Newton County jury convicts Kansas man of tampering with a motor vehicle

(From the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office)

A Newton County jury has convicted Nathan Marty Ryan, 47, of Chanute, Kansas, of Tampering with a Motor Vehicle following trial in front of Judge Charles Genisio of the 40th Judicial Circuit.

The conviction stems from an incident on November 5, 2020, when a Newton County Sheriff’s deputy observed a red Dodge Ram 3500 traveling on Greenwood Drive that matched the description of a truck reported stolen from a local business in Joplin, Missouri. 

The vehicle had distinctive custom black wheels and spiked lug nuts, which helped the deputy identify it as the stolen truck.

The deputy followed the truck as it turned into the driveway of a nearby residence. When the deputy activated emergency lights and initiated a stop, the driver—later identified as Ryan—was taken into custody without incident. Investigators confirmed through the vehicle identification number that the truck had been reported stolen from RPM Motorsports approximately one month earlier. Ryan was the sole occupant and driver of the vehicle at the time it was recovered.

During the investigation, Ryan claimed he had borrowed the truck from a person he knew only as “Blake” in Joplin and said he did not know the individual’s last name

Following presentation of the evidence at trial by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Sarah Crites, the jury returned a guilty verdict for Tampering with a Motor Vehicle.

“Jury trials are the cornerstone of our criminal justice system. They allow citizens to evaluate the evidence, apply the law, and deliver justice on behalf of our entire community,” stated William
Lynch, Newton County Prosecuting Attorney. 

“I’m grateful to the jurors who gave their time and careful attention to this case, and to the deputies who worked diligently to recover the stolen vehicle and hold the offender accountable.”

The case was investigated by the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Sarah Crites and William Lynch of the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 4, 2026.