Buchanan County Sheriff's Office

Buchanan County Sheriff's Office This is the official page of the Buchanan County (Iowa) Sheriff’s Office. The hours shown pertain to the Administrative and Civil Offices.

The Buchanan County Sheriff's Office is comprised of Deputies, Investigators, Instructors, Civil Staff, Dispatchers and Corrections Officers all under a command staff led by Sheriff Scott Buzynski and Chief Deputy Chris Chesmore. The Patrol Division, Communications and Correctional Center are active 24/7.

05/31/2026

Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office
Media Releases for week of May 24-30, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE
On Monday, May 24, 2026 at approximately 11:05 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Matthew David McMurrain, 38, of Delaware. McMurrain was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance (serious misdemeanor), Ineligible to Carry Weapons (serious misdemeanor) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor). This arrest was made following a traffic stop in the 400 blk Fifth Avenue NE in Independence.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Tuesday, May 25, 2026 at approximately 8:40 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Christopher Lee Verlon White, 36, of Independence. White was charged with Going Armed with Intent (class D felony) and Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon (class D felony).

MEDIA RELEASE
On Tuesday, May 25, 2026 at approximately 9:00 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Thomas Earl Overly, 75, of Quasqueton. Overly was charged with first offense Operating While Intoxicated/Impaired (serious misdemeanor). This arrest was made following an incident in the 300 blk South Third Street in Quasqueton.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Thursday, May 27, 2026 a approximately 1:35 am, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested John William Thompson, Jr., 36, of Shawano, WI. Thompson was charged with three counts of Possession of Controlled Substance (serious misdemeanor), one count of Drug Tax Stamp Violation (class D felony), one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor) and cited for Failure to Have Valid Driver License, Failure to Carry Registration, Failure to Provie Proof of Insurance and Improper Registration Lamp. This arrest was made following a traffic stop near the 263 mile marker of Hwy 20.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Friday, May 28, 2026 at approximately 6:30 am, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Jeffrey Alan Werling, 54, of Quasqueton. Werling was charged with Assault Causing Bodily Injury (serious misdemeanor) and held on bond at the Buchanan County Jail.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Friday, May 29, 2026 at approximately 4:25 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Christopher Lee Verlon White, 36, of Independence. White was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Buchanan County for Probation Violation and held on bond at the Buchanan County Jail.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Friday, May 29, 2026 at approximately 5:05 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Tyler Michael Schares, 28, of Independence. Schares was charged with Driving While License Barred (aggravated misdemeanor). This arrest was made following a traffic stop in the 1900 blk Third Avenue SE in Independence.

NOTICE: A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

05/29/2026

👖 Casual for a Cause 👖

Every Friday, our staff donates to wear jeans—and those small contributions add up to something big! Each year, our branch locations choose a local organization to support with the proceeds from our “Casual for a Cause” Fridays.

This year, our Independence location has chosen to support the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit. We're proud to give back to the places that make our towns special! 💙

Member FDIC

Recently, Deputy Ryan Gudenkauf and Deputy Cory Hartmann had the opportunity to speak with a local scout troop about the...
05/28/2026

Recently, Deputy Ryan Gudenkauf and Deputy Cory Hartmann had the opportunity to speak with a local scout troop about the Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit and Drone Program.

The scouts learned about how our K9 team assists with tracking, searches, and law enforcement operations, as well as how drones are used to support public safety through search and rescue operations, crash scene documentation, and other investigations.

We always appreciate the opportunity to connect with local youth and share more about the work being done to serve and protect our communities. Thank you to the scout troop leaders for inviting us!

05/27/2026

Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office
Media Releases for week of May 17-23, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE
On Sunday, May 17, 2026 at approximately 2:15 am, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a 17-year-old male juvenile of Jesup, charging him with first offense Operating While Intoxicated/Impaired (serious misdemeanor). This arrest was made following a disturbance in the 1200 blk Clayton Blvd.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Monday, May 18, 2026 at approximately 7:35 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Cameron James McNeese, 21, of Independence. McNeese was charged with Driving While License Barred (aggravated misdemeanor). This arrest was made in the 1200 blk First Avenue NE in Independence.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Thursday, May 21, 2026 at approximately 4:15 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Tanya Jolene Myers, 44, of Winthrop. Myers was charged with Driving While License Barred (aggravated misdemeanor), Driving While License Suspended (simple misdemeanor), Failure to Carry SR22 Insurance as Required (simple misdemeanor), second offence Domestic Abuse Assault Causing Injury (aggravated misdemeanor) and Dependent Adult Abuse (serious misdemeanor). This arrest was made following a disturbance in the 300 blk Madison Stret in Winthrop.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Friday, May 22, 2026 at approximately 2:15 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Montavious Kentrell Smith, 41, of Waterloo. Smith was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Buchanan County for original charges of second degree Theft (class D felony) and Tampering with Witness (class D felony), and taken into custody from the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Saturday, May 23, 2026 at approximately 6:40 am, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Jeffrey Muhammed Vaughn, 52, of Cedar Rapids. Vaughn was charged with third or subsequent offense Domestic Abuse Assault (class D felony), Domestic Abuse assault While Impeding Airflow (aggravated misdemeanor) and third or subsequent offense Possession of Controlled Substance (aggravated misdemeanor). This arrest was made following a disturbance in the 400 blk Warren Street in Aurora.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Saturday, May 23, 2026 at approximately 3:55 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Karla Jean Mrstik, 57, of Independence. Mrstik was charged with Eluding Law Enforcement (class D felony), Possession of Controlled Substance (serious misdemeanor), Ineligible to Carry Weapon (serious misdemeanor), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor) and cited for Speed Violation, Reckless Driving and Unsafe Passing. This arrest was made in the 2000 blk Wapsie Access Blvd. The Iowa State Patrol assisted in this arrest.

NOTICE: A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

On Thursday, May 14, we were proud to participate in Progressive Agriculture Safety Day at Heartland Acres with Buchanan...
05/26/2026

On Thursday, May 14, we were proud to participate in Progressive Agriculture Safety Day at Heartland Acres with Buchanan County second grade students!

Deputy Hartmann and Deputy Rans spent time teaching students about roadway safety, including how to safely walk near roads, stay alert around traffic, and make smart choices while outside. We also discussed stranger danger and the importance of knowing what to do if approached by someone they do not know.

The students also had the opportunity to check out our patrol vehicles and learn more about the equipment Deputies use every day to help keep our communities safe.

We appreciate the opportunity to work with our local students and help promote safety awareness at a young age. Thank you to ISU Extension & Outreach, and everyone who helped organize another great event at Heartland Acres!

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Their co...
05/25/2026

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten.

As we spend time with family and friends this Memorial Day, please take a moment to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy because of those who gave everything for our nation.

From all of us at the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, thank you to our fallen heroes and the families who carry their legacy forward.

05/20/2026

Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office
Media Releases for week of May 10-16, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE
On Sunday, May 10, 2026 at approximately 4:50 am, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Oo Reh, 23, of Rockford, IL. Reh was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Buchanan County for original charges of first offense Operating While Intoxicated/Impaired (serious misdemeanor) and Possession of Controlled Substance (serious misdemeanor), and taken into custody from the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Sunday, May 10, 2026 at approximately 2:15 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Robert Campbell III, 48, of Waterloo. Campbell was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Buchanan County for an original charge of second degree Theft (class D felony) and held on bond at the Buchanan County Jail.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Sunday, May 10, 2026 at approximately 6:20 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested John Thomas Siders, 55, of Lamont. Siders was charged with Assault (simple misdemeanor), Disorderly Conduct (simple misdemeanor), Interference with Official Acts (simple misdemeanor) and Harassment of a Public Official (simple misdemeanor). This arrest was made following a disturbance in the 900 blk Prospect Street in Lamont.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Monday, May 11, 2026 at approximately 5:35 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Mathew James Chapman, 46, of Brandon. Chapman was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Story County for Failure to Appear. This arrest was made in the 600 blk South Street in Brandon.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at approximately 5:00 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Ethan Joseph Waltzoni, 30, of Stanley. Waltzoni was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Buchanan County for an original charge of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor) and held on bond at the Buchanan County Jail.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at approximately 5:00 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Christian David Boll, 19, of Stanley. Boll was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Buchanan County for original charges of Possession of Controlled Substance (serious misdemeanor) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor), and held on bond at the Buchanan County Jail.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at approximately 6:30 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested James Martin Crawford, 65, of Oelwein. Crawford was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Buchanan County for Failure to Appear. This arrest was made in the 200 blk Main Street S in Hazleton.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Thursday, May 14, 2026 at approximately 1:05 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Brent Alan Olmstead, 34, of Independence. Olmstead was charged with second degree Theft (class D felony) and third degree Buglay (class D felony) and held on bond at the Buchanan County Jail. These charges stem from an incident in the 2000 blk Lee Avenue.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Thursday, May 14, 2026 at approximately 4:30 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Jeffrey Muhammed Vaughn, 52, of Cedar Rapids. Vaughn was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Buchanan County for an original charge of first offense Failure to Comply with S*x Offender Registry (aggravated misdemeanor) and held on bond at the Buchanan County Jail.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Thursday, May 14, 2026 at approximately 6:15 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Joseph Lynn Bernard, 39, of Jesup. Bernard was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Buchanan County for Failure to Appear. This arrest was made in the 800 blk Church Street in Jesup.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Friday, May 15, 2026 at approximately 6:45 am, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Michael Dean Hackert, 55, of Quasqueton. Hackert was charged with third degree Criminal Mischief (aggravated misdemeanor) and held on bond at the Buchanan County Jail.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Friday, May 15, 2026 at approximately 11:40 am, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Robert Peter Gates, 85, of Brandon. Gates was charged with first degree Harassment (aggravated misdemeanor) and Domestic Abuse Assault (simple misdemeanor). This arrest was made in the 400 blk South Street in Brandon.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Saturday, May 16, 2026 at approximately 11:55 am, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Myles Jeffrey Cornwell, 40, of Van Horne. Cornwell was charged with Domestic Abuse Assault (simple misdemeanor) and fourth degree Criminal Mischief (serious misdemeanor). This arrest was made following a disturbance in the 2400 blk 130th Street.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Saturday, May 16, 2026 at approximately 5:15 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Robert Peter Gates, 85, of Brandon. Gates was charged with Violation of Protection Order (simple misdemeanor). This arrest was made in the 400 blk South Street in Brandon.

MEDIA RELEASE
On Saturday, May 16, 2026 at approximately 9:15 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Alexander Edward Eschen, 32, of Independence. Eschen was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Buchanan County for Failure to Appear. This arrest was made in the 900 blk Third Street SW in Independence.

NOTICE: A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Join us for the Sheriff’s K9 Golf Tournament!The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office invites you to participate in our Sher...
05/17/2026

Join us for the Sheriff’s K9 Golf Tournament!

The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office invites you to participate in our Sheriff’s K9 Golf Tournament on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Three Elms Golf Course near Independence.

Come enjoy a great day of golf while supporting the Sheriff’s Office K9 Program. Proceeds from the tournament help support training, equipment, and care for our K9 Unit.

Gather your team, enjoy a fun day on the course, and help support a great cause! Additional details on registration, start times, and sponsorship opportunities can be found on the flyer!

Please share, and we hope to see you there!

During National Police Week, we were incredibly grateful for the many snacks, treats, and goodies dropped off for our st...
05/16/2026

During National Police Week, we were incredibly grateful for the many snacks, treats, and goodies dropped off for our staff.

The kindness and support shown by our communities means more than words can express. Thank you to everyone who took the time to think of our Deputies, Jail Staff, Dispatchers, and Office Personnel this week. Your generosity and encouragement are truly appreciated!

May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month — a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical heal...
05/16/2026

May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month — a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health.

The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone to take time to check in on themselves, their family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. A simple conversation, kind word, or willingness to listen can make a difference in someone’s life.

Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or profession. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling, know that support is available and you are not alone.

This month, let’s continue working together to build a stronger, safer, and more compassionate community by supporting mental wellness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.

Address

210 5th Avenue NE
Independence, IA
50644

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+13193342568

Website

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