Mason City man charged with bringing knives, drugs into jail pleads not guilty

MASON CITY — A Mason City man charged with bringing weapons and drugs into the Cerro Gordo County Jail has pleaded not guilty.

Criminal complaints state that 38-year-old Joseph Seltun allegedly assaulted a Cerro Gordo County deputy on the morning of December 24th while he was detained on a court order. Seltun was taken to MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center for treatment and assaulted the deputy by kicking him in the right leg and kneeing his groin. The deputy states that happened as he was being searched for illegal items and weapons and while he was trying to place Seltun in the back seat of a patrol car for transport to the hospital.

An arrest warrant was issued a few days later for Seltun on charges of assault on persons in certain occupations with intent of injury and possession of marijuana first offense, with Seltun being arrested on January 3rd. He was asked by jail staff if he had anything in his possession they needed to know about, and he said no.

Staff allegedly found six knives, four used marijuana pipes with residue, and a used methamphetamine pipe with residue. Seltun was additionally charged with possession of weapons in a correctional institution and possession of contraband in a correctional institution.

Seltun pleaded not guilty last week to all the charges. His trial on the first set of charges is scheduled for February 11th, while his trial on the weapons and drugs in jail charges is scheduled for February 18th.