Essential Estrogen

A Wright County Sheriff's Deputy, arrested yesterday for first degree harassment and domestic abuse assault, was released on his own recognizance this morning.

Jeffrey Donald Mericle, 39, of Goldfield, was arrested following a complaint by his wife relating to a domestic disturbance that morning at the couple's residence. Due to Mericle's ties to the law enforcement agency, the investigation was conducted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

Mericle made his initial appearance before a Wright County Magistrate this morning and was subsequently released on his own recognizance. He has been placed on paid administrative leave from the county department.