Two people are in police custody following a traffic stop back in January, according to local sources. Iowa police in Scott County have confirmed that drug trafficking charges are being filed against two residents, a 28-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman. If they are found guilty, the felony charges against them could land them in prison for the next 25 years.
According to the affidavit provided by deputies, on Jan. 18 officers pulled over a car believed to be suspicious. The two suspected individuals were found inside, with the man having an outstanding warrant against him. Police say that both a handgun and what is believed to be marijuana were both visible in the car, so officers obtained a search warrant for the vehicle.
Officers found 5.8 grams of what is believed to be methamphetamine, over 17 grams of marijuana wax and multiple other suspected drugs, as well as paraphernalia and a handwritten ledger appearing to show drug sales. The man allegedly admitted to being a drug dealer serving between 20 and 30 customers, and also implicated the woman as his partner in illegal sales. Arrest warrants were issued and the man was arrested on March 8. The woman was arrested shortly thereafter, on March 15. Both are being held against sizable bails in advance of a court date.
While the evidence against the couple appears to be formidable, it is still the province of Iowa prosecutors to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that both parties were actively involved in drug trafficking. Their individual defense representation will likely wish to question why their car was pulled over in the first place. Attorneys will also likely carefully review the specifics of the search and the arrests to determine if both were conducted in accordance with the couple’s rights.
