A TPI Composites employee was charged with second-degree theft Tuesday in connection with 23 power tools and other pieces of equipment that TPI reported missing from its Newton facility.
Gregory S. Lewis, 51, of Sully was accused of stealing drills, saws, grinders, sanders and other tools belonging to the wind-blade manufacturer after the items were seized from his residence at 11897 Highway F62. According to a Newton Police Department spokesperson, the defendant received the charge after a month-long investigation that provided evidence that Lewis allegedly took the $5,054.23 worth of equipment.
TPI reported its suspicions to authorities at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 15, and Newton police said the individual had been taking the tools over several months.
Lewis was released to appear in Jasper County District Court. An initial hearing has been scheduled at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 29
An attempt to reach TPI officials for comments regarding the theft was made this morning, but phone calls were not returned by press time.