Officials with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Monday afternoon, issued a report on numerous recent arrests. Last Saturday (Aug. 11), two people were arrested on drug charges, following a traffic stop. 29-year old Benjamin Tomoya Sorensen of Harlan was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance (Marijuana), Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The second party in another vehicle arrested, 26-year old Brooke Rena Petersen of Audubon, was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance (Marijuana). Both were transferred to the Shelby County Jail for processing, and upon further investigation Petersen was assessed an additional charge of Possession of Contraband in a Controlled Facility, a Class D Felony. The charge was added after officials discovered additional marijuana hidden on her person. Both subjects had an initial appearance in front of the magistrate Sunday morning and were given a date to appear in court and then released on their own recognizance.

Also arrested Saturday was 20-year-old Evelyn Marie Rzonca of Portsmouth. Her arrest followed a call for deputies to respond to a residence on Dogwood Avenue for a woman destroying property. The subject was later identified as Rzonca. She was charged with Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree (Class D Felony) and transported to the Shelby County Jail without incident. She had her initial appearance Sunday, and was being held in the Shelby County Jail on a $5,000 cash/surety bond. Harlan Police assisted in making the arrest.

On Sunday, Shelby County Deputies arrested 32-year-old Michael John Carroll of Shelby after they were called to a residence with regard to a disturbance. Carroll was charged with Domestic Abuse Assault by Strangulation. He was held until Monday and then released on a $2,000 cash/surety bond, with a future court date assessed.

Last Tuesday, Deputies in Shelby County arrested 44-year-old Gary Wayne Hastings of Shelby on an outstanding warrant. Hastings was charged earlier last month with Willful Injury (Class D Felony) through the District Court of Shelby County. He was located in Shelby and arrested on the outstanding active warrant. Hastings was later released on a $5,000 cash/surety bond.

And, on Aug. 4th, 34-year-old Jordan Michael Flaherty of Harlan, was arrested on drug charges, after authorities were called the 59’er Motel outside of Harlan for a male party who was refusing to leave. Harlan Police assisted in the arrest. Flaherty was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) a Class D Felony, Prohibited Acts and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was transported to the Shelby County Jail, where he posted bond and was released later that evening.

That same day (Aug. 4th,) 22-year-old Andrew James Nippert of Council Bluffs, was arrested on drug and weapon charges, following a traffic stop.  Nippert was charged with Operating while Intoxicated (2nd Offense) Possession of Controlled Substance 2nd Offense (Marijuana), Prohibited Acts, Carrying Weapons, and Driving while Revoked. He was transported the Shelby County Jail and later released on $2,000 bond. The Shelby County K-9 Unit assisted in the investigation.