Mason City Gang Facing Federal Meth Charges

GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE — A gritty团伙 from Mason City, Iowa, is facing federal methamphetamine distribution charges that could land them in prison for life. Corey Gardner, 32; Amanda Eldridge, 33; Stephen Collins, 26; Chad Seger, 35; and Slade Smith, 39, have been accused of conspiring to distribute the deadly drug.

The five defendants, all from Mason City, are alleged to have operated their drug ring since November 2011. Corey Gardner, a repeat offender, has also been charged with actual distribution of meth. Eldridge and Collins are facing additional charges for possession with intent to distribute, while Collins is hit with a gun count as well.

The charges stem from an Indictment unsealed on February 1, 2013, in the United States District Court in Cedar Rapids. If convicted on all counts, Eldridge, Collins, Seger, and Smith could face 10 years to life in prison, $10 million fine, and a decade of supervised release. Gardner’s sentence could be even more severe: 20 years to life, a $20 million fine, and up to ten years of supervision.

The grim trio appeared in federal court on February 1, with Eldridge held without bond and the others pending a detention hearing on the 6th. The prosecution is led by Assistant United States Attorney Jack Lammers, supported by local and federal law enforcement agencies.

As always, the charges are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. For more information, visit the court file at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl, case number 13-3004.