Newton Police Department
• Billie S. Montgomery, 53, of Newton, is charged with following too close after authorities were called to the intersection of West 12th Street South and South 12th Avenue West at 1:03 p.m. Dec. 19. Larry Plumb was traveling east when he was rear-ended by Montgomery. Plumb had approximately $500 in damage while Montgomery had approximately $700. She was cited and release to appear.
Jasper County Sheriff’s Office
• Lisa L. McConnell, 32, of Newton, is charged with possession of contraband in correctional institution after authorities were called to the Jasper County Jail at 4:15 p.m. Dec. 20. While changing into jail clothes, a black bag fell from McConnell’s waist band. She said the bag was put in with her property and taken to her cell. It contained a broken blue glass pipe that she said belonged to her friend. She said it was used for marijuana or meth. She was taken to the Jasper County Jail.
• Scott A. Penning, 43, of Newton, is charged with operating while under the influence after authorities pulled him over at the intersection of East 19th Street North and West Fourth Street North at 10:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Officers observed Penning had blood-shot, water eyes, slurred speech and smelled of alcohol. He admitted to drinking six beers before being stopped and refused all testing. He was taken to the Jasper County Jail.
• Darren S. Lehrkamp, 22, of Newton, is charged with domestic abuse assault display or use of a weapon after authorities were called to the 300 block of Highway S52 North at 10:50 p.m. Dec. 20. Officers spoke with the victim who alleged Lehrkamp came to the residence they both live at intoxicated and began destroying property, including breaking down the door. He then chased the victim out of the residence with a pair of scissors. He was taken to the Jasper County Jail and no contact order was filed against him.
• Melissa K. Atwood, 47, of Newton, is charged with operating while under the influence after authorities pulled her over in the 1800 block of Iowa Speedway Drive at 11:57 p.m. Dec. 18. Officers observed Atwood with blood-shot, watery eyes, slurred speech and a strong smell of alcohol. She admitted to drinking two beers and had a BAC of .215. She was taken to the Jasper County Jail.