On Friday, Aug. 14, Navajo County Sheriff’s deputies received a report of possible crimes being committed against a child in Lakeside. Deputies began an investigation and on conclusion of interviewing the victim, witnesses and gathering of evidence, a search warrant was obtained for the residence of Brandon Derek Copeland, 35, of Lakeside. Based on the results of the investigation, Copeland was arrested for possession of a dangerous drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and three counts of molestation of a child. Copeland was booked into the Navajo County Jail. Sheriff David Clouse stated, “The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office is committed to protecting the children of Navajo County. Crimes against children investigations are given the highest priority in our office. I commend our detectives and deputies who work these cases as they are extremely sensitive and difficult for all those involved. Our hearts go out to the victim and the family who were affected.”
