MASON CITY – A convicted domestic abuser caught riding in a mobile meth lab in Mason City is now accused of manufacturing the dangerous drug, and one of his alleged cohorts is set for trial.
Levi Jacob Mahaney, age 22 of Mason City, was one of three people caught in a mobile meth lab by a Cerro Gordo county deputy on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at about 1:03 AM near the intersection of Pierce Avenue and 12th Street NW. Initially, Mahaney – a convicted domestic abuser – was arrested and only charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. However, an additional charge of manufacturing methamphetamine has been added to the list. He remains in the county jail, awaiting a court appearance set for August 11.
The other two persons who were placed under arrest as a result of the traffic stop – 27-year-old Stephanie Michelle Stroud and 49-year-old James Jassie Mejia – are awaiting court appearances. Stroud remains in jail, charged with interference with official acts, possession of illegal substance with intent to deliver, and possession of drug paraphernalia, and illegal possession of prescription drugs. Currently, Stroud, a convicted felon, is facing more felonies in Floyd county, brought by the Nora Springs police department. Those charges were brought in June and include possession of a firearm by a felon; and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. She is accused of violating her pre-trial release on those charges.
Mejia – who has a long criminal record – was released from jail on August 1 by Judge Rustin Davenport after a not-guilty plea. He awaits a September 12 jury trial.