A 34-year-old Iowa man has pleaded guilty to felony methamphetamine charges, according to authorities. He will be sentenced in Hancock County District Court on Jan. 9.
The defendant, a Britt resident, was taken into custody on March 8 after being pulled over for a traffic violation. According to the arresting deputy, he had drug paraphernalia in his pocket and a police dog indicated that there were drugs in his vehicle. As he was booked into jail, he reportedly told authorities that he was in possession of methamphetamine. A search revealed 13.1 grams of the drug hidden on his body. Court documents reveal that he eventually admitted he was selling meth for profit. Authorities said he was under investigation in 2016 and 2017 for dealing meth and marijuana.
The defendant pleaded guilty to felony possession of more than five grams of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver. He also faced additional charges, including ongoing criminal conduct and possession of marijuana, but they were dismissed as part of a plea deal. The prosecution and defense are recommending a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of over eight years. Earlier in November, the defendant was given a 10-year suspended prison sentence, five years probation and a $1,000 fine for methamphetamine charges in Winnebago County.
Drug charges can lead to serious consequences. If convicted, defendants are typically sentenced to significant prison terms, heavy fines and the seizure of personal property. However, some defendants receive better outcomes with the help of a criminal defense attorney. An attorney could review the case and build a strong defense based on the evidence. In some circumstances, legal counsel could also negotiate a plea deal that reduces the charges.
