Authorities are now releasing details about last week’s arrest of a 39-year-old Goldfield man who serves as a sheriff’s deputy in north-central Iowa. Jeffrey Donald Mericle is charged with first-degree harassment and domestic abuse assault.

The arrest stemmed from an investigation initiated after a complaint was lodged with the Wright County Sheriff’s office by Mericle’s wife, 38-year-old Tiffini, regarding a domestic disturbance that reportedly took place early last Thursday morning at a residence in Goldfield. The Wright County Sheriff’s Office asked the D.C.I. to conduct the investigation since Jeffrey Mericle is a deputy with the Wright County Sheriff’s Department.

Mericle made his initial appearance before a Wright County Magistrate last Friday and was released on his own recognizance. He is currently on paid administrative leave from the Sheriff’s Department.