Hunter
04/10/22
A Middle Amana man with at least five drug possession convictions between 2001 and 2019 was charged with the offense again in connection with an OWI arrest.
Police say 39-year-old Brandon Lefever was stopped near the intersection of Keokuk and Southgate in Iowa City at approximately 7:35 pm Friday, after reportedly being observed making an improper turn from Cross Park Avenue onto Keokuk. Upon contact, Lefever was reportedly unaware that an officer was standing at his driver’s side window, and allegedly began shoving contraband into his jacket.
Lefever admitted to being under the influence of methamphetamine, as evidenced by his behavior. Police say his body movements were all over the place, rocking back and forth, unable to stop moving his jaw back and forth, and unable to maintain eye contact. A K9 was requested and alerted to drugs in the vehicle. A subsequent probable cause search reportedly turned up 5 grams of a substance that Lefever admitted was Meth, 4.6 grams of marijuana and a digital scale. He also allegedly admitted several times during the interaction that he was under the influence.
A drug recognition expert confirmed that Lefever was under the influence of an illegal stimulant and unable to safely operate a vehicle.
Lefever was charged with OWI second offense and possession of a controlled substance 3rd or subsequent offense. If convicted on both counts, he could be sentenced to up to seven years in prison.