Washington County man and woman arrested on drug charges

On Jan. 28, 2025, at approximately 1:15 a.m. Louisa County Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Highway 78 for an inoperable light. The driver of the vehicle was identified as being Joseph Franklin Karr, age 40, of Washington, IA. The front seat passenger of the vehicle was identified as Jakayla Elizabeth Stevens, age 20, of Brighton, IA.

During the stop, Louisa County K-9 Drake was utilized to conduct an open-air sniff of the exterior of the vehicle. The Louisa County K-9 indicated a positive alert on the vehicle. A subsequent probable cause search was conducted on the vehicle. During the search, Deputies located the following:

• Methamphetamine- 95.49 Grams Total

• Marijuana- 27.28 Grams Total

• THC Vape Cartridges- 11 Total

• Fentanyl- 3, M-30 pills Total

• Digital scales with illicit drug residue

• Multiple used hypodermic syringes and several other items of drug paraphernalia

As a result, Karr was ultimately charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute- B Felony, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute- D felony, 2 counts of drug tax stamp violations- D felony, possession of a controlled substance (Fentanyl) 3rd or subsequent Offense- D felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia- simple misdemeanor.

Stevens was ultimately charged with possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) 2nd offense- aggravated misdemeanor and possession of drug paraphernalia- simple misdemeanor.

Both subjects have since posted bond and are awaiting trial.

Disclaimer: A criminal charge is strictly an accusation. All listed subjects are to be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.