March 19, 2024

Police blotter

Newton Police Department

• Reggie G. Smith, 36, of Runnells, was charged with driving while barred at 11 p.m. Jan. 9 after police stopped Smith at Casey’s General Store east. Smith’s registration had expired July 2016. He was barred for habitual violator Nov. 16, 2016 to Nov. 15, 2018. Smith was arrested and taken to the Jasper County Jail.

• Katie E. Rodewald, 32, of Newton, was charged with forgery at 1:44 p.m. Jan. 2 after police were called to Goodwill in reference to a forgery. The cashier identified Rodewald who was writing a check from the victim’s account in the amount of $47. The cashier told police that Rodewald frequents at the store. Security footage showed Rodewald was the person presenting the check. The checking account belonged to a person who is now deceased. Rodewald was arrested at 9:36 a.m. Jan. 11 in the 700 block of South Third Avenue East. She was taken to the Jasper County Jail.

• Rachelle C. Deeter, 43, of Newton, was charged with fifth-degree theft at 1:28 a.m. Jan. 13 after police were called to Casey’s General Store at 1200 W. 18th St. S. in reference to a shoplifter. Police spoke with employees who saw a woman leave the store without paying for a carton of eggs. Deeter returned to the store and was arrested and taken to the Jasper County Jail.

• Isaac G. Sibhatu, 40, of Newton, was cited with unsafe backing after an accident at 9:27 a.m. Sunday after police were called to a two vehicle accident at South 12th Avenue West and Highway 14. Sibhatu and another vehicle were driving westbound on South 12th Avenue in the left turning lane. Sibhatu was going to make a left hand turn, saw the light had turned yellow, and stopped and backed up. Sibhatu struck the vehicle behind him. Sibhatu was released and issued a citation to appear in court.