ORANGE CITY, IA — A 45-year-old Yankton, South Dakota man, Joshua Allen Heitz, has been sentenced to jail and probation after pleading guilty to multiple drug-related charges stemming from a May 5 arrest near Maurice, Iowa.
Heitz, formerly of Le Mars, was stopped by a Sioux County deputy after a report of a suspicious man walking a bike on Highway 75 near Highway 10. Although initially cooperative, Heitz attempted to flee when the deputy returned to check his identity — later revealed to be tied to a warrant in Yankton County, SD.
After being located and detained in Maurice, deputies discovered:
15 syringes, including one loaded with methamphetamine
Three baggies of crystal meth
Marijuana, THC wax, a vape pen, and a partially smoked joint
Unprescribed medications, including gabapentin and sildenafil citrate
Various drug paraphernalia like pipes, grinders, and one-hitters
Heitz was initially charged with five offenses, including possession of controlled substances and paraphernalia. He later pleaded guilty on June 14 to three charges:
Possession of methamphetamine (1st offense)
Possession of marijuana (1st offense)
Unlawful possession of prescription drugs
On June 16, Associate Judge Jessica Noll sentenced him to:
540 days in jail (180 per charge), with 524 days suspended
Credit for time served
$1,583.50 in fines and fees
One year probation
Substance abuse evaluation and treatment requirement
The charges for CBD possession and paraphernalia were dismissed under a plea agreement.
