(Spencer)– An ongoing investigation in Spencer involving the sale of drugs to area middle and high school students has landed seven more people behind bars after three separate searches late last week.
Clay county deputies continue to investigate a connection between alleged drug dealers arrested earlier this month at a Spencer trailer park and local teenagers, including numerous Spencer Middle and High School students.
The investigation continued last Wednesday evening with the search of 2305 356th Street in Spencer…the home of 24-year-old Bo Schnetter and 18-year-old Sarah Kunath. During the search, officers found marijuana and multiple pieces of drug paraphernalia used for both smoking pot and meth. Kunath was home at the time of the search. She was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Schnetter wasn’t present during the search. Complaints have been filed charging him with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The Sheriff’s Office has requested arrest warrants for Schnetter. In addition, both face an additional charge of gathering where controlled substances are used or sold.
The second search was conducted Thursday evening at 409 East 14th Street in Spencer–the home of 23-year-old Timothy Elder, 28-year-old Michael McMichael, 19-year-old James Cadwell and 18-year-old Danica Carlblom. Only one person was present when officers arrived–19-year-old J.C. Morales was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. During the search, nine additional people arrived at the home, including some juveniles as young as 15-years-old. After speaking with police, six of the visitors were released; one was cited for an alcohol violation; and two were transported to the Clay county jail. Each were released without being charged after deputies determined they were not responsible for any illegal drug activity.
The search did result in the arrests of Elder, Cadwell and McMichael on charges of possession of schedule four prescription drugs, gathering where controlled substances are used or sold, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Additional charges are pending. All three were placed in the Clay county jail.
The third search was conducted early Friday morning at the trailer park on West 18th Street in Spencer–trailer #29, home of 32-year-old James Kennaway and 28-year-old Jennifer Johnson. During the search, deputies found marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Both were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. They were booked into the Clay county jail.
Authorities expect more arrests as the investigation continues. The Iowa State Patrol and Spencer Police Department assisted with the searches and arrests.
(Story from Danielle Hitchings of sister station KDWD Hot 100 in Spencer.).
