March 29, 2024

Following scams, man wanted on 17 warrants arrested in Newton

A man wanted on 17 warrants for scamming homeowners on construction work jobs was arrested in Newton Tuesday morning.

Edward Armstrong, 54, of Granger, Ind., was picked up after a local resident advised the Jasper County Sheriff's Office about a possible scam.

Armstrong allegedly identified himself to the local resident as Ed Cross, of Cross Construction, and gave a bid for a pole type building. The homeowner became suspicious when the bid came in very low, but a $7,000 same-day deposit was required.

The homeowner called around and found Ed Cross was renting equipment from a local business in Newton with the name of Ed Armstrong. With the Internet, the homeowner was able to locate a nationwide warrant for his arrest and called the sheriff's office.

Armstrong was wanted for 17 total warrants, nine of which were nationwide. Warrants were found from Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Oklahoma and Ohio.

Chief Deputy Duane Rozendaal said Armstrong was placed in custody and transported to the Jasper County Jail after he was pulled over driving west on First Avenue.

Armstrong awaits extradition, and doesn't face any local charges.

Rozendaal said information about this case is being sent statewide to see if anyone else has fallen victim to this crime attempt.

Anyone with information should call the Jasper County Sheriff’s office at 641-792-5912.