Iowa City man who asked police to secure his vehicle upon arrest charged after drugs found inside

Hunter
04/11/23

An Iowa City man being arrested on an outstanding warrant asked police to secure his vehicle, and now faces additional charges after drugs were found inside.

Police encountered 33-year-old David Roberts of Aniston Street on the 2200 block of Muscatine Avenue, and attempted to serve the warrant. According to the police report, Roberts encroached on the arrest. Officers told Roberts to step back, to which he allegedly replied “no” and remained in place.

Roberts was arrested, and he reportedly asked officers to secure his car. Officers who secured the vehicle allegedly observed a strong smell of raw marijuana, prompting a probable cause search.  About a half-ounce of marijuana, over 50 marijuana cartridges, a scale, packaging materials and a heat sealer, indicating Roberts was selling and distributing the drug was allegedly located.

Roberts was charged with Interference with Official Acts, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Keeping Vehicle for Controlled Substances, a Class D Controlled Substance violation, and Failure to Affix Drug Stamp,  If convicted on all counts, Roberts could be sentenced to over 13 years in prison.