March 28, 2024

Police Blotter

Newton Police Blotter

• Miguel J. Barrett, 21, of Newton was charged with serious domestic assault after authorities responded to a complaint of a domestic dispute at 4:35 p.m. Jan. 21 at 701 E. 25th St. S. in Newton. Barrett was charged for allegedly assaulting a female and was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

• Biniyam G. Gebru, 23, of Newton was charged with operating while intoxicated after authorities received a report at 10:34 p.m. Thursday of a reckless driver. The suspect was observed at the Interstate 80 off-ramp at the 164 mile marker and then drove to Newton 66. Officers spoke with the driver, identified as Gebru, and could smell alcohol. He failed sobriety maneuvers, and a breath test indicated a BAC of .18. Gebru was charged and released to appear in court.

• Behailu R. Gemechu, 18, of Newton was charged with public intoxication after authorities received a report of a vehicle driving poorly and located the vehicle at 10:45 p.m. Thursday at Newton 66. Gemechu, a passenger in the vehicle, smelled of alcohol and appeared to be unsteady on his feet. A breath test indicated a BAC of .188. He was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

• George C. McGinness, 35, of Colfax was charged with fifth-degree theft after authorities responded to a theft report at 5:47 p.m. Wednesday at Walmart in Newton. McGinness was charged for allegedly paying for a binder at the self-checkout lane and attempting to leave the store without paying for items concealed in the binder. The items, including four folders and a journal, had a total value of $14.82. McGinness was released to appear in court.

• Rachel M. Richardson, 20, of Newton was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after authorities stopped her at 10:18 p.m. Jan. 22 in the 300 block of East 12th Street North for having an inoperable brake light. When questioned, Richardson admitted to having a piece of glass and a grinder under her seat. Officers found a marijuana pipe and the grinder. She was charged and released to appear in court.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.