On January 1, 2025, at 7:11 PM, 20-year-old Emerson Kathy Griffin was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Iowa. She faces multiple charges, including violation of probation under statute 908.11, two counts of controlled substance violations under statute 124.401(1)(c)(2)(b), failure to affix a drug stamp under statute 453B.12, and possession of a controlled substance—second offense—under statute 124.401(5). Griffin is described as 5’8″ tall, weighing 130 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes, and resides in Carlisle, Iowa.
This arrest follows previous incidents:
- On October 28, 2024, Griffin was arrested in Polk County on charges of possession of a controlled substance—second offense—and violation of probation.
- On October 15, 2024, she faced charges of possession of a controlled substance—second offense—and possession of drug paraphernalia.
These repeated offenses suggest a pattern of legal issues related to controlled substances over the past year.
A violation of probation under Iowa Code § 908.11 occurs when an individual fails to comply with the conditions set by the court, such as failing drug tests, missing probation meetings, or committing new offenses. The consequences depend on the nature of the violation and the discretion of the court. Penalties may include revocation of probation, resulting in the individual serving the original sentence in jail or prison. Alternatively, the court may impose additional probation conditions, such as extended supervision, mandatory treatment programs, or community service.
Under Iowa Code § 124.401(1)(c)(2)(b), this statute applies to possession with intent to deliver or manufacturing controlled substances, often involving Schedule I or II drugs. This is classified as a Class C felony, carrying severe penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines ranging from $1,370 to $13,660 per count. Additional penalties may include mandatory participation in a substance abuse treatment program and suspension of driving privileges. Convictions for drug-related felonies can also lead to long-term consequences, such as difficulties finding employment and housing or restrictions on federal benefits.
Iowa law requires individuals possessing or distributing controlled substances to purchase and affix state-issued drug tax stamps to the substances. Failure to comply is a Class D felony under Iowa Code § 453B.12. Penalties include up to 5 years in prison, fines ranging from $1,025 to $10,245, and potential restitution payments. This charge is often pursued alongside other drug-related offenses and is designed to impose financial accountability on illegal drug transactions.
Under Iowa Code § 124.401(5), possession of a controlled substance—second offense—is a serious misdemeanor. Penalties include up to 1 year in jail, a fine ranging from $430 to $2,560, and a mandatory minimum fine of at least $855. Additional consequences may include mandatory completion of a substance abuse evaluation and treatment program, as well as suspension of driving privileges for up to 6 months.
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Charges Below:
Booking Date: 01/01/25 City: Polk County, Iowa Age/YOB: 20
Hair: Brown Eyes: Blue Weight: 130 Height: 5'08" Gender: Female
| Title | Type | Bond |
| O OTHR 908.11 VIOLATION OF PROBATION - 1985 | $ | |
| F FELC 124.401(1)(c)(2)(b) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE VIOLATION | $ | |
| F FELC 124.401(1)(c)(2)(b) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE VIOLATION | $ | |
| f feld 453b.12 failure to affix drug stamp | $ | |
| M AGMS 124.401(5) POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE - 2ND OFFENSE | $ |