Local man faces charges following residence search

A Mt. Pleasant man was charged with several violations, including possession of cocaine, following the execution of a search warrant on Jan. 19, at 417 E. Becky Lane, in Mt. Pleasant.

Ivan Leonardo was arrested and charged with possession with intent to deliver less than 100 grams of cocaine, a Class C felony. Leonardo also was charged with driving while barred, an aggravated misdemeanor. Leonardo was taken to the Henry County Jail pending arraignment. More charges are expected in the case.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department, along with the Henry County Sheriff?s Office, executed the search warrant at the residence of Leonardo and Adriana Valencia. The warrant, according to a press release from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, was the result of a lengthy investigation into cocaine sales and delivery in the Mt. Pleasant area. No charges were filed against Valencia.

During execution of the warrant, cocaine and scales with residue were located in the residence, along with a large amount of U.S. currency, some of which was serialized ?buy money? from drug transactions in Henry County. Cocaine also was located in a vehicle Leonardo was driving during a traffic stop. The vehicle was seized pending forfeiture.

Assisting the police department and sheriff?s office with the execution of the search warrant was the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement.

The investigation was partially a result of concerned citizens calling in suspicious activity. Mt. Pleasant Police Department officers continue to urge citizens to call in any suspicious activity to their local law enforcement agencies.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.