March 28, 2024

Police blotter

Newton Police

Department

Christopher R. Meyer, 40, of Newton, was charged with third-degree harassment at 10 a.m. July 30 after police were called to a residence on Fifth Avenue East in reference to harassment and threats. Meyer is accused of calling the victim names while standing across the street from their house. Meyer is also accused of making threats to break into the victim's house and steal everything. The victim said they didn't do anything to provoke the harassment or threats. Meyer was issued a citation to appear in court.

• John J. Dafflitto, 63, of Newton, was charged with fifth-degree theft at 10:57 a.m. Monday after police were called to Fareway. An employee told police that Dafflitto stole from them two days ago and is now back in the store and stealing again. Dafflitto allegedly put vodka into his pocket. He reportedly paid for milk and a liter of pop but not the alcohol. Dafflitto was released and issued a citation to appear in court.

• Nicholas J. Lanser, 21, of Pella, was charged with fifth-degree theft at 5:57 p.m. July 16 after police were called to Casey’s General Store in reference to a non-payment for gas. A pickup pulled up to the pump and the clerk authorized gasoline. A 20-year-old wearing a black shirt, shorts and a red flat bill hat pumped $36 worth in gas. Lanser was seen leaving in a Toyota Tacoma without paying for gasoline. Lanser was arrested July 31. He was taken to the Jasper County Jail.

• Richard D. Sweetman, 67, of Colfax, was charged with fifth-degree theft at 9:28 a.m. July 24 after a True Value employee saw Sweetman put a circuit breaker in his pocket. Sweetman attempted to leave the store when he was detained by an employee. The item was $15. Sweetman was released and issued a citation to appear in court.

• Brandon W. McConnell, 29, of Newton, was charged with third-degree burglary of a motor vehicle at 2:26 p.m. July 30 after a witness saw McConnell reach into an orange Jeep Wrangler at a parking lot at the intersection of West Fourth Street North and North Third Avenue. A wallet and cigarettes were missing from the vehicle. McConnell allegedly threw the items into a bush. McConnell was released and issued a citation to appear in court.