Trial set for man accused of courthouse bomb threat

A Newton man accused of calling in bomb threats to the Jasper County Courthouse last month has pleaded not guilty to charges.

Authorities say Martin R. Meloche, 39, made two phone calls indicating a bomb would detonate at the courthouse on Dec. 29. Online court records show Meloche was scheduled to be sentenced on felony drug charged that morning at the courthouse.

The threat led to the evacuation and closing of the courthouse until the premise was cleared, and the closing of some downtown businesses.

Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty said after multiple sweeps of the property, no suspicious devices or packages were located.

After further investigation Halfterty issued an arrest warrant for Meloche the evening of the incident. Meloche was discovered at a Newton residence the following day and charged with two counts of false report of the placement of an explosive or incendiary device, a Class D felony. Halferty credited information from the public and social media with helping to locate Meloche.

During his arrest deputies found drug paraphernalia on Meloche. A subsequent search of Meloche at the Jasper County Jail resulted in finding additional contraband, including controlled substances. He was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor and possessing contraband, a Class D felony. The simple misdemeanor charge has been suspended, pending the outcome of the other charges.

He is currently being held at the Jasper County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

Meloche demanded a speedy trial, which is currently scheduled for March 4. Records show his state-appointed attorney is Christopher Clausen, of Ames.

Contact Abigail Pelzer at 641-792-3121 ext. 6530 or apelzer@newtondailynews.com