Following are excerpts of activities reported by the Jefferson police department:
Sunday, April 30: At 11:55 am a complainant advised of missing construction tools from the 200 block of N. Locust St. The officer is investigating. At 5:06 pm a complainant advised of a careless driver westbound into Jefferson on Highway 30. The caller advised the vehicle was “all over the road.” Officers located the vehicle at Wild Rose Casino and spoke to the female driver inside the casino.
The officer’s investigation led to the arrest of Robin Kay Pickell, 60, of Luther for unlawful possession of prescription drug- serious misdemeanor (two counts) and driving while under the influence- second offense (aggravated misdemeanor)*. She was also cited for improper use of lanes. At 6 pm an officer investigated a backing accident in the parking lot at Wild Rose Casino. Lance Bartley of Harlan backed his 2007 Toyota Tundra into a 2010 Chevrolet Impala owned and operated by Donna Shady of Gowrie. Both vehicles had a reported $1,000 in damages. No citation issued as the accident occurred on private property.
Saturday, April 29: At 6:24 pm officers were advised of two dogs running loose and tearing up neighbors’ garbage bags in the 100 block of N. Cedar St. The officers were able to catch the animals and placed them in the animal holding facility. The owner, Tickcha Megaly Jaimes, later contacted the officer and was cited for animal at large prohibited (two counts). At 6:59 pm a complainant reported she had been assaulted in the parking lot at Wild Rose Casino. She provided the officer a suspect. The officer is investigating. At 7:10 pm an officer investigated a two vehicle property damage accident in the 100 block of E. Vest St. Lyle Hadley of Jefferson struck a legally parked 1999 Oldsmobile 88 owned by Bryanna Hinote of Jefferson. Hadley was cited for failure to maintain control. Damage to his 2011 Toyota Prius was estimated at $3,500. Damage to Hinote’s vehicle was estimated at $5,000.
Friday, April 28: At 8:59 am an officer investigated a two vehicle property damage accident at N. Maple and W. Washington St. Vern Foje of Jefferson was northbound on N. Maple St driving his 2003 Ford Ranger pickup truck. Kelsey McPherson of Jefferson was eastbound on W. Washington St driving her 1991 Buick Lesabre. Neither driver saw the other at the intersection. McPherson collided into the driver’s side of Foje’s vehicle. McPherson was cited for failure to yield to the vehicle on the right. Damage to the front end of her vehicle was estimated at $1,000. Damage to Foje’s vehicle was estimated at $2,500.
Thursday, April 27: At 5:13 pm a complainant advised of a stray dog near the 700 block of Pinet Place. The officer located the animal and placed it in the animal holding facility. At 5:43 pm a complainant advised his neighbor’s dog had bit him in the 1000 block of N. Walnut St. The officer’s investigation led to the animal being placed in 10-day quarantine at the vet clinic. The animal will have to leave the city after the quarantine period is up. It has been deemed an Illegal animal according to ordinances.
Wednesday, April 26: The US Postal Service reported a dog running loose and being tied to the front of a residence in the 100 block of E. Monroe St. The officer spoke with the owner of the animal and worked with them to fix the issues with the animal and the postal carriers. At 4:41 pm a resident reported her German shepherd was loose from her residence in the 300 block of S. Grimmell Rd. The officer located the animal and returned it, and then cited the owner for animal at large prohibited. At 5:47 pm a complainant reported the theft of a computer from his unlocked vehicle in the 600 block of S. Oak St. The resident believed the theft occurred April 20. The officer is investigating. At 8:30 pm management at Sparky’s reported receiving a fraudulent check from a customer. The officer is investigating. At 8:32 pm a resident reported someone had taken a bag of cans from his residence in the 300 block of E. Washington St. The cans were outside by a rear door when they were taken.
Tuesday, April 25: At 8:10 am Jennifer Badger reported her daughter had driven the family’s truck to the high school Monday and now noticed damage. The 2011 GMC Sierra had received a dent on the driver’s side of the box. It appeared a vehicle had struck the truck as it backed out of a neighboring parking spot. The officer estimated the damage at $1.200. The officer is investigating to attempt to locate the other driver involved. At 3 pm a complainant reported his wallet had recently been stolen or lost and there are now attempts to use his debit/credit card at WalMart. The officer is waiting for more information to be provided to continue the investigation. At 4:45 pm a Greene County bus driver reported a vehicle had passed her stopped school bus in the 100 block of S. Cedar St. The officer is working with the vehicle, plate, and driver information provided by the bus driver to identify the offender. At 11:17 pm a parent requested assistance in locating her juvenile son who was not home at his curfew time and was not answering his cellular phone. The youth was located a short time later by a deputy and he returned home.
Monday, April 24: At 2:03 pm a complainant reported two containers of pennies and a flashlight missing from a residence in the 500 block of N. Maple St. It is unclear how long the items have been missing. The officer is investigating. At 7:47 pm officers assisted with a suspected case of child neglect. DHS has been contacted about the incident. ******* Officers have completed an investigation into numerous daytime burglaries that had occurred recently. Arrest warrants have been requested for Robert Alan Fry, 53, of Jefferson for three counts of burglary- third degree (class D felony) and ongoing criminal conduct (class B felony)*. Officers allege that Fry was responsible for burglaries at 903 W. Adams St on 03/31/2017, 911 W. Washington St on 03/28/2017, and 108 S. Walnut St on 03/27/2017. Investigators utilized the new Leads Online software recently acquired with a donation from anonymous donors. The program showed dates and times Fry had pawned items in Fort Dodge and what the items were. Some items were recovered from the pawn shop, while most of them had already been sold.
Sunday, April 23: At 8:22 pm an officer made contact with a vehicle blocking the alley in the 600 block of W. South St. While the officer was speaking to the driver and occupants, he could smell the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. After a probable cause search of the vehicle, the officer located suspected marijuana and a smoking device. Nathaniel James Biggart, 19, Grand Junction was arrested for possession of marijuana- first offense (serious misdemeanor) and possession of drug paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor)*. He was also cited for a parking violation. Passengers Elle Parker, 16, and Scott Broadbent, 17, both of Jefferson were cited for minor using tobacco- first offense.
Saturday, April 22: At 12:05 am an officer performed a traffic stop in the 100 block of S. Locust St, resulting in Christopher Robin Lawrence, 56, of Jefferson being arrested for operating while intoxicated- first offense (serious misdemeanor)* and being cited for improper registration plate lamp. At 8:48 am a complainant reported an overnight burglary to a garage in the 300 block of E. Park St. A flat screen TV had been removed. The officer is investigating.
Friday, April 21: At 7:50 am an officer assisted a motorist whose dogs had locked him out of his vehicle in the 100 block of N. Chestnut St. At 2:36 pm a mail carrier advised of three stray dogs in the area of Edgewood Dr and S. Elm St. The officers did not locate the animals. At 4:17 pm a complainant advised of a German shepherd running freely in the 500 block of N. Chestnut St. The officer placed the dog in the animal holding facility. At 5:18 pm a resident captured a stray dog in the 200 block of Edgewood Dr. The officer placed the dog in the animal holding facility.
Thursday, April 20: At 8:10 am management at Hy-Vee reported receiving forged checks on a closed account at the business. The officer is investigating. At 8:41 am a deputy requested assistance from officers in looking for a missing juvenile female from the Churdan area. At 11:19 am a complainant advised of a neighbor’s dog defecating on her property in the 300 block of Grauer Road. The officer made contact with the neighbor and advised city ordinances do not allow her animal to leave her property and defecate on a neighbor’s yard. The owner was given a period to become compliant with animal licensing. At 1:09 pm a complainant requested officers at Wild Rose Casino for criminal mischief occurring to her vehicle. The complainant advised she had a verbal altercation with a male on the gaming floor, and when she went outside her tire was flat. The officer determined the tire had been damaged by a sharp object. He viewed casino video of the parking lot, leading to requesting an arrest warrant for Derek Eugene Ott, 35, of Jefferson on a charge of criminal mischief- fifth degree. At 3:54 pm an officer investigated a backing accident in the private parking lot at Greenewood Apartments. Pat Monagin of Jefferson backed her 2004 Dodge Intrepid into a parked 2005 Chrysler Pacifica owned by Delores Mull of Jefferson. Damage to Monagin’s vehicle was estimated at $1,000. Damage to Mull’s vehicle was estimated at $500. No citation was issued as the accident occurred on private property. At 11:26 pm while checking parks an officer located two subjects sitting in a parked vehicle at Kelso park. As the officer approached the vehicle he noticed the male driver was banging his head on the steering wheel. As the officer instructed the male to roll down the window, he detected the pungent odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, the officer located a small amount of suspected marijuana and an open container of alcohol. Grason Trevor Lansman, 18, of Churdan was arrested for possession of marijuana- first offense (serious misdemeanor) and possession of alcohol under legal age*.
Wednesday, April 19: At 8:30 am an officer began a burglary Investigation at Shelter Stor-All. Two storage units had the locks cut, but nothing missing inside.
Tuesday, April 18: At 2:21 pm an officer investigated a reported “door ding” at Sparky’s on Highway 30. McClain Siruta exited a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, owned by Marla Siruta of Jefferson, and struck the side of the vehicle parked beside him. The impact of Siruta’s door caused a small dent in the other vehicle. The 2012 Ford F250 was owned by Thomas Hammel of Jefferson. Hammel’s vehicle had a reported $500 in damages. Siruta was issued a citation for failure to provide proof of financial liability.
Monday, April 17: At 1:44 am a complainant requested officers at a residence in the 100 block of E. Washington St for a male who was not supposed to be at her property knocking on her front door. The officer made contact with the male in the garage of the residence. The male had been advised to leave the property and not return earlier in the evening by officers. Ricky Eugene Comer, 61, of Grand Junction was arrested for trespass – simple*. At 10:41 am management at Hy-Vee reported a female had been in the business after being trespassed last year. The officer was given video footage of the female entering the business. She left the store and drove away before the officer’s arrival. She had been advised in October that she was no longer welcome at the store after a shoplifting event. The officer is requesting arrest warrants for Margaret Jessica Ruth Wilson, 40, of Jefferson for trespass- simple and driving while revoked- serious*. The occupant of a residence in the 500 block of N. Maple St advised of three jars of spare change missing from the residence. She was unaware how long the change had been missing. At 1:29 pm a complainant reported a dog caught in a bush and barking at a residence in the 300 block of E. McKinley St. The officer was able to free the chain from the bush. At 3:17 pm an officer attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle near Washington and Elm St. The vehicle’s rear registration plate was unreadable due to dirt on the vehicle. The vehicle refused to stop and a short pursuit followed. The officer pursued the vehicle with overhead emergency lights and audible siren activated, but the vehicle continued to flee from the officer. The vehicle stopped in the yard at a residence in the 500 block of N. Maple St. The officer witnessed the male driver exit the fleeing vehicle and enter the residence at this address. James Michael Lefeber, 35, of Jefferson was arrested for eluding /speed 25 over speed limit – aggravated, driving while suspended – simple, and fail to maintain registration plate – simple*. Lefeber is currently being held on $1000 bond at the county jail. At 5:13 pm staff at Greene County Medical Center requested assistance for a deputy at ER with a combative patient. The officer assisted the deputy until the subject was calmed down.
Sunday, April 17: At 9:21 pm Brandon Mitchell advised he was driving in the 500 block of N. Maple St and saw flames in the upstairs of 502 N. Maple St. The officer and a state trooper arrived and found Mitchell had the resident outside of the residence. The Jefferson fire department responded and put out the fire, which was contained to an upstairs bedroom. The fire department determined an overloaded electrical drop cord was the blame in the fire.
Saturday, April 15: Routine activity reported.
Friday, April 14: At 10:11 am an officer began a theft Investigation at Greene County High School. Money was taken from a teacher’s purse. A 16-year-old male confessed to the event and a juvenile arrest warrant has been requested on a charge of theft- fifth degree. At 11:30 am Angela Beem, 46, of Jefferson was arrested at the front counter of the law enforcement center as she met with her probation officer. There was an arrest warrant for Beem for probation violation. She has also been charged with public intoxication- second offense (serious misdemeanor) after the officer detected she was intoxicated*. At 12:31 pm officers arrested James Michael Lefeber, 35, of Jefferson on two outstanding JPD arrest warrants, one for burglary- first degree (class B felony) and one for sex abuse assault (class C felony)*. The charges stem from a reported assault at a residence in the 1200 block of Westwood Drive Oct. 5.
Thursday, April 13: At 12 pm an officer investigated the reported theft of prescription medications from a residence in the 700 block of S. Wilson. At 6:10 pm an officer performed a traffic stop near the airport on County Road E-53 (235th St), resulting in the arrest of Theodore John Herrick, 36, of Jefferson for driving while barred*. At 6:54 pm a complainant reported a stray dog in the 300 block of S. High St. The officer placed the animal in the animal holding facility. ****** Arrest warrants have been requested for Jesus Moises Zuniga, 18, of Jefferson upon the completion of an investigation that began April 8 at a residence in the 200 block of W. Adams St. A resident of that address turned over two firearms that had been located in the residence. The officer spoke with Zuniga, who had been staying at the residence. Zuniga advised he had stolen the two guns from a vehicle near the hospital on W. Lincoln Way. The officer verified this with the owner of the firearms. The requested warrants are for burglary- third degree and carrying weapons (aggravated misdemeanors), and trespass (simple misdemeanor)*.
Wednesday, April 12: At 1:54 pm school officials advised of two male subjects passing out candy to children near the Greene County Middle School. Officers made contact with the group of Gideon’s International members who were passing out bibles from the public sidewalk. At 2:16 pm a complainant reported to an officer that her juvenile son had some type of gun pointed at him after school today by another student. The officer is investigating. At 2:56 pm an officer arrested a 16-year-old male on an outstanding JPD arrest warrant for criminal mischief- third degree (aggravated misdemeanor)*. The charge stems from the reported criminal mischief to a vehicle in the 500 block of N. Locust St on April 7. At 3:02 pm an anonymous caller advised that residents of a house in the 700 block of S. Locust St have chickens in their yard. The officer confirmed the report and advised that chickens are not allowed inside the city limits, according to ordinance. He gave them a short period of time to remove the poultry from the city. At 3:19 pm an Ames police detective requested assistance in locating a male subject in Jefferson for whom there is an outstanding Story County arrest warrant for theft- first degree (class C felony)*. Officers located John Wayne Berry, 26, of Jefferson and arrested him on the warrant. At 9:26 pm a Greene County deputy requested assistance from a Jefferson officer at a residence in the 400 block of 240th St in Scranton for a domestic situation. The deputy is handling any criminal charges.
Tuesday, April 11: At 9:43 pm a complainant reported a possible attempted burglary at 800 E. Lincoln Way. He had noticed new markings on the door and believed someone had attempted to gain access to the building.
Monday, April 10: At 5:21 pm staff at Greene County Middle School reported that a student had left the school at about 10:30 am and reported to his parents he had located a threatening note in his locker. The note advised that someone was coming to the school tomorrow and an act of violence would occur. The school had reviewed video and seen that no one had entered the student’s locker to place the note inside as reported by the student. In speaking with the juvenile, the child advised a female juvenile had actually handed him the note, not placed it in his locker as reported. The officer spoke to the female juvenile and learned the male had requested her to write the note and she did so not knowing what he was going to do with it. The officer determined no danger existed in the threats made in the note and the school is handling the disciplinary actions in this matter. At 10:31 pm officers were requested at Wild Rose Casino by security staff there as a plastic bag of suspected narcotics were located on the gaming floor. After reviewing video surveillance showing the item dropping from the coat of a male player, the officer made contact with the male suspect in the casino. The officer’s investigation led to the arrest of Christopher John Clifton, 56, of Perry for possession of methamphetamine- third or subsequent offense (Class D felony)*.
Sunday, April 9: At 10:50 am an officer witnessed a male that he knew to be barred from driving in Iowa driving a vehicle at Lincoln Way and Wilson. The officer spoke to the male at a later point and advised him he would be charged with driving. The officer has applied for an arrest warrant for Mark Henry Morrow, 56, of Jefferson for driving while barred (aggravated misdemeanor)*. At 6:38 pm Suesitta Smith reported her son had backed form the driveway at 407 E. State St and had backed into a power pole across the street. Alliant Energy arrived and determined no damage had occurred to the pole. The 2008 Chrysler Town and Country van was not damaged. Ian Schmitt was issued a citation for unsafe backing upon a highway.
Saturday, April 8: At 2:13 pm officers were requested at a residence in the 200 block of W. Adams St. The complainant advised she had located two firearms in the residence that do not belong there. She believed a male subject staying at the residence may have stolen the firearms. The officer later spoke to the suspect, who advised he had stolen the firearms from a vehicle in Jefferson. The officer is working to determine who the owner of the firearms is. Future charges are pending. At 9:09 pm a complainant reported a stray dog in the 400 block of S. Wilson. The officer learned the animal’s owner by the city license tag and returned it to the owner.
Friday, April 7: At 7:50 am an officer investigated a two vehicle property damage accident at S. High St and W. Monroe St. Nancy Carhill of Jefferson was eastbound on Monroe St driving a 2005 Mercury Mariner. Delaney Gibson of Jefferson was northbound on High St driving a 2004 Saturn. Their vehicles collided in the intersection. Carhill was cited for failure to yield to the vehicle on the right. Damage to her vehicle was estimated at $1,000. Damage to Gibson’s vehicle was estimated at $5,000. At 4 pm officers took a report of a burglary at a residence in the 900 block of W. Washington St. The owner advised he had witnessed a subject near the residence on March 28 but had not noticed anything missing until that day. Jewelry was taken from the residence. The officer is investigating. At 3:08 pm a complainant reported criminal mischief to a vehicle parked in the 500 block of N. Locust St. The vehicle had nails placed behind the tires and appeared to have had sugar poured in the fuel tank. The officer is investigating. At 5:31 pm an unknown caller advised of barking dogs at a residence in the 300 block of W. South St. The officer made contact with the animal’s owner and spoke to her about the complaint. At 9:34 pm a complainant reported being threatened and harassed by a known female while working at Wild Rose Casino. The officer viewed video footage of the event. An arrest warrant request has been made for Anjanette Stephany Forkner, 45, of Scranton for harassment- second degree (aggravated misdemeanor)*. At 11:53 pm a complainant advised of a stray cat attempting to get into his residence in the 300 block of S. High St. The officer placed the animal in the animal holding facility.
Thursday, April 6: At 12:16 pm an officer was requested by DHS to assist in a child abuse investigation. Both departments are working together to continue the investigation. At 8:11 pm an officer responded to a complaint of open burning in the 400 block of W. Russell St and issued a citation for violation of the city’s regulations for open burning. ***** As a result of a complaint and investigation of a school bus passing violation that on April 5 at N. Wilson and E. McKinley St, Pamela Haakma of Jefferson was cited for unlawful passing of a school bus.
Wednesday, April 5: At 8:45 am a county resident brought a dog to the LEC she had caught in Scranton. The officer placed the animal in the holding facility. At 9:31 management at Kum & Go reported an overnight theft. A male customer removed a cup from the counter containing ink pens for use. The officer is investigating. At 11:18 am an officer investigated the theft of gas from a vehicle and a missing leaf blower from 1501 N. Elm St. At 3:10 pm a Greene County Schools bus driver reported a school bus passing violation that occurred at N. Wilson and E. McKinley At. A vehicle had passed the stopped bus with the lights activated and the stop sign out. The officer is investigating. At 6:20 pm an officer met a resident at the animal holding facility and placed a German shepherd at the facility that she had found running loose in the 600 block of W. Lincoln Way. At 6:28 pm officers were called to a residence in the 600 block of N. Wilson for a reported domestic abuse assault. The officer met with the female victim and learned that the male suspect had fled from the residence. At about 9:48 officers were called back to the residence, as the male had returned. The officers arrested Nicholas Anthony Balderas, 25, of Jefferson for domestic abuse assault- third or subsequent offense (Class D felony)*. Balderas also had an outstanding Greene County arrest warrant for a probation violation. At 8:10 pm a complainant spoke with an officer about harassment from a known male in Jefferson.
Tuesday, April 4: At 9:20 am a caller requested a welfare check on her boyfriend, who had been gone since 6 pm the previous day and was possibly suicidal. Officers “pinged” the subject’s cell phone and learned he was in the Fort Dodge area. All information was forwarded to Fort Dodge authorities to search for the subject. At 2:20 pm a complainant advised she had caught a stray dog near South St and Grimmell Road. The officer placed the animal in the animal holding facility. At 7:35 an officer started a sexual assault investigation. A female juvenile reported the assault had occurred March 22 at Russell Park. The officer was provided with the name of a male juvenile suspect reported to have been involved in the assault. The investigation continues.
Monday, April 3: At 8 am a resident advised of an abandoned bicycle in the 500 block of N. Oak St. The officer placed the bike in the impound lot.
Sunday, April 2: At 1:25 pm officers were called to 404 W. State St for a reported burglary occurring there. Evidence was gathered at the scene, where jewelry had been removed after entry was gained by prying open a door. Officers spoke to the residents about possible suspects in the recent rash of daytime burglaries occurring in Jefferson. The residents had a relationship with the person suspected by the police department. At about 6 pm, Robert Fry, 53, of Jefferson came to the LEC to speak with officers. Fry had returned jewelry to the subjects from the earlier reported burglary at 404 W. State St. At about 6:40 pm, officers conducted a consent search of the Fry’s residence. Suspected narcotics and narcotic-related items were taken into evidence from the residence. The officer has applied for arrest warrants for Fry for burglary- third degree (class D felony), possession of marijuana- second offense (aggravated misdemeanor), and possession of drug paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor)*. Officers continue to work the remainder of the burglaries reported in the past few weeks, in which Fry has been a suspect. Future charges are pending. At 3:19 pm Wild Rose Casino security staff requested officers there for the theft of a purse from a customer. Security had viewed surveillance footage and had a female suspect waiting for officers. The officer’s investigation led to the arrest of Faith Ann Kloss, 54, of Carroll for theft- fifth degree (simple misemeanor)*. Kloss was taken to the Greene County Law Enforcement Center to be booked into jail on the charge. Jail staff and officers located narcotics and paraphernalia in her belongings during the booking process. The officer tested the substance and added charges for possession of methamphetamine (serious misdemeanor) and possession of drug paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor)*. At 7:39 pm a female reported she was assaulted by a known female in front of Hy-Vee. The officer is waiting to view video footage of the event and is still investigating.
* All charges are merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
