March 28, 2024

Police Blotter

Newton Police Department

• Josette M. Hutton, 44, of Newton, is charged with possession of controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while license suspended after authorities pulled her over in the 700 block of First Avenue East at 5:01 a.m. May 30. After being pulled over, Hutton admitted to having small baggies of methamphetamine. She was taken to the Jasper County Jail.

• Joshua D. Clark, 30, of Newton, is charge with public intoxication after authorities were called to the 600 block of First Street South at 4:12 p.m. Saturday. Officers were called about a dispute and found Clark walking on a sidewalk. He had poor balance, slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and smelled of alcohol. He was taken to the Jasper County Jail.

• Biniyam G. Gebru, 24, of Newton, is charged with operating while under the influence after authorities pulled him over in the 100 block of East Fifth Street South at 12:46 a.m. Sunday. Officers observed a vehicle that was drifting lanes and having difficulty maintaining a constant speed. Officers pulled over the vehicle and spoke with Gebru who had slow, slurred speech and bloodshot, watery eyes. He was cited and released to appear.

• Mason R. Lafferty, 23, of Newton, is charged with fifth-degree theft after authorities were called to Walmart at 4:45 p.m. Monday. Officers spoke with Lafferty who said he took two items, fishing line and a lure, totaling $22.18, and put them in his child’s diaper bag. He said that he wanted them and took them even though he had the money to pay for them. He was cited and released to appear.

• Paul A. Rex, 48, of Newton, is charged with public intoxication after authorities were called to 204 N. Fourth Ave. E. at 4:55 p.m. Monday. Officers were called about a man asleep in a bathroom. They found Rex passed out with a bottle of vodka sitting by him. With assistance he got up and had a BAC of .275. He was taken to the Jasper County Jail.

• Dayna R. Barton, 23, of Newton, is charged with driving while license denied after authorities pulled her over at the intersection of Highway 6 and First Avenue East at 1:50 a.m. Tuesday. She was cited and released to appear.