Billy Versteegh (Left), Eduardo Soto (Right)

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Marshalltown man and an Eagle Grove man Friday for multiple charges relating to drug possession and illegal carrying of a firearm.

At approximately 2:15 pm on May 21st, Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a vehicle that was in the ditch at the intersection of 216th place and County Highway T17. One of the deputies arrived on scene and collected the names of the occupants. The passenger, 34-year-old Eduardo Soto of Eagle Grove, allegedly gave the deputy the wrong name in an attempt to hide outstanding warrants. Soto was then placed under arrest and put into the back of the deputy’s vehicle, during which time the driver, 32-year old Billy Versteegh of Marshalltown, attempted to flee the scene on foot. Versteegh ran through a bean field, flattening several crops before being placed in handcuffs. 

Soto allegedly made a comment to the deputy that there was an unknown amount of methamphetamine in the vehicle. During the probable cause search of the vehicle, the deputy located 45.15 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, multiple firearms and ammo, unused small baggies, and a digital scale. Soto allegedly admitted to knowing the drugs and guns were in the vehicle and that they belonged to Versteegh. The deputy then learned that both individuals had prior felony convictions.

Versteegh is charged with a Class B felony for a controlled substance violation and two Class D felonies for control of a firearm by a felon and failure to affix a drug stamp, in addition to four misdemeanors and a scheduled violation. 

Soto is also charged with a Class B felony for a controlled substance violation and two Class D felonies for control of a firearm by a felon and failure to affix a drug stamp, in addition to two misdemeanors.