Fayette County Authorities release information on three accidents and six arrest incidents
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On May 22, 2026, at 12:49PM, the Fayette County Sheriff's Office received a report of a vehicle in the ditch on 20th Street, near the Clayton County line. When deputies arrived, it was learned that a 2004 Hyundai Elantra operated by a minor juvenile, had gone into the south ditch and rolled onto its top, totaling the vehicle. The driver was treated for minor injuries, and this incident remains under investigation. The Fayette County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Clayton County Sheriff's Office.
On 05/26/26 a Fayette County Deputy was on routine patrol when he observed a male slumped over the wheel at Gouldsburg Park . An investigation determined that 31 year old John Jola Jr of Lansing had drove the vehicle to the park and was barred from driving. Jola was arrested and charged with driving while license barred and possession of drug paraphernalia. Jola was transported to the Fayette County Jail to await his initial appearance.
On May 25th, 2026, at approximately 2:26 PM, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call with reference to a female trespassing on a property in the 15000 block of 50th Street, Oelwein, IA. Upon Deputy arrival, the female was identified as Jolene Mardell Cain (age 45) of Oelwein. After further investigation, Jolene was placed under arrest for trespassing and public intoxication. She was transported to the Fayette County Jail where she was held for her initial appearance.
On May 25th, 2026, at approximately 4:36 PM, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office received a call due to a possible No Contact/Protective Order Violation in the 200 block of Olive Street, Westgate, IA. Deputies responded and after an investigation, Jesse Steven Moore (age 51) of Independence was arrested for a Violation of No Contact/Protective Order. Moore was transported to the Fayette County Jail where he was held for his initial appearance.
On May 25th, 2026, at approximately 7:24 PM, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding a fight/disturbance near the intersection of Diagonal Street/Main Street, Elgin, IA. After investigation, Nicole Elizabeth Kaye Benser (age 38) of Farmersburg, IA was placed under arrest for Disorderly Conduct, Interference with Official Acts, Possession of Controlled Substances – Methamphetamine 1st Offense, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Unlawful Possession of Prescription Pill. Additionally, Fala-Simon Berger Armenta (age 43) of Postville was placed under arrest for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault - General, Driving While Barred, Reckless Driving, and Disorderly Conduct. Nicole and Fala-Simon were transported to the Fayette County Jail where they were held for their initial appearances.
On May 25th, 2026, at approximately William James Newton (age 32) of La Porte City, IA turned himself into the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office on an active arrest warrant for Probation Violation. William was taken into custody and held for his initial appearance.
On May 22nd, 2026 at approximately 2:15 pm the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call about a two-vehicle accident in the 18,000 block of 60th St. near Oelwein, Iowa. Deputies arrived on scene and conducted an investigation of the collision. It was determined that a white Chevrolet Aveo driven by 23 year old Jaylyn Gibbs of New Hartford was following too closely behind a red Chevrolet Equinox driven by 64 year old Elke Arthur of Westgate . Jaylyn was unable to stop in time rear-ended Arthur’s vehicle.
The Chevrolet Aveo sustained an estimated $8,000 worth of damage and the Chevrolet Equinox sustained an estimated $900.00 worth of damage. Jaylyn was cited for Following too closely. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by the Oelwein Fire Department, Mercy Oelwein Ambulance and B&L Auto Repair.
On 5/19/2026, a Fayette County deputy arrested Kristina Cornwell (39 y/o) from Lamont, IA for an active warrant due to a probation violation. Kristina was transported to the Fayette County Jail where she was held with a $2,000 bond.
On 5/21/2026 at approximately 12:22 PM, The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a vehicle that had struck a tree. The driver, 17 year old juvenile of Hawkeye, was driving through Echo Valley Park when he lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree. When deputies arrived on scene, the driver appeared dazed and the juvenile was transported to Gunderson Hospital for an evaluation. The vehicle received heavy front-end damage. During the investigation, it was learned that the driver did not have a valid driver’s license. No serious injuries were reported. Fayette County was assisted by Gunderson Ambulance, West Union First Responders, and Torkelson Motors.