On 01/04/2021 the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office was called to investigate the theft of packages from a residence in Ruthven. During the course of the investigation a female suspect was identified as Riley Fagen (18) of Ruthven.
On 01/05/2021 the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s contacted Riley at her residence in the 1800 block of Bruce St., Ruthven, Iowa. As a result of that contact and the continuing investigation, a search warrant for the residence was applied for and granted. As a result of the search warrant Riley Fagen was placed under arrest and charged with theft 5th degree (simple misdemeanor), trespassing (simple misdemeanor), possession of marijuana (serious misdemeanor), possession of methamphetamine (serious misdemeanor), possession of drug paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor) and distribution to a person under 18 (B felony). Benjamin Novack (21) of Jeffers, Minnesota was placed under arrest and charged with possession of marijuana 2nd offense (serious misdemeanor), possession of controlled substance 3rd offense (D felony), possession of drug paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor), and distribution to a person under 18 (B felony). Brandon Harris (38) of Milford, Iowa was placed under arrest and charged with possession of marijuana 3rd offense (aggravated misdemeanor), possession of controlled substance 3rd offense (D felony), possession of drug paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor), and distribution to a person under 18 (B felony).
Riley, Benjamin, and Brandon were all transported to the Palo Alto County Jail and booked in to await their initial appearance before a judge.
A 17-year-old juvenile was also located at the residence. That juvenile was placed under arrest and charged with possession of methamphetamine (serious misdemeanor), possession of marijuana (serious misdemeanor) and possession of drug paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor). The juvenile was transported to the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office and released to a parent.
The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Emmetsburg Police Department at the Sheriff’s Office with the handling and processing of the suspects.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.