Newton Police Department
• Nicholas J. Sedlacek, 27, of Newton, was charged with fifth-degree theft at 5:39 p.m. after police were called to Hy-Vee for a shoplifter. Sedlacek was accused of taking two bottles of liquor from the store without paying. Sedlacek was stopped by a store employee and was uncooperative. The total of the stolen items was $54. Sedlacek told police there was a misunderstanding. Sedlacek was released and issued a citation to appear in court.
• Nathan D. Martin, 27, homeless, was arrested on a warrant for second-degree theft at 1:10 a.m. Saturday after police were dispatched to 1309 Glenway Drive for burglary. The victim came home to find his gun cabinet had been broken into. A Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolver, two knives, BB gun and boxes of ammunition were stolen. Other stolen items were a movie projector, gun cleaning supplies, pistol crossbow, two binoculars, Visa bank card with the victim’s name and Fleet Farm cards. The victim’s son had allowed Martin to stay at the house for two weeks. The victim and his son searched Martin’s bag and found the stolen items. The estimated value of the items was $2,035. Martin was taken to the Jasper County Jail.
• Jason T. Purtilo, 33, homeless, was charged with trespassing at 4:37 p.m. May 7 after police were called to an abandoned home at 120 E. Fourth St. N. in reference to someone possibly inside. The apartment manager told police the entire building should be empty. A window screen to one of the first floor apartments had been removed and was laying on the ground. Inside the apartment was a man in the living room area. The man was identified as Purtilo. He told police he was homeless. Purtilo was released and issued a citation to appear in court.
Jasper County
Sheriff’s Office
• Scott C. Chinn, 34, of Newton, was charged with operating while under the influence, first offense at 3:35 a.m. Monday after a deputy stopped Chinn for an equipment violation on East 31st Street North. Chinn had blood shot, watery and droopy eyes and smelled of alcohol. Chinn said he felt his intoxication level was 1.5. Chinn’s breath test gave a result of .088. Chinn was arrested and taken to the Jasper County Jail.
• Jordan J. Troen, 25, of Newton, was charged with interference with official acts at 4:27 p.m. Monday after the sheriff’s office received multiple calls of a man walking down the middle of the road and making gestures at cars as they passed. Troen was later located by an officer with the Newton Police Department. Troen was walking south on Highway S74 in the right lane in the travel portion of the roadway. Troen did see the officer, but he continued walking south. When law enforcement told Troen to come talk with them he continued walking and flipped off a deputy. Troen later ran north bound and was arrested. Troen was taken to the Jasper County Jail.