LOUISA COUNTY, Iowa — A Louisa County couple has been arrested and charged with multiple drug offenses following a raid at their Fredonia residence, where police uncovered a variety of illegal substances.
Merril Shepherd, 65, and Nicole Harris, 38, were taken into custody after the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office and the Columbus Junction Police Department executed a search warrant on the 1200 block of 8th Avenue around 11 a.m. Wednesday. The raid was part of a long-running investigation into suspected drug activity at the home.
Investigators say they seized approximately 24 grams of methamphetamine, four grams of psilocybin mushrooms, two grams of cocaine, 13 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, plastic baggies, and a digital scale. Authorities believe these materials were used in the sale and distribution of drugs.
Merril Shepherd is facing several serious charges, including:
Possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver (Class B felony)
Gathering where controlled substances are used (Class D felony)
Failure to affix drug tax stamp (Class D felony)
Possession of marijuana, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms (serious misdemeanors)
Possession of drug paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor)
Nicole Harris was charged with:
Gathering where controlled substances are used
Possession of cocaine
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Investigators concluded the residence was being used as a location for people to gather and use meth and other drugs. Court records also show the couple is involved in a Department of Human Services case.
Shepherd is being held at the Louisa County Jail on a $2,500 cash-only bond, while Harris is being held on a $500 cash-only bond. Preliminary hearings for both are scheduled for 9 a.m. on April 19 at the Louisa County Courthouse.
