DEA
SIOUX CITY – A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced October 24, 2016, to 10 years in federal prison.
Elizabeth Lopez, 30, from Omaha, NE, received the prison term after a May 26, 2016, jury verdict finding her guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at trial showed that Lopez conspired to distribute 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine from 2015 through August 2015 in the Sioux City, Iowa area. The evidence also showed that on August 4, 2015, Lopez had traveled from Omaha, NE to Sioux City, IA to distribute approximately one ounce of actual (pure) methamphetamine. Lopez had hidden the methamphetamine in her bra.
Lopez was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Lopez was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $200 was imposed. She must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Lopez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she 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.
