Drug bust turns into death investigation in Newton; authorities identify man found dead
Update: Authorities on Thursday identified the man found dead in this case as 66-year-old Tomie Lee Misner Jr., of Des Moines.
It's unclear at this point when Misner died or what caused his death. Results of an autopsy conducted by the State Medical Examiner's Office are pending and the case is still under investigation.
Previously:
A drug bust in Newton has turned into a death investigation after police discovered a body inside a home on the northeast side of town. The discovery was made Monday night as a Drug Enforcement Administration task force executed a search warrant at the residence on North 4th Avenue East.
Newton police confirmed the body was found around 7 p.m. but have not released details about the deceased or the circumstances surrounding the death. While the investigation into the death continues, authorities did make an arrest related to the search.
Jeffrey Stevens was taken into custody after officers found 11 pounds of methamphetamine locked in a safe inside the home. Court documents filed Tuesday revealed that Stevens faces charges related to the meth discovered during the search.
The criminal complaints made no mention of the body discovered at the scene.
This is not the first time the home has been under investigation. A prior search warrant executed in 2024 revealed that confidential informants had purchased methamphetamine at the residence. Investigators also noted that Stevens was associated with the Twisted Silence Motorcycle Club, with several members reportedly seen at the house.
Stevens is currently being held at the Jasper County Jail. Newton police have not provided additional details about the body found at the scene, and the investigation is ongoing.
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