Rural Clear Lake Man Charged With Felony Weapons Crimes After Deputies Search Home

CLEAR LAKE, Iowa — A rural Clear Lake man faces multiple felony charges after Cerro Gordo County sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant during a disturbance investigation Sunday, according to the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office.

Eric Matthew Morf, 44, of rural Clear Lake, was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm while subject to a domestic abuse conviction or protective order, trafficking in stolen weapons and possession of an unregistered firearm suppressor, all Class D felonies, according to the sheriff’s office. He also was charged with violation of a no-contact order, a misdemeanor.

Deputies responded to a reported disturbance at 7648 230th St. in rural Clear Lake at 3:36 p.m. Sunday, the sheriff’s office said. During the investigation, deputies obtained and executed a search warrant at the residence. Evidence gathered during the search led to Morf’s arrest, according to the release.

The firearm charge falls under Iowa Code section 724.26, and the stolen weapons trafficking charge falls under Iowa Code section 724.16A, the sheriff’s office said.

Morf was transported to the Cerro Gordo County Jail, where he remained in custody pending court proceedings as of the release. The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be filed as more information becomes available.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-383-0088. Rewards may be available.