Traffic Stop Results in Arrests
South-East Iowa Inter-Agency Drug Task Force
On Tuesday, October 1, 2019, at approximately 5:45 a.m., officers from the Southeast Iowa Inter-Agency Drug Task Force, Wapello County Sherriff’s Department, and the Ottumwa Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle south of Eddyville, Iowa on Highway 63. The traffic stop was a result of an ongoing investigation being conducted by the drug task force.
After the traffic stop was initiated, officers executed a search warrant on the vehicle and driver of the vehicle, Diego Gutierrez. As a result of the search, officers seized over 2 pounds of methamphetamine, cash, and scales.
Diego Gutierrez, age 23, of 214 W. 5th Apt. A, Ottumwa, was arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Deliver (more than 5 grams), a Class “B” Felony and Failure to Affix a Drug Tax Stamp, a Class “D” Felony.
A passenger in the vehicle was identified as Jessica Grace Hill, age 31, of 147 N. Ward, Ottumwa. Hill was arrested and charged with Prohibited Acts, Possession of Methamphetamine, a Serious Misdemeanor and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Simple Misdemeanor.
In addition to the traffic stop, officers executed search warrants at a camper located in Greater Ottumwa Park and an apartment located 214 W. 5th, Apt. A, Ottumwa, both connected to Gutierrez.
Gutierrez remains in custody at the Wapello County Jail with no bond and Hill has bonded out of jail.
Please note the following pursuant to recent Supreme Court rulings: “A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
