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Union County man arrested on drug charges in Union County

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March 18th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Mount Ayr, Iowa) – The Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office reports a man from neighboring Union County was arrested Thursday night on drug charges, following a traffic stop. Authorities say 46-year-old Veron Thomas Nellis, of Arispe, was arrested just before 8-p.m., after the Ringgold County K-9 Unit (K9 “Scoty” and his handler, Deputy Ethan Baker), conducted a free air search of a vehicle Nellis was driving, that was pulled-over for a traffic offense.
After “Scoty” alerted to the presence of narcotics, a search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of drugs and paraphernalia, along with burglary tools. Nellis faces charges that include:
  • Possession of Controlled Substance–3rd or Subsequent Offense (‘D’ Felony)
  • Possession of Burglar’s Tools (Aggravated Misdemeanor)
  • Possession of Controlled Substance-Cannabidiol-1st Offense (Serious Misdemeanor)
  • (2 counts) Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drug (Serious Misdemeanor)
  • and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Simple Misdemeanor).
His cash-only bond was set at $10,000.

Vernon T. Nellis

*Any potential criminal charges identified above are merely allegations and any defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.