Iowa City couple charged after selling marijuana to undercover officer

Hunter
03/15/24

An Iowa City couple has been charged after allegedly selling marijuana to an undercover officer with their child in tow.

According to the arrest report, 27-year-old Lana Meserole and 26-year-old Zachary Prestride, both of Southgate Avenue, sold an undercover officer 3.5 grams of marijuana for $25 on the 2000 block of Waterfront Drive the evening of February 22nd. Meserole reportedly stood outside of the undercover officer’s vehicle with her child while Prestridge conducted the deal.  Meserole allegedly messaged the undercover officer later about other drug deals that had occurred, showing that she knew about the drug transactions.

On March 6th, Prestridge reportedly sold an undercover officer seven grams of marijuana for $40.  He was holding his child while he allegedly conducted the drug deal.

He then reportedly  conducted another drug deal in view of law enforcement Monday evening. He was found with a large quantity of money rolled up in a rubber band.

Prestridge was charged with three counts of Controlled Substance violations and Failure to affix Drug Stamp, while Meserole was charged with one Controlled Substance violation. If convicted, Meserole could be sentenced to up to five years in prison; Prestridge could face up to 20 years.