March 19, 2024

Newton man arrested in large meth bust

A Newton man was one of four men arrested on Wednesday in relation to a large drug bust which resulted in the seizure of 33 pounds of methamphetamine.

Brian Lee Carmer, 35, was arrested at his residence at 122 W 10th St. N after law enforcement personnel executed a federal search warrant at his home. Officers also executed search warrants at two other locations, both in Ottumwa.

Also arrested in relation to Carmer were three men from Ottumwa; Michael McManus Jr., 35, Terry Lee Young, 58, and Juan Hernandez-Huerta, 25.

The bust was part of a yearlong investigation by several law enforcement agencies. The Ottumwa Police Chief Tom McAndrew stated in a press release that the during the investigation officers conducted more than 20 controlled purchases of methamphetamine from numerous offenders.

KTVO-TV in Ottumwa is reporting the investigation is still ongoing and more arrests are imminent.