On August 5th, 2015 at approximately 10:40 p.m. members of the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force with the assistance of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Knoxville Police Department executed a drug search warrant at 602 W. Marion St. in Knoxville where illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia were seized.

As a result of the search warrant 4 individuals were taken to the Marion County Jail on drug charges awaiting initial appearances. Daniel Lee Sparks of that address charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver more than 5 grams, failure to affix drug tax stamp, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Melinda Sparks of that address charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver more than 5 grams, failure to affix drug tax stamp, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Matt Binns of Knoxville charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Sean martin of Knoxville charged with possession of marijuana.

Possession with intent to deliver more than 5 grams of methamphetamine is a class B felony, possession of marijuana is a serious misdemeanor, failing to affix a drug tax stamp is a class D felony, possession of drug paraphernalia is a simple misdemeanor, and possession of a firearm as a felon is a class D felony.

As a reminder, a criminal charge is merely an accusation and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force is based in Des Moines and currently has 16 central Iowa agencies participating in the task force including the Jasper, Mahaska, and Marion County Sheriff’s Offices, Knoxville, Newton, and Pella Police Departments.

Story provided by Lt. Brad M. Shutts, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office