On Thursday, July 20, at approximately 6:30 PM Marshall County Sheriff’s Deputy Blake Bennett conducted a warrant service at 1351 South Michigan Street, the Family Express station. Deputy Bennett found 33-year-old James W. Bailey Jr. of Walkerton at the gas station and knew he had a warrant.
James Bailey had an active felony warrant for his arrest through Marshall County. When deputies were taking James into custody, he attempted to swallow two bags of suspected methamphetamine, but deputies were able to prevent him from doing so. James proceeded to resist law enforcement before being safely taken into custody.
The other occupant of the vehicle was identified as 34-year-old Sarah Shepperd of Argos. Suspected drugs were located in the vehicle. James and Sarah were transported to the Marshall County Jail.
James Bailey was booked in for Possession of Methamphetamine as a Level 5 Felony, Obstruction of Justice as a Level 6 Felony, and Resisting Law Enforcement as a Class A Misdemeanor along with his active felony warrant. He was held on a $3,000 cash bond.
Sarah Shepperd was booked for Possession/Deception of a Legend Drug as a Level 6 Felony. She was held on a $1,500 cash bond.
Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.
