SIOUX CITY – A Mason City drug dealer who sold over three pounds of meth while toting a gun will face a stretch in federal prison.
Darius Stackhouse, age 33, from Mason City, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, four counts of distribution of a controlled substance, and one count of possession of a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, by a jury on March 12, 2025, after a 3-day trial in federal court in Sioux City. The verdict was returned following about 3 1/2 hours of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that between June 2021 and March 2023, Stackhouse was part of an ongoing drug conspiracy based in Mason City, Iowa to distribute methamphetamine. Stackhouse sold more than 3 pounds of methamphetamine to sources working with law enforcement. During the execution of several search warrants, more than $30,000 cash was located in Stackhouse’s residence, as well as additional methamphetamine and a firearm he admitted belonged to him.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Stackhouse (pictured at top) was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the verdict was returned and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Stackhouse faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 5-years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons.