March 19, 2024

Police blotter

Newton Police Department

Stacey M. Krause, 39, address unknown, and Joshua McFarland, 31, address unknown, were charged with four counts of forgery at 5:58 p.m. June 10. Krause was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of controlled substance and possession of contraband in correctional facility. Krause and McFarland attempted to pass bad checks at Fareway. Video was provided for the incident. Krause and McFarland are accused of going into Fareway on four separate dates and forging the victim's checks. Krause and McFarland were arrested July 12 and taken to the Jasper County Jail. Krause was found to be in possession of marijuana and a pipe. Krause said she didn't have any illegal items before she was taken to the jail. The items were found in Krause's purse while at the jail.

Jasper County Sheriff’s Office

• Michael S. Ellis, 54, of Grinnell, was charged with possession of controlled substance, operating while under the influence, possession or use of false drug tax stamp and controlled substance violation at 8 p.m. July 20 after Ellis was involved in a vehicle accident. Ellis was driving in the 7700 block of Highway 224 North when he crossed into oncoming traffic and entered the opposite ditch. Ellis smelled of alcohol and appeared to be under the influence. Ellis refused a breath test. The officer searched Ellis and found 30 prescription pills for Ritalin and three pills of Prednisone. Ellis had no prescription or drug tax stamp for the pills. An officer also found a bag with white crystalline substance, which tested positive for methamphetamine. Ellis was arrested and taken to the Jasper County Jail.