MASON CITY — A husband-and-wife drug team that brought multiple pounds of methamphetamine from Colorado into North Iowa and sold the drug from Mason City has been sentenced to nearly 14 combined years in federal prison.
Bruce Wayne Sogard (pictured a top), 68, of Jewell, was sentenced July 1, 2026, to 107 months—or eight years and 11 months—in federal prison.
His wife, Cheryl Zeien Sogard, 63, of Mason City, received a 59-month prison sentence Tuesday, August 18.
Federal prosecutors announced the sentences Monday, August 24.
The couple separately pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Bruce Sogard entered his guilty plea February 12, while Cheryl Zeien Sogard pleaded guilty April 20.
According to federal authorities, the couple participated in an ongoing methamphetamine-distribution operation based in Mason City from January 2025 through at least September 20, 2025.
Investigators determined the pair obtained multiple pounds of methamphetamine from Colorado for distribution in Iowa.
Law enforcement officers also used a confidential source to purchase methamphetamine from Bruce and Cheryl on multiple occasions.
The federal case grew from a major North Iowa narcotics investigation that came crashing down in September 2025.
As NIT reported at the time, Cerro Gordo County authorities seized approximately eight pounds of methamphetamine during a September 19 traffic stop on Interstate 35 near the 187-mile marker north of Swaledale.
Bruce Sogard was driving the vehicle. Investigators also discovered approximately one ounce of cocaine and smaller quantities of methamphetamine and marijuana during the stop.
Authorities simultaneously executed a search warrant at a Mason City residence.
Federal prosecutors said the search of the couple’s home uncovered multiple scales, packaging materials, a drug ledger, marijuana, THC gummies and several firearms.
Those items, combined with the controlled purchases and large quantity of methamphetamine seized during the investigation, helped authorities establish the scope of the couple’s drug-trafficking operation.
U.S. District Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced both defendants in Sioux City.
In addition to his 107-month prison term, Bruce Sogard was fined $1,000 and ordered to serve three years of supervised release after leaving prison.
Cheryl Zeien Sogard must also serve three years of supervised release following her 59-month prison term.
There is no parole in the federal prison system.
Both remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service while awaiting transportation to federal prisons.
The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Timmons handled the prosecution.