Mahaska County Rangers Crack Down on Meth Trade: Three in Custody

After several months of investigations, the Rangers of the Mahaska County Conservation Board have made three arrests
in reference to the sale and use of methamphetamines at Eveland Access Campground (2890 Galveston Ave, Oskaloosa,
IA).

On October 17, 2023, at approximately 02:24 p.m., Rangers initiated a traffic stop in the 1800 block of Indian Way in
Oskaloosa on a vehicle being driven by Tiny Northway of Beacon, IA, and the passenger of the vehicle Michael Peterson
of Lovilia, IA. A K-9 officer from the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office was deployed to the stop and indicated the
presence of illegal drugs inside the vehicle.

Evidence was collected at the scene of the stop, and Rangers obtained a search warrant for a 1995 Covington RV
belonging to Heather Goemaat of Bussey, IA, which was located at campsite 10 of Eveland Access Campground.
At the conclusion of the investigation –
Northway was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Peterson was arrested and charged with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine (Class B Felony), failure to
affix a drug tax stamp (Class D Felony), possession of a controlled substance 3rd or subsequent offense (Class D Felony),
possession of contraband in a correctional institution (Class D Felony), interference with official acts, and possession of
drug paraphernalia.

Goemaat was later arrested and charged with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine (Class B Felony),
possession of a controlled substance 3rd or subsequent offense (Class D Felony), gathering where controlled substances
are used (Class D Felony), unlawful possession of a prescription drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Items seized were $1,968 in cash, 25.7 grams of methamphetamines, multiple items of drug paraphernalia, and the 1995
Covington RV. Currently, Peterson and Goemaat are being held at the Mahaska County Jail with no bond.

Rangers were assisted by the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office, The Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement task force, and the
Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The Mahaska County Conservation Board is dedicated to providing safe and quality recreational opportunities to the
citizens and visitors of Mahaska County.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.