Director of teaching and learning at Newton schools charged with theft

The director of teaching and learning at Newton schools is on paid administrative leave after being charged for allegedly taking alcoholic beverages out of a local gas station’s cooler, drinking them in the women’s restroom and then not paying for them after leaving. Police reports show this happened on three occasions.

Amy Shannon, 46, of Newton, has been charged with fifth-degree theft, a misdemeanor. Police were notified by Kwik Star last month in reference to a theft of alcohol. The store had photos of the individual — identified as Shannon — who allegedly stole White Claw on three separate dates.

At about 3:14 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, reports say Shannon selected two cans of black cherry-flavored White Claw. She tucked them behind her large black bag or purse then went in to the bathroom. Six minutes later she walked out and went to the register to pay for food and water but not the alcohol.

At about 3:42 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, reports say she approached the cooler and grabbed two cans and a six pack of White Claw, concealed them behind her bag and went to the bathroom. Two minutes later, she left the bathroom and returned the six pack but then grabbed two more cans and returned to the bathroom.

Two minutes later she walked out of Kwik Star, purchasing nothing. Shannon went into her vehicle, which is registered to her significant other.

Kwik Star employees had later found four empty cans of White Claw in the women’s bathroom trash. The total value of the stolen cans was $31.99.

At 6:35 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, reports say she entered the store and walked straight to the alcohol cooler. She grabbed two White Claw cans, tucked them behind her purse and then walked to the bathroom. One minute later she left the bathroom and went to the register to buy a tobacco product and then left.

All of the drinks that were stolen were 19.2 oz cans of White Claw, which contain 5 percent alcohol.

According to the Newton Community School District’s employee handbook, all thefts are to be reported immediately to a principal or supervisor. Any worker found to have been involved in a theft of the district’s or another person’s property will result in appropriate discipline, up to and including termination.