Ely Man Charged with Cocaine Possession After Jail Booking

Police allegedly found drugs on the 21-year-old after responding to a call about him refusing to leave an apartment complex.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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An Ely, Iowa man named William Horrigan was arrested early Saturday morning on charges of public intoxication after police were called to an apartment complex where he allegedly refused to leave. During the arrest, police reportedly found a bag of cocaine in Horrigan's wallet. After he was booked into the Johnson County Jail, another bag of suspected cocaine was discovered on his person by a sheriff's deputy.

Why it matters

Illegal drug possession, especially within a correctional facility, is a serious offense that can lead to significant prison time. This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing substance abuse and drug-related crimes in the community.

The details

Police were called to the 100 block of East 7th St in Iowa City around 12:40am on Saturday for reports of an individual, later identified as 21-year-old William Horrigan, who was refusing to leave an apartment complex. Officers observed Horrigan walking in the roadway and noted signs of intoxication, including bloodshot watery eyes, slurred speech, and impaired balance. Horrigan was arrested for public intoxication, and a search reportedly turned up a bag of white powder suspected to be cocaine in his wallet. After being booked into the Johnson County Jail, an additional bag of suspected cocaine was discovered on Horrigan's person by a sheriff's deputy.

  • Police responded to the call around 12:40am on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • Horrigan was arrested and booked into the Johnson County Jail on February 8, 2026.

The players

William Horrigan

A 21-year-old man from Ely, Iowa who was arrested on charges of public intoxication and drug possession.

Johnson County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency that booked Horrigan into the county jail and discovered additional suspected cocaine on his person.

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What’s next

Horrigan faces charges of controlled substance violation, possession of contraband in a correctional institution, and public intoxication. If convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to over six years in prison.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing substance abuse and drug-related crimes, even within the criminal justice system itself. It raises questions about addiction, rehabilitation, and the effectiveness of current approaches to drug enforcement.