SIOUX CITY — A Northern Iowa man with a long criminal history has pleaded guilty in federal court to methamphetamine and firearm charges after authorities say he helped distribute more than a pound of meth in the Fort Dodge area.
Jordan Mefferd, 47, of Pocahontas, pleaded guilty on June 15, 2026, in federal court in Sioux City. He was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, four counts of distributing methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
At his plea hearing, Mefferd (pictured at top) admitted that from about July 2024 through September 2025, he conspired with others to distribute more than one pound of methamphetamine in the Webster County area.
Federal prosecutors said agents made four controlled buys of methamphetamine from Mefferd in August and September 2025. Those buys totaled more than 200 grams of pure methamphetamine.
The case came to a head on September 23, 2025, when officers executed a search warrant at Mefferd’s residence. Authorities seized a small amount of methamphetamine, $9,684.51 in cash, four firearms and various ammunition.
Mefferd was legally prohibited from possessing firearms because of previous felony convictions. Prosecutors said his prior convictions include conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, possession of lithium, possession of a controlled substance as a third or subsequent offense, eluding, third-degree burglary and escape.
The case highlights the ongoing overlap between meth trafficking and firearms cases in Iowa, particularly in areas where state, local and federal drug investigators are working together to target repeat offenders. Methamphetamine remains one of the most common major drug threats in Iowa criminal cases, and federal prosecutors often pursue enhanced penalties when drug distribution is paired with illegal firearm possession.
Mefferd remains in the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.
Sentencing will be scheduled after a presentence report is prepared. United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will preside.
Mefferd faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment. He also faces a fine of up to $60,250,000 and at least 10 years of supervised release after any prison term.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde.
The investigation involved the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Dodge Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Iowa State Patrol, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Iowa DCI Laboratory.