Newton Police Department
• Victoria L. Smith, 34, of Newton was arrested and charged with simple assault at 9:46 p.m. Tuesday when a male victim called Newton police alleging that Smith was intoxicated. According to department reports, the male victim told officers that the defendant threw a bottle of vodka and a bag of clothes at his head. After further investigation, Smith was taken to the Jasper County Jail.
• Two Newton residents were arrested at 6:38 p.m. Tuesday for allegedly assaulting one another at their home, located at 221 E. Eighth St. S. Apt. 12. Malissa M. Burton, 24, and Jephthah D. Burton, 21, were involved in an argument that became physical, leaving bruises on the female subject’s left arm and behind both ears and allegedly causing hearing loss from a hit on the head, according to Newton police reports. Investigators found the male subject with a black bruise under his left eye and red marks on his left cheek and atop his head. The Burton’s admitted to officers both struck the other party. They were charged with domestic assault in the incident and taken to the Jasper County Jail.
Jasper County Sheriff’s Office
• John E. Battistello, 55, of Knoxville was arrested at 1:18 a.m. Thursday in Marion County on warrant for failure to appear in court. The Jasper County warrant was issued when Battistello failed to appear for a child support hearing, according to sheriff’s office reports. The man was arrested by Marion County deputies and was turned over to Jasper County authorities at the county line. Battistello was taken to the Jasper County Jail.
• Kristi L. Spencer, 41, of Reasnor was arrested at 1:40 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant for failure to appear in court. According to sheriff’s office reports, authorities received a tip that Spencer was residing at 3263 Lincoln St. in Newton. She was located, arrested and taken to the Jasper County Jail. Spencer’s original charge was fifth-degree theft.
Found Property
• Two bicycles were found in a front yard at 1905 S. Seventh Avenue E. To claim the blue Huffy or the green Next bikes, interested parties can contact the Newton Police Department administrative office at (641) 791-0850.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.