Andy Hoffman, The Hawk Eye, Burlington, Iowa –
KEOKUK – A Keokuk man is facing 109 years in prison if convicted of numerous drug charges after investigators said they found a “tank of anhydrous ammonia” during a search of his residence.
Shawn Michael Elder Jr., 32, was arrested late Thursday at 1917 William St. on numerous charges relating to the manufacture of methamphetamine.
He is being held in the Lee County jail in lieu of a $161,000 cash bond.
Also arrested at the residence was Tiffany R. Mitchell, 31, of Keokuk. If convicted, she faces a maximum prison term of 39 years. She is being held in the county jail on a $61,000 cash bond.
Elder and Mitchell each are charged with manufacturing methamphetamine in excess of five grams in the presence of a minor within 1,000 feet of a public park, a class B felony with special enhancements.
They also are charged with maintaining a drug house, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.
According to court officials, Elder faces a longer prison term than Mitchell because of previous drug convictions.
Elder and Mitchell asked for court-appointed attorneys during brief appearances in Lee County District Court. They were ordered to next appear in court Oct. 22.
Stacy Weber, the commander of the Lee County Narcotics Task Force, said the arrests were the culmination of an investigation by several agencies in southeast Iowa.
In addition to drug investigators, the Keokuk Fire Department was called to the residence when police discovered the tank of anhydrous ammonia, a highly toxic chemical often used to manufacture methamphetamine.
“The arrests of Elder and Mitchell stem from an investigation into allegations that Elder was involved in the manufacture of methamphetamine in Lee County,” Weber said. “Items that support the charges were collected during a search warrant at 1917 William Street.”
Other than the anhydrous ammonia, investigators did not reveal the other items discovered during the raid.
In addition to the Lee County Narcotics Task Force, Weber said other law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation and subsequent search included the Lee County Attorney’s office, the Keokuk Police Department, members of the 8th Judicial District Parole and Probation Department, the Iowa State Penitentiary K-9 Unit and the Tactical Response Team, comprised of officers from Keokuk and Fort Madison.
