Newton Police Department
• Kimberly M. Miller, 33, of Newton, was charged with fifth-degree theft at 5:26 p.m. April 1. According to the Newton Police Department, officers were called to Walmart to investigate a shoplifting incident. Walmart Asset Protection observed Miller taking four barcodes off lesser valued items and placing them on more expensive items. She then went through the self-checkout register and purchased the items as though they were the lesser valued ones. The items were valued at a price difference of $85.03. Miller was arrested and taken to the Jasper County Jail.
• Kerry J. Quick, 26, of Kellogg, was charged with fifth-degree theft at 5:52 p.m. April 2. According to the Newton Police Department, officers were called to Farver True Value to investigate a shoplifting incident. Employees told the officer Quick had concealed property in his pockets, and he attempted to leave the store without paying for them. The items were valued at $24.24. Quick was issued a citation and released to appear in court.
• Mercedes D. Ford, 28, of Ackley, was charged with filing a false report to a police officer after authorities were dispatched at 3:48 p.m. April 5 to MercyOne Newton Medical Center emergency room on a report of a sexual assault. Ford said while walking to aunt’s house from American Best Value Hotel, she was attacked by four makes wearing masks. She said the pulled her into the woods and sexually assaulted her. Ford said she blacked out after being strangled with her purse strap and when she woke up, her assailants were gone. After being questioned by the NPD again, Ford admitted she had not been assaulted. She was arrested and taken to the Jasper County Jail.
• Darion S. Hermes, 18, of Newton, is charged with possession of a controlled and driving while license was suspended, canceled or revoked at 6:25 p.m. April 5. According to the Newton Police Department, officers stopped Hermes in the 1300 block of South 20th Avenue West. Officers placed him under arrest for driving while license was suspended. Officers searched Hermes in preparation to him being transported to jail and found a clear plastic bag with a leafy green substance inside in his pants pocket. Hermes admitted to having marijuana on him prior to the search. Hermes was also arrested on a warrant for failure to appear for a driving while suspended charge. He was taken to the Jasper County Jail.