CEDAR RAPIDS – A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced January 18, 2018, to over 8 years in federal prison.
Richard Helfrich, 34, with a latest address from Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, but has resided in the North Iowa area, received the prison term after a January 19, 2017, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the guilty plea, Helfrich admitted his involvement in a conspiracy that distributed at least 5 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine between January 2016 and July 2016. In May, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at defendant’s residence in Coulter, Iowa, locating methamphetamine and marijuana. Helfrich admitted to selling methamphetamine and owning a lockbox that previously contained methamphetamine.
Helfrich was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Helfrich was sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Helfrich 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 Jack Lammers and investigated by the North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and Butler County Sheriff’s Office.
Helfrich also committed crimes in North Iowa. A theft was reported by loss prevention employees at Mills Fleet Farm, 3200 4th Street SW in Mason City, on Sunday, January 24, 2016 at about 11:24 AM. Police arrived and arrested Helfrich (who lived in Coulter, Iowa, at the time). He was charged with fifth-degree theft and taken to the county jail. Helfrich was later found guilty by a judge and sentenced to 7 days in jail.
HELFRICH, RICHARD JOSEPH:
