SIOUX CITY – An Eagle Grove man has been sent to federal prison for meth and firearm convictions.
Russell Spencer, age 40, from Eagle Grove, Iowa, was sentenced on December 8, 2022, to ten years in federal prison in Sioux City, Iowa.
On August 4, 2022, Spencer pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana; three counts of distribution of methamphetamine; and one count of possession of firearms by a prohibited person.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that between 2021 and January 20, 2022, Spencer and others involved in the conspiracy, participated in the distribution of at least 1.5 kilograms of mixed methamphetamine. Spencer was a mid-level methamphetamine dealer in Central Iowa, with both Iowa and California sources of supply. Spencer made several trips to California, to acquire and transport back to Iowa, multiple pounds of methamphetamine for further distribution in the Central Iowa area. Spencer also utilized package delivery by the US Postal Service for delivery of methamphetamine from California to Iowa, for further distribution. In late 2021 and early 2022, law enforcement made three controlled methamphetamine buys from Spencer, for a total of more than 110 grams of actual/pure methamphetamine. On January 20, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Spencer’s residence, seizing 172.88 grams actual methamphetamine, 427.5 grams of marijuana, and two handguns, an unloaded Ruger 9 mm in a shed and a loaded .22 caliber revolver, in kitchen.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Spencer was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment with terms on all counts served concurrently and must serve a 5-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Spencer remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Wright County Sheriff’s Office, and Iowa DCI Laboratory.
