On August 8, 2024, around 10:48 p.m., a Des Moines County Deputy pulled over a vehicle at Highway 61 and Sunnyside Avenue for making an improper turn. The driver, identified as 47-year-old Kevin Coffel of Burlington, informed the Deputy that he had marijuana on him and did not possess a valid driver’s license. The passenger, 46-year-old Michelle Young of Ft. Madison, IA, also admitted to having marijuana in her possession.
A search of the vehicle uncovered suspected marijuana and multiple items of drug paraphernalia. Deputies then checked Mr. Coffel’s information through dispatch and discovered he had an active warrant in Des Moines County.
Coffel was arrested on the local warrant and additionally charged with possession of marijuana (first offense), possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving without a valid license. Young was charged with possession of a controlled substance (marijuana, second offense) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
A CRIMINAL CHARGE IS MERELY AN ACCUSATION, AND THE DEFENDANT IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.