Assault and drug investigation ends with arrest of Mansfield area man

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office recently arrested a Mansfield man, who received several charges.
According to a Wright County Sheriff’s Office report, Edward France, 43, of Mansfield, has been charged with second degree domestic assault (two counts, Class D felony), first degree burglary (Class B felony), armed criminal action (unclassified felony) and distribution of a controlled substance in a protected area (Class A felony.)
On March 18, Wright County deputies responded to a reported domestic assault north of Mansfield. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the victim, who displayed visible physical injuries, including a swollen face and a knocked out tooth. The victim stated the suspect threw a phone at her and struck her in the face with an unknown object. She stated he was armed with an expandable steel baton. Based on the nature of the injuries observed, deputies determined the injuries were consistent with being struck by the baton.
France left the scene prior to the deputies’ arrival. With assistance from the Mansfield Police Department, France was located at his residence within the Mansfield city limits.
During the investigation, the steel baton described by the victim was located inside France’s vehicle. When asked if there was anything illegal inside the vehicle, France denied having any illegal items and refused consent to search. France admitted to recent methamphetamine use.
Based on the circumstances, a Douglas County K9 was requested. A free air sniff of the vehicle resulted in a positive alert. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine.
Sergeant Campbell applied for and was granted a search warrant for France’s residence. Upon execution of the warrant, deputies located additional suspected methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms and various items of drug paraphernalia.
Formal charges were sought through the prosecuting attorney’s office.
France is currently being held in the Wright County Jail with no bond.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.