Meth, marijuana, fake cash found in car after Lone Tree crash

LONE TREE - Meth, marijuana and drug-related items were found in a vehicle following a crash in April.

Esau Rios, 37, of Washington, Iowa, was driving in the area of Highway 22 and Utah Avenue when he crashed the vehicle at 5:51 a.m. April 26, according to the Johnson County Sheriff's Office. Deputies said drugs, drug paraphernalia and tools were spread inside and outside the vehicle.

After obtaining a search warrant for the vehicle, deputies found meth, a green leafy substance thought to be marijuana, scales, bags, fake cash, a cooking spoon and other drug-related items.

Police said multiple power tools and jewelry also were inside the vehicle. Rios refused to talk with deputies about the items, the criminal complaints state.

Deputies said a passenger in the vehicle admitted to smoking meth with Rios about 3 a.m. Authorities said Rios and the passenger appeared to be under the influence.

Rios denied driving the vehicle and refused to provide a sample of his blood or urine.

Rios was arrested Friday morning. He faces charges of controlled substance violation, a Class C felony; operating under the influence, a serious misdemeanor; two counts of possession of a controlled substance, a serious misdemeanor; interference with official acts and possession of drug paraphernalia, both simple misdemeanors; and driving with a license that is denied, suspended, canceled or revoked.

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