Newton man charged with third-degree burglary

A Newton man has been arrested in connection to a burglary that occurred the weekend of Aug. 14.

Cody A. Martin, 24, of Newton, was charged with third-degree burglary and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to the Newton Police Department, officers were called at 7:32 p.m. Aug. 18 to a residence in the 900 block of 13th Avenue East in reference to a burglary. As the NPD processed the scene, they spoke to the victim who said sometime between Aug. 14 and Aug. 17, someone entered the residence by forcing the back door open and stole multiple items.

Officers interviewed other residents at the apartment complex. One individual initially denied knowing any details about the burglary then later admitted to knowing it was Martin who brought several electronics items to her apartment. On Aug. 19, officers spoke to the victim over the phone who said she had found several over her stolen items in Martin’s relative’s garage located at 700 East Fourth 1/2 Street South.

Officers invested the victim’s report and spoke with witnesses stated they had opened the garage and found Martin inside. He denied taking anything and left the scene. Officers obtained permission from the homeowner to search the property. They discovered multiple items that belonged to the victim including a watch with the victim’s name on it and a class pendant with her initials.

During the course of the search, officers also found a clear plastic bag containing a white residue. The witnesses who found Martin stated he was sitting in the chair found next to where the baggie was located.

Martin was arrested Aug. 24 and taken to the Jasper County Jail.