Webster City Man Sentenced to Over 17 Years for Meth Manufacturing

A Webster City, Iowa man has been sentenced to more than seventeen years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine manufacturing and distribution conspiracy.

Ryan Kern, 44, pleaded guilty on November 8, 2012, to one count of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute actual (pure) methamphetamine, as well as charges related to manufacturing the drug within 1000 feet of Nakomis City Park in Webster City. Kern also admitted possession of pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture meth.

The investigation revealed that from January 2012 through May 2012, Kern and others manufactured at least 50 grams of pure methamphetamine. They obtained more than 300 grams of pseudoephedrine for this purpose, including 100 grams purchased via prescription.

On April 24, 2012, a search warrant was executed at Kern’s residence, where law enforcement seized multiple reaction vessels, trash indicative of a meth lab, and a total of 4.5 grams of methamphetamine. A young child was exposed to the drug use and manufacturing process, posing significant risks due to toxic chemical fumes.

Sentence handed down by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett includes 210 months’ imprisonment, a $300 special assessment, and a five-year term of supervised release. Kern is currently in custody awaiting transport to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Webster City Police Department, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. For court file information, visit https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl (case file number: 12-3028).

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