Hunter
02/13/24
An Iowa City transient faces multiple charges after allegedly setting up residence in a vacant Iowa City Marketplace business.
Police were called to the former Sycamore Mall after owners requested the removal of 41-year-old Michael Johnson and others after they were found illegally sheltering in a vacant space. A makeshift bedroom was reportedly claimed by Johnson, and police allegedly discovered a small tin containing methamphetamine next to his bed.
12 blue pills marked “M30” were also reportedly found. When authentic, they are Oxycodone Hydrochoride, a Schedule II Controlled substance. However, based on the pill’s appearance, packaging, and recent history of the street drug market in the state, police believed them to be pressed Fentanyl pills.
As he was being arrested, Johnson reportedly asked the officer to retrieve his cellphone. The device was allegedly found on top of a meth pipe.
Johnson was charged with two Controlled Substance violations, Failure to affix Drug Stamp, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. If convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to over seven years in prison.