Two Newton residents accused of stealing mail and using stolen credit cards and checks, have been sentenced to 20 years in prison. 32-year-old John Davis and 31-year-old Lauren Parkison were given identical prison terms by District Court Judge David Faith, after entering negotiated guilty pleas. Court records show that Davis admitted to forgery and identity theft over $1,500, both class D felonies, and aggravated misdemeanor charges of unauthorized use of a credit card under $1,500 and identity theft under $1,500. Parkison’s guilty pleas were to class D felony charges of second degree theft, identity theft between $1,500 and $10,000, and two counts of forgery. Twenty-five total charges were filed against her, while Davis faced eighteen. All remaining counts in the case have been dismissed.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Department arrested Davis and Parkison back in January, on warrants stemming from a joint investigation with the Newton Police Department and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The sheriff’s office says the two Newton residents were identified as suspects in connection with several theft of mail reports received from rural residents around Newton. The victims also said credit cards and checks that were being mailed to them were used at various banks and businesses.