Accident Led to Drug Arrest: Jefferson County Sheriff Office

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department investigated an accident on Sunday, December 28^th on Highway 34 East of Batavia.  Derek Lankford, 30 of Ottumwa lost control of his vehicle while travelling westbound and ended up in the ditch, rolling the vehicle, and striking a cement culvert.  Lankford and a passenger sustained minor injuries in the accident.  According to the sheriff’s office, 16.57 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found in the vehicle following the execution of a search warrant.  Upon release from the hospital, Lankford was arrested and charged with a control substance and drug tax stamp violation, driving while barred, and possession of drug paraphernalia.