A 40-year-old Newton man suspected of calling in bomb threats to the Jasper County Courthouse last winter has reached a plea agreement with the state.
Martin R. Meloche was charged Dec. 30 after authorities said he 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 charges that morning.
The threat led to the evacuation and closing of the courthouse until the premise was cleared, and also temporarily closed some downtown businesses.
Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty said after multiple sweeps of the property, no suspicious devices or packages were located.
An arrest warrant for Meloche was issued the evening of the incident. Meloche was discovered at a Newton residence the following day and was charged with two counts of false report of an explosive device, a Class D felony.
During his arrest deputies found drug paraphernalia on Meloche and additional contraband was discovered when he was taken to the jail. 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.
Meloche is currently serving a prison sentence for methamphetamine possession charges. He will appear at the Jasper County Courthouse on Aug. 3 for the plea hearing. Court documents did not disclose the details of the plea agreement.
Contact Abigail Pelzer at 641-792-3121 ext. 6530 or apelzer@newtondailynews.com