March 29, 2024

Newton pair pleads guilty to neglect

1-year-old boy tests positive for meth

A Newton couple charged after a 1-year-old child in their care tested positive for methamphetamine will be sentenced on neglect charges in April.

Vanessa L. Trotter, 23, the mother of child, and her 27-year-old boyfriend Cody A. Sanders were arrested on child endangerment charges in April 2015 after Newton Police were made aware the child tested five times higher for meth than Trotter. The charges were later amended to neglect of a dependent person, a Class C felony.

Trotter and Sanders appeared in Jasper County court Monday and pleaded guilty to the crime.

A warrant was issued for the pair, who were living at a Newton apartment complex, after management called the Iowa Department of Human Services regarding the well-being of the child. Police said the drug screening test, a hair sample, was taken on March 27, 2015.

Trotter and Sanders were arrested and also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia when they were pulled over in Newton. While searching the vehicle, officers found a makeshift pipe in Trotter’s purse. The two were taken to the Jasper County Jail, where they each posted a $2,300 bond and were released.

Neglect of a dependent person is punishable by a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 4 at the Jasper County Courthouse.

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