Newton Police
Department
• Robert D. Trotter, 49, of Newton was charged with fifth degree theft at 5:30 p.m. March 9 in the 300 block of Iowa Speedway Drive. According to the Newton Police Department officers responded to a call for a theft at Walmart. Upon arrival officers spoke with Trotter who said he did take the gloves he was wearing but did not mean to take the rest of the items at the bottom of his cart. Trotter said prior to leaving, “He could have gotten them a lot worse.” Trotter walked past the point of no return with the items and he admitted to that. The items totalled $45. Walmart employees told officers they followed Trotter around and observed him taking the items and put the gloves on. Employees told officers they watched Trotter at the self-scan prior to walking out and not scan all of his items. Trotter was arrested and taken to the Jasper County Jail.
• Melody S. Ryther, 58, of Newton was charged with contempt, violation of a no contact/protective order at 5:30 p.m. March 9 in the 300 block of West 10th Street North. According to the Newton Police Department responded to a call for a violation of a no contact order. Upon arrival officers spoke with the victim who said Ryther was in the residence and she was not supposed to be due to a no contact order in place. Officers made contact with Ryther inside the residence who advised she had been served the no contact order paperwork at 4 p.m. March 9. Ryther provided a copy of the no contact order to the officers. In the order officers saw that Ryther was commanded not to enter the residence. Ryther was arrested and taken to the Jasper County Jail.
• Melissa E. Martinez, 32, of Newton was charged with driving while barred at 6:55 p.m. at the intersection of S. 8th Ave. and W. 3rd St. According to the Newton Police Department and officer observed a white Dodge Intrepid at the same location traveling west with the drive not wearing a seat belt. The officer initiated a traffic stop and upon approach asked the driver, later identified as Martinez, for her license, registration and insurance. Martinez told the officer she did not have a license and said that she was going to jail. Martinez was found to be barred and had 12 withdrawals in effect. Martinez was arrested and taken to the Jasper County Jail.
• Biniam T. Gebremichael, 41, of Newton was charged with consumption in public places at 3:07 a.m. March 8 in the 100 block of North Second Avenue West. According to the Newton Police Department officers were doing a traffic stop and noticed Gebremichael walking east on a sidewalk. Officers saw Gebremichael stumble and officers cleared from the traffic stop and made contact with Gebremichael. While officers were speaking with Gebremichael he was swaying back and forth. Gebremichael admitted to drinking previously in the night. Officers attempted to do standard field sobriety test and Gebremichael was unable to follow simple instructions. Gebremichael was also unable to complete a preliminary breath test. Gebremichael was arrested and taken to the Jasper County Jail.
• Yesenia I. Ochoa, 27, of Newton was charged with driving while barred 8:24 p.m. March 5 in the 100 block of South Second Avenue East. According to the Newton Police Department officers observed a red Dodge truck traveling west without headlights on. Officers pulled behind the vehicle and observed the right rear cargo light being continuously on. Officers initiated a traffic stop and exited their marked patrol car and made contact with Ochoa and advised her of the reason for the stop. Officers requested Ochoa’s license, registration and proof of insurance. Ochoa said she did not have a valid drivers license. Ochoa was arrested and taken to the Jasper County Jail. Ochoa was also cited for failure to provide proof of financial liability.