Former Mount Pleasant High School Janitor Sold Meth Out of High School Parking Lot, Police Say

Clockwise from top: Lonnie Jones, Brandon Garrels, Matthew McDowell, James Corder. Courtesy: Henry County Sheriff's Department

Clockwise from top: Lonnie Jones, Brandon Garrels, Matthew McDowell, James Corder. Courtesy: Henry County Sheriff’s Department

A former employee at Mount Pleasant High School is in jail after a police investigation revealed that he was allegedly selling methamphetamine out of the high school parking lot during his employment.

43 year old Lonnie Jones was arrested after a search warrant was executed at 808 Washington Street in Mount Pleasant. Jones was employed as a custodian at Mount Pleasant High School until earlier this month, when the allegations were revealed. Police say that Jones only sold the drugs to non-students. Jones is charged with conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine, and serious misdemenor possession of marijuana. Drug pipes and Methamphetamine were seized from his belongings at the high school. Further charges are pending for Jones.

Three others were also arrested as a result of search warrants connected to the case. They are 35 year old James Corder of Mount Pleasant, arrested on conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine and poessesion of methamphetamine, 35 year old Matthew McDowell of Rome was arrested on possession of firearms by an unathorized person, 38 year old Brandon Garrels of Rome also arrested on meth possession charges.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Department was assisted by the Jefferson County Tactical Team, Mount Pleasant Police, New London Police, and the Iowa State Patrol among other agencies in the investigation.