Newton man sentenced to 15 years for sexual abuse and selling marijuana

A 21-year-old Newton man was sentenced to a maximum of 15 years in prison for selling drugs to and sexually assaulting a teenager. Jaden Adams on April 14 was found guilty of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver marijuana (Class D felony) and third-degree sexual abuse (Class C felony).

Upon his release — which can be reduced by as much as half because of good conduct, work credits and program credits — Adams is required to register as a sex offender and is to be subjected to special sentence requirements. He was also fined $2,395 and ordered to pay court costs and a crime services surcharge.

According to criminal complaints obtained by Newton News, an underage child victim reported a sexual assault to police on March 28, 2024. The victim met with Adams to purchase marijuana and was sexually assaulted. The assault occurred in the backseat of his truck, which was parked in a field entrance in town.

The victim reported Adams used a red shop rag to clean himself after the assault, and then he left the scene. Police went to the scene of the assault and located a red shop rag that the victim had described. Police were also provided text messages of Adams apologizing to the victim for the assault.

Officers obtained a search and seizure warrant for Adams’ cellphone. Data taken from the phone showed multiple photos of Adams advertising marijuana products over social media. Police also found messages of the victim requesting a marijuana product. Messages of his selling to others were also found.

Adams admitted to officers that he sold marijuana to the victim.