8:46 p.m., authorities attempted to stop Benson’s vehicle, which matched the description of a vehicle reported earlier as being driven by a person who did not own the vehicle. Benson allegedly refused to stop immediately for authorities, traveling at a high rate of speed and eventually losing officers. He was located in the 900 block of North Sixth Avenue East. He was charged with eluding and for allegedly having two methamphetamine pipes and driving with a barred license. He was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

• Megan D. Daniels, 32, of Newton was charged with driving while license suspended after authorities stopped her at 2:35 a.m. Wednesday in the 2900 block of North Fourth Avenue East. Her license was suspended, and she was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

• Sarah J. Neef, 30, of Newton was charged with fifth-degree theft after authorities responded to a complaint at 12:55 p.m. Wednesday at Dollar General. Neef was charged for allegedly leaving the store without paying for $17.12 in merchandise and was released to appear in court.

• Jamie L. Stephen, 47, of Newton was charged with third-degree burglary following an investigation of a residential burglary on April 5 at 2320 N. Seventh Ave. Place E. in Newton. Items totaling more than $5,000 had been taken. Neighbors reported seeing two unknown males in the driveway of the residence. Evidence collected from the home — a Mountain Dew can on the kitchen counter — provided a DNA sample that matched Stephen’s DNA profile. He was arrested Thursday and transported to the Jasper County Jail.

Jasper County Sheriff’s Office

• Dustin R. Stoner, 33, of Newton was served a probation violation warrant on an original charge of assault causing bodily injury. He was already in the Jasper County Jail when the warrant was served.

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.