RURAL CERRO GORDO COUNTY – A coordinated effort by area law enforcement snared at least three suspects on a range of charges and 8 lbs. of meth and other drugs being seized.
On September 19, 2025, at about 7:22 PM, the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office conducted a narcotics trafficking investigation, including a vehicle traffic stop and a search warrant at a residence in the county. A traffic stop was conducted on Interstate 35 near the 187 mile marker, northbound, not far from Swaledale, by deputies and Iowa State Patrol troopers. During the stop, two subjects were arrested. A search of the vehicle was completed and approximately 8 pounds of methamphetamine was located, along with approximately 1 ounce of cocaine, and small amounts of methamphetamine and marijuana. At about 7:45 PM, a search warrant was conducted at 19734 Quince Avenue, apartment #B, in Mason City.
The North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force Special Operations Group conducted the search warrant entry, assisted by the Kossuth/Palo Alto/Emmett County Multi Agency Response Team (MART). Several subjects were located at the residence, one subject having outstanding arrest warrants.
During a search of the residence, methamphetamine and firearms were located and seized. Barry Rowe, age 66 of Mason City, was arrested at the residence for a Floyd County arrest warrant for violation of probation.
Bruce Wayne Sogard, 68, of Mason City, was the driver of the vehicle stopped on the interstate. Sogard was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, a Class B Felony; possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, a Class C Felony, and driving under suspension.
The passenger, Mark Edward Albrecht, 69 of Mason City was arrested for possession with intent to deliver cocaine, a Class C Felony; possession of methamphetamine 3rd or subsequent offense, a Class D Felony; possession of marijuana 3rd or subsequent offense, an Aggravated Misdemeanor; and possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor.
Further charges are possible relating to this investigation. Sheriff’s deputies were assisted by Iowa State Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Task Force SOG, MART, Mason City Police Department, and Mason City Fire Medics.
