Washington County Arrested on Multiple Charges

(Potosi) Two men from rural Bismark face multiple charges in Washington County for illegally possessing firearms, drugs and stolen property. Warren Elser, 55, and Emmett Elser, 53, have been charged with first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle, stealing and four counts of possession of equipment or parts with altered identification numbers. The Two men also face multiple cases of unlawful possession of a firearm.

Washington County Sheriffs searched the two men’s property on December 22nd located on Highway 32 just outside of Bismark. Police found 13 firearms, approximately 10.5 ounces of methamphetamine, over$24,000 in cash, a stole car, a stolen camper and four trailers with altered VIN numbers. Both men have prior felony convictions.

The Sheriff’s office report says police located more firearms and money belonging to the two men at a relative’s house on the same property. Police arrested the men and the court set a $200,000 bond for Warren Elser and a $150,000 bond for Emmett Elser. If released on bond, both men are ordered to comply with GPS monitoring.

Warren Elser faces a possibility of a life sentence plus 155 years if convicted as a persistent offender in this case. Emmett Elser faces a life sentence plus 85 years if convicted as a persistent offender.