Sheldon, Iowa — A Sheldon man has been arrested on felony drug and firearm charges after a search warrant was carried out at his home.
According to a criminal complaint filed with the O’Brien County Clerk of Court’s Office by the Sheldon Police Department, 61-year-old Joey Lynn Espeland of Sheldon is accused of the possession of drugs and firearms. Since Espeland is a convicted felon, it is a felony for him to possess firearms in Iowa. He was arrested on Saturday, January 21st.
The complaint states that during the search two .22 caliber rifles were uncovered along with a 12-gauge shotgun. The officer says Espeland admitted that he was the owner of the two .22 caliber rifles. The shotgun was found in a common place of the residence where Espeland could easily access the weapon. The officer says Espeland has a previous felony conviction in O’Brien County for third offense operating while intoxicated. In addition, a ziploc bag containing a green leafy substance was allegedly located in Espeland’s bedroom. The officer says Espeland told him there would be marijuana where the substance was located.
Espeland was charged with felon in possession of a firearm and third-offense possession of a controlled substance, which are both class D felonies. If convicted of a class D felony, Espeland could face up to five years in prison.
He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on February 13th.
At last report, he remained in the O’Brien County Jail in Primghar.
