April Nikkel, Meth Distribution, Iowa 2026

Sioux City Woman Pleads Guilty to Meth Distribution Conspiracy, Faces 10-Year Minimum Sentence

A 37-year-old Sioux City woman has pleaded guilty to her involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy that spanned several months in 2025.

April Nikkel, a resident of Sioux City, Iowa, entered her guilty plea on May 18, 2026, in federal court in Sioux City. According to court documents, Nikkel was involved in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from January 2025 through November 2025.

During this time, Nikkel and her co-conspirators distributed over three pounds of methamphetamine, with at least three instances involving the distribution of over 184 grams of pure methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of Fairmount City Park and Cecillia City Park in Sioux City.

Nikkel faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least 10 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force, a multi-agency task force based in Sioux City, Iowa, comprised of law enforcement personnel from various agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Sioux City Police Department.

Nikkel remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing, which will be scheduled after a presentence report is prepared by the court.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndia/pr/sioux-city-woman-pleads-guilty-meth-distribution-conspiracy