Fessenden  (CSi)  The preliminary hearing for former Wells County Sheriff Johnny Zip Lawson is set for September 8, 2017 at 10-a.m., at the Wells County Courthouse.

Lawson faces several charges including felony counts of conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine and bribery. Misdemeanor counts of providing false information to a law enforcement officer, neglect of duty by a public official and ingesting meth.

Court documents show Lawson has pleaded not guilty to three of the misdemeanor charges, but no plea has been listed for the two felony charges.

Lawson is currently free on a $25,000 bond.

 

Previously…

FESSENDEN, N.D. (AP) – A judge says a former North Dakota sheriff who is facing charges for dealing drugs and bribery should be allowed to travel out of state.

Southeast District Court Judge Daniel Narum made the ruling at a bond hearing for Johnny Zip Lawson on Wednesday. Lawson is charged with conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance, bribery, false reports to law enforcement or other security officials, public servant refusing to perform duty and ingesting a controlled substance.

Wells County State’s Attorney Kathleen Murray opposed the motion, saying Lawson was a danger to others, namely witnesses and informants.

Narum ruled that Lawson can travel to South Dakota and Montana with the stipulation that any travel to Montana must be work-related.