March 18, 2024

Police blotter

Newton Police Department

• Michelle K. Balbiani, 48, of Baxter, was charged with animal neglect or death at 4:42 p.m. Jan. 4 after police were called to 609 S. Third Ave. in reference to dead kittens in an apartment. Balbiani was the owner of the animals. She told police she had moved out of an apartment in Newton and had no transportation from Baxter to Newton. She told police her friend was supposed to pick the kittens up but didn’t. Balbiani was arrested and taken to the Jasper County Jail.

• Mercedes V. Romo, 19, of Newton, was charged with possession of alcohol by an underage person at 12:59 a.m. Jan. 8 at the Manhattan, 113 First Ave. E. Police were called to the bar. Romo was seen by an officer with a mixed drink in her possession. She told police she was 19 and that a friend had bought the drink. Romo was released and issued a citation to appear in court.

• Sarah M. Allen, 32, of Newton, was charged with fifth-degree theft at 3:04 p.m. Jan. 4 after police were called to Dollar General in reference to a theft. Allen left the store prior to the police arriving and a license plate was obtained by a witness. Police spoke with Allen at her apartment where she told police she did take the items without paying for them. The clothing and make up stolen were valued at $62.81. Allen was released and issued a citation to appear in court.

Jasper County
Sheriff’s Office

• Taylor D. Paxton, 20, of Fremont, was charged with possession of controlled substance at 2:43 a.m. Jan. 10 after police stopped Paxton for speeding in the 3800 block of Highway F48 West. Paxton gave consent to search the vehicle, and a deputy found a book bag on the floor which had a container inside of it. The deputy found marijuana inside of the container. Paxton was arrested and taken to the Jasper County Jail.