Asche Sentenced for Meth Conspiracy

A harsh sentence has been handed down to Robert Asche, 48, from Eagle Grove, Iowa, for his involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy. Asche was sentenced to 138 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.

The sentence was imposed by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett in Sioux City. Asche had previously pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge on June 10, 2014. In addition to the prison term, Asche was also ordered to pay a special assessment of $100 and serve a five-year term of supervised release after his imprisonment.

Asche’s guilty plea was the result of an investigation that began in 2011 and continued through March 2012. During this time, Asche was involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine. The investigation led to the interception of a package at Federal Express in Memphis, Tennessee, which contained one pound of methamphetamine hidden inside the horn of a horse saddle.

The package was being shipped from Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico, to Eagle Grove, Iowa, and was intended for Asche. Asche admitted to arranging for the delivery of the methamphetamine by mail in March 2012. The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Asche’s criminal history includes previous convictions for attempted sale of dangerous drugs and sale of less than one pound of marijuana. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde. Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl, with the case file number being 13-3040.

The sentence of 138 months in federal prison reflects the severity of the crime and the need to protect the public from the dangers of methamphetamine distribution. Asche will be held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison to begin serving his sentence. There is no parole in the federal system, ensuring that Asche will serve the entirety of his sentence.

The case against Asche is a testament to the efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the distribution of methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs. The investigation and prosecution of Asche demonstrate the commitment to holding those involved in drug conspiracies accountable for their actions. As the war on drugs continues, cases like Asche’s serve as a reminder of the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the need for harsh sentences to deter future crimes.