On Tuesday, Sept. 16, Patricia A. McLain, 54, of Benton, was taken into custody on tentative charges of possession and distribution of methamphetamine, said a press release from the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department.
    According to the press release, at around 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Lafayette County Sheriff’s deputies, members of the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force and the Iowa County K-9, Rosko, executed a search warrant at a residence in the village of Benton, where McLain was taken into custody. During the search, a significant amount of methamphetamine was recovered, said the press release.
    According to Lafayette County Sheriff, Scott Pedley, the amount of meth seized was 256.5 grams, which with a street value of approximately $80-$100 per gram, makes for an estimated worth of between $20,500 to $25,000 total street value.
    Based on a tip, Lafayette County detectives requested assistance from the Richland -Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force to investigate a location in Iowa County, which then revealed the involvement of McLain, explained the press release.
    McLain is facing four counts of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, along with misdemeanor charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. She faces a maximum of 40 years in prison and $100,000 in fines on each felony charge if convicted.
    A preliminary hearing on the matter is scheduled in Lafayette County Circuit Court on Thursday, Oct. 2 at 10:30 a.m.