Jasper Jury Convicts Newton Man on Drug Charges

A Jasper County jury needed less than 30 minutes Tuesday to find Michael A. Shamhart guilty of a series of methamphetamine-related charges.  The guilty verdict followed a two-day trial before Judge Gene Schwarm.

Jasper County State's Attorney Kevin Parker said the jury found the 41-year-old Newton resident of participation in methamphetamine manufacturing, possession of methamphetamine manufacturing materials and possession of methamphetamine.  The charges resulted from the execution of a search warrant by Newton City and Jasper County law enforcement on Shamhart's residence on Van Buren Street in Newton in the late night hours of January 23.  During the search, police seized a large quantity of materials used in connection with the home production of methamphetamine along with evidence of the finished product of meth.

Judge Schwarm scheduled a sentencing hearing for 1pm on August 15.  Shamhart could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison.