WEBSTER COUNTY, IOWA – A Northern Iowa man was caught with drugs, gun, and child porn.
On June 8th, 2021 a Webster County Sheriff’s Deputy was dispatched to the Law Enforcement Center to meet with an individual in the South Lobby. Upon meeting with the reporting party, an allegation was made of possible child pornography on an individual’s cell phone who currently resides in rural Webster County. Other information was gathered that the suspect allegedly possessed a firearm and illegal narcotics.
Through further investigation by Webster County and Fort Dodge Criminal Investigations Division (CID) a suspect was identified. A criminal background check revealed that the suspect was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
On June 8th, 2021 suspect Joseph Hardy was located in the Dolliver Park area by Lehigh, Iowa where a search warrant was executed on his vehicle and person. During the search a cell phone, firearm and illegal narcotics were seized.
A search warrant was then executed of the residence at 1564 190th street in Webster County. During the course of the search storage devices, cell phones, illegal narcotics, and drug paraphernalia were seized.
Following the execution of the search warrants and additional interviews an arrest was made of 35-year-old Joseph Hardy of Barnum, Iowa on the following charges:
• Sex Abuse 2nd Degree with persons under the age of 12 (Class B Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (Class D Felony)
• Child Endangerment x2 (Aggravated Misdemeanor)
• Possession of Marijuana (Serious Misdemeanor)
Hardy is currently being held in the Webster County Jail on $60,000 cash bond.
This incident is currently under investigation.
