Five arrested for meth trafficking

MT. PLEASANT — Following an investigation throughout early 2023, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office arrested five individuals in connection with methamphetamine trafficking in Henry County and the surrounding Southeast Iowa area.

Officials arrested and/or charged the following individuals:

Michael Carpenter, 31 of Mt. Pleasant for conspiracy to deliver over 5 grams of methamphetamine (Class B felony), failure to affix drug tax stamp (Class D felony), and gathering/meeting where controlled substances distributed (Class D felony)

Crystal Ecker, 36 of St. Paul, Iowa for two counts of conspiracy to deliver over 5 grams of methamphetamine (Class B felony).

Trevor Harmon, 37 of Lomax, IL, conspiracy to deliver over 5 grams of methamphetamine (Class B felony).

Bryan Stewart, 36 of New London, Sex Offender Registry Violation (aggravated misdemeanor) and gathering/meeting where controlled substances distributed (Class D felony)

Joshua Helmick, 41 of Norwalk, possession with intent to deliver over 5 grams (Class B felony), failure to affix drug tax stamp (Class D felony), and eluding (with 124 violation) (Class D felony).

“Upon investigation, it has been determined that from a time unknown, but at least by or about February 2023, through at least April 2023, multiple defendant(s), known and/or unknown, distributed more than five (5) grams of methamphetamine in the Henry County, Iowa area,” Officer Jesse Bell wrote in a criminal complain filed with the courts.

During an investigation begun in January, Henry County Sheriff’s Office identified Ecker and Carpenter as methamphetamine traffickers in the area.

A criminal complaint filed with the court states that on Feb. 17, Henry County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop in New London on a gray 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Helmick.

Following a short vehicle then foot pursuit, authorities arrested Helmick for eluding.

“Upon investigation at the scene, approximately 13 grams of a crystal-like substance, appearing to be ice methamphetamine and field testing positive for methamphetamine, was recovered,” the complaint states. “During an interview, the defendant admitted to possessing the methamphetamine and discarding it while fleeing. Further investigation revealed evidence of distribution, therefore the possession of this methamphetamine was intended for delivery/distribution.”

According to court documents, interviews with co-conspirators revealed that Stewart’s home, located on North Pine Street, acted as a location of drug distribution specifically in the month of February.

Officer Bell stated that during the investigation authorities uncovered evidence of narcotic trafficking in the form of digital or electronic evidence with prices and quantities product indicated.

According to the criminal complaint, interviews with co-conspirators placed Ecker as a facilitator for narcotic transactions.

Another document for this investigation stated that Carpenter “ … promoted meetings to receive and/or distribute methamphetamine …”

According to a news release from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, they received assistance in this investigation from the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Burlington Police Department, Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, West Burlington Police Department, Ottumwa Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, New London Police Department, and the Mt. Pleasant Police Department.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com