Overdue books land Newton man behind bars

A Newton man who didn't return books to the public library for months has landed in jail.

Police say Christopher Anspach was charged with third-degree theft after failing to return items worth $770. He checked out 11 books and six CDs, including a box set, in January. He was charged after repeated efforts by the library, a collection agency and the city attorney to get him to return the items.

Anspach pleaded guilty Aug. 31 and was sentenced to 10 days in the Jasper County jail. He was released Sept. 8.

Library Director Sue Padilla says the library is serious about overdue materials and protecting the taxpayers' money, used to buy the books.

A telephone number for Anspach was constantly busy Thursday. A message for his attorney wasn't immediately returned.