Newton Police Department
• Timothy L. Ballard, 28, of Newton was assault on a peace officer, charged with reckless use of fire, interference with official acts and obstruction of emergency communication after authorities were dispatched at 6:46 p.m. Tuesday to a residence in the 1300 block of South Sixth Avenue East in reference to Ballard causing problems. Ballard was charged for allegedly attempted to burn a safe in his room with a blowtorch, jeopardizing the home and three people in the residence. He also allegedly prevented the victim from calling authorities, moved toward an officer in an aggressive manner during the investigation and assaulted an officer as he was being wrestled to the ground. He was transported to the Jasper County Jail. Ballard also was charged with fourth-degree theft in connection with an incident earlier that day after authorities were advised at 11:37 a.m. of a theft at Walmart. Surveillance video showed Ballard selected a T-shirt valued at $14.88 and a 28-inch LED IPTV for $228 and placing them in his shopping card before attempting to leave the building without paying for the items. He was stopped by Walmart employees but refused to speak to them before leaving.
• Jason A. Hanna, 37, of Newton was charged with false imprisonment, first-degree harassment and domestic assault after authorities responded to a domestic assault at 3:24 p.m. Tuesday at a residence in the 1700 block of South Fourth Avenue East. Hanna was charged for allegedly preventing the victim from leaving the apartment, holding her down inside the residence and telling her he was going to kill her. Hanna allegedly retrieved a gun case at one point but could not find the gun. He was transported to the Jasper County Jail and later posted bond.
• Cameron A. Porter, 16, of Newton was charged with operating without owner’s consent after authorities were informed at 10:30 p.m. Sunday that a juvenile had taken a vehicle without permission from a residence in the 1400 block of North 19th Avenue East. He was charged and referred to juvenile court services.
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.