CEDAR RAPIDS – A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced March 14, 2013, to more than six years in federal prison.
Esmelin Belloso-Valle, 49, from Sibley, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 20, 2012, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.
At the guilty plea, Belloso-Valle admitted his involvement in a conspiracy from 2011 through April 2012 that distributed more than 150 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine. On one occasion in February 2012, once in March 2012, and once in May 2012, Belloso-Valle along with others involved in the conspiracy distributed more than 200 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine during controlled drug transactions with law enforcement. One of these distributions occurred within 1000 feet of Dale Street Park in Sioux City, Iowa. During the execution of a search warrant, law enforcement officers located over 208 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine that was for future distribution as part of the conspiracy.
Belloso-Valle was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Belloso-Valle was sentenced to 81 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $200 was imposed. He must also serve an 8-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Belloso-Valle is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
