William "Billy" Zimmerman

Joanne Harmon

Drug Raid Lands 2 in Jail, Child in Protective Custody

Formal drug charges are expected to be filed today by the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office following a raid on a Columbus home Tuesday.

As the result of an ongoing investigation into meth distribution, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office raided the residence at 702 West Country Road, just after 7:00 Tuesday evening.  The home is near Central Elementary and Junior High School.

During the course of the search, Sheriff's Investigators discovered suspected methamphetamine, which appeared to be packaged for distribution, along with paraphernalia items consistent with drug sales.

A juvenile, who was present at the time, was taken into police protective custody. 

William “Billy” Zimmerman, 29 of Parsons, was arrested at the scene and is currently being held in the Cherokee County Jail in lieu of $62,000.00 bond on allegations of Distributing Methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a School, Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Distribute Within 1,000 feet of a School, Using a Communication Device to Further a Drug Transaction, Aggravated Child Endangerment, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Also arrested was Joanne Harmon, 41, of the home, who is being held on allegations of Possessing Meth with Intent to Distribute within 1,000 feet of a school, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Harmon’s bond is currently set at $34,500.00.

“I'm proud of the work our investigators have done, and continue to do, with this ongoing case.  Not only were we able to remove a young child from a dangerous environment, but we were also able to remove methamphetamine from our community and put those who are willing to sell illegal drugs near our elementary school, behind bars," stated Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves.

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