Melissa Larson. Photo courtesy of GCSO
A Jefferson woman was recently arrested for allegedly possessing and selling illegal drugs.
According to court documents, the Jefferson Police Department was notified on September 12, 2025 from a tip about the possibility of selling illegal drugs from another individual. Court documents show that officers learned about where the illegal substances were being sold and the residence was put under surveillance from October 14th-November 6th, and several individuals had visited, who had previous drug histories.
The criminal complaint shows that police field tested some discarded items that were found in the garbage from the residence at curbside, and the results were positive for cannabis. Court documents state that a search warrant was executed on November 21st, where several drug-related items were seized, which were later tested at the Criminalistics Laboratory and came back positive for 272.3 grams of methamphetamine, 16.47 grams of marijuana, 13,36 grams of psilocyn mushrooms and several prescription medications, along with other drug paraphernalia. The affidavit notes that there were two children that were also living in the residence. Court documents show that an Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Agent was assigned to the case and the suspect admitted to the agent on January 7th that she sold illegal drugs from their home.
An arrest warrant was issued on January 22nd for 47-year-old Melissa Larson, charging her with two Class C Felonies for manufacturing or intent to deliver methamphetamine and mushrooms, four Class D Felonies for third or subsequent offense for possession of a controlled substance violation, two Class D Felonies for failure to affix drug stamp, a Class D Felony for manufacturing or intent to deliver marijuana, two aggravated misdemeanors for child endangerment, four serious misdemeanors for unlawful possession of prescription medications and a simple misdemeanor for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Court documents state that Larson was arrested on January 28th and was booked into the Greene County Jail where she remains under a $50,000 cash or surety bond. Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.