July 02, 2025

Police Blotter July 16, 2020

Newton Police Department

• Randi L. Hamilton, 38, of Newton, was arrested at 10:26 p.m. July 13 in the 600 block of North Sixth Avenue East on Jasper County warrants for probation violation, original charges third degree burglary and possession of contraband in a correctional institution. She was taken to the Jasper County Jail.

• Edward J. Wheeler, 38, of Newton, was charged with fifth-degree theft and trespassing from an incident that occurred at 5:36 p.m. March 27 in the 1000 block of North Fifth Avenue East. According to the Newton Police Department, officers responded to a call for a theft of a camera. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the victim who said Wheeler had stolen a security camera mounted on the victim's garage. Officers were shown footage of Wheeler and officers could see in the footage Wheeler walking toward the camera. Officers were also show a still image taken from the camera and were told the picture was the last transmission the camera made. The victim told officers Wheeler had requested the camera be moved because it pointed toward his residence but the victim did not move the camera. Officers searched the area and were unable to make contact with Wheeler. Officers were able to make contact with Wheeler over the phone and he denied taking the camera. A warrant was requested for Wheeler's arrest. Additionally, Wheeler was charged with trespassing for entering the property to remove the camera. Wheeler was arrested at 6:48 p.m. July 12 at his residence and was taken to the Jasper County Jail.

• Racheal L. Conley, 40, of Newton, was charged with assault at 4:26 p.m. July 11 in the 300 block of East Fourth Street North. According to the Newton Police Department, officers responded to the location for children fighting. Officers spoke with Conley and she admitted she had slapped the victim on the side of the head. The victim's ear was reddened. Conley was cited and released to appear in court.

• Nathaniel J. Sjaardema, 31, of Reasnor, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia at 5:26 a.m. July 13 in the 1000 block of First Avenue East. According to the Newton Police Department, officers observed a marijuana pipe Sjaardema's waistband in plain sight. He admitted it was a marijuana pipe. Sjaardema was cited and released to appear in court.