Sanborn, Iowa (KAYL/KIWA) — A Cherokee man has been sentenced on felony drug charges in O’Brien County.
According to a criminal complaint filed with the O’Brien County Clerk of Court’s Office, in October 2025, 33-year-old Frank Bandomo of Cherokee was accused of possession of methamphetamine and psilocybin mushrooms for the third or subsequent time, making them felony offenses.
In his statement, an O’Brien County Deputy said the call started with the report of a vehicle parked near the intersection of Polk Avenue and 320th Street with its flashers on and the driver asleep behind the wheel. The deputy found the driver asleep, but also in the car was Bandomo, who was sitting in the front passenger seat. Bandomo was arrested on an active warrant, and the deputy says a glass methamphetamine pipe was located on his person. The area around the seat in which Bandomo was sitting was also searched, and that’s when the controlled substances were found.
Bandomo was charged with three class D felonies: possession of a controlled substance – psilocybin mushrooms, third or subsequent offense; possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine, third or subsequent offense; and failure to affix a drug tax stamp. He could have faced up to 15 years in prison.
Judge Charles Borth sentenced Bandomo to two five‑year prison terms, which were suspended. He was placed on probation for three years under the supervision of the Iowa Department of Corrections. As part of the sentence, he must undergo substance abuse and mental health evaluations, complete all recommended treatment, and reside at a Residential Treatment Facility at the discretion of his probation officer.
Bandomo was also ordered to pay fines and court costs totaling more than $2,200. Charges of failure to affix a drug stamp and possession of drug paraphernalia were dismissed under the plea deal.
KIWA Staff Photo
