Former TPI employee sentenced in theft case

A former TPI employee was sentenced to two years probation last Wednesday after stealing $5,054.23 worth of equipment from the wind blade manufacturer.

According to online court records and court documents, 52-year-old Greg Lewis of Sully is ordered to to pay $750 civil fee and $125 court surcharge by the decision of Jasper County District Court Judge Thomas Mott, and he has been asked to pay restitution to the company in an amount yet to be determined.

The defendant was convicted of stealing 23 power tools including drills, saws, grinders and sanders belonging to TPI. The items were seized from his residence at 11897 Highway F62 on Nov. 15. According to a Newton Police Department spokesperson, the defendant received the second-degree theft charge after a month-long investigation.

TPI reported its suspicions to authorities at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 15, and Newton police said the individual had been taking the tools over several months.