A woman from Newton was recently sentenced to a maximum of 10 days in jail for obstructing prosecution by advising juveniles to remain silent and alter their social media accounts after allegedly stealing firearms from a local residence in November 2024. The State of Iowa had initially recommended a seven-day jail sentence and a fine of $855. During the sentencing hearing on April 16, Assistant Jasper County Attorney Nicholas Pietrack criticized her actions, describing them as “immature,” citing her attempt to conceal evidence and potentially affect the juveniles’ criminal records.
The defense attorney, Richard Phelps, appealed for leniency, urging that only a fine be imposed without any jail time. He argued that his client did not testify and was unaware of the charges against her son when he was arrested. Phelps also highlighted Bruce’s challenging personal circumstances, mentioning her association with the father of her children, whom he termed a “career criminal,” and her tumultuous past. Despite not excusing her actions, he argued against further complicating her life.
Judge Steven Holwerda, after considering both sides, opted to dismiss the fines and extend the jail sentence marginally. He acknowledged that Bruce’s crime did not involve firearms directly, but she allegedly attempted to hide crimes committed by juveniles, including firearm theft, which were reportedly shared on Snapchat and possibly trafficked. Holwerda emphasized the importance of setting a proper example for children, suggesting that Bruce should have acted more responsibly given her past experiences.
Reports indicate that Bruce, alongside another parent, Brian Ray Hammer Sr., was arrested for assisting juveniles in hiding and altering evidence related to their prosecution. The juveniles faced serious charges, including burglary, reckless firearm use, and trafficking stolen firearms. Bruce’s child was implicated in the burglary, which was reported in August 2024, involving stolen guns and other items from a home in southwest Newton. Police conducted a thorough investigation over several months.
Authorities discovered that some juveniles’ parents attempted to conceal these crimes. Snapchat records revealed a video call where Bruce instructed the juveniles to “keep their mouths shut” and “change your Snapchat.” Recent changes in usernames were noted when police obtained these records. By September 2024, juveniles were suspected of the burglary, leading police to issue a search warrant for one juvenile’s phone. Although neither the juvenile nor Hammer was present at the issuance, the warrant was left with a family member.
Further investigation into social media messages showed Hammer’s involvement in advising the juvenile to deactivate accounts and conceal their phone. When Hammer eventually brought his child to the police, he falsely claimed the child did not have a phone, as stated in the criminal complaint.