An Oskaloosa man was arrested early Thursday at a West Des Moines motel allegedly in possession of drugs and in the company of a prohibited companion.
David Brian Baxter, 54, of 1103 N. First St., Oskaloosa, was charged with first-offense possession of a controlled substance and violation of a no-contact order.
The incident began about 2 a.m. Thursday, when officers of the West Des Moines Police Department made contact with two males in a parked vehicle at a motel at 7655 Office Plaza Dr. N. in West Des Moines.
According to court records, both men “immediately became extremely nervous, and the passenger appeared to be under the influence of narcotics. The driver also made furtive movements toward his seat and center console area.”
Subsequent investigation disclosed Baxter and the other man “were not supposed to be together and were at the hotel using narcotics.”
According to court records, officers could see “a needle cap and spoon consistent with drug use” inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle disclosed “a small amount of a crystal-like substance consistent with methamphetamine, a weight scale, individual clear baggies and syringes.”
According to court records, “both admitting to using methamphetamine,” and Baxter later allegedly “admitted to selling methamphetamine” and “using methamphetamine” and said “that is was reasonable to think the methamphetamine was his” in the vehicle.
The protected subject of the no-contact order told police that Baxter picked him up “in Des Moines three days ago,” and “he stayed with Baxter in his vehicle from that time until today.”
Baxter is held in the Dallas County Jail on a $1,300 cash or surety bond. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing May 22 in Dallas County District Court.
*A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
