Caleb Root, Methamphetamine, Marijuana, Iowa 2025

Caleb Root, a four-time federal felon, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for illegal possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and a loaded shotgun.

The 45-year-old from Concord, Michigan, was found guilty of one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance – marijuana, one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance – methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The conviction stems from a traffic stop on May 23, 2023, in Sioux City, Iowa, where a uniformed police officer observed Root’s pickup truck behaving suspiciously. During the stop, Root was found to have marijuana in plain view, and a search of the truck revealed over 4 pounds of marijuana, a loaded shotgun, and more than 12 grams of pure methamphetamine.

Root has a lengthy criminal history, including state convictions for operating under the influence of a controlled substance, attempting to resist police officers, various drug offenses, breaking and entering, and theft. He has four previous federal convictions, including a 2017 conviction for possession with intent to distribute – methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as a felon, and a 2010 conviction for uttering counterfeit federal reserve notes and the interstate transportation of a stolen car.

Root was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 180 months’ imprisonment, followed by an 8-year term of supervised release. He is currently being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

Thanks to the fine work of law enforcement partners, Root is off the street for a long time, and our community is safer as a result, said United States Attorney Timothy T. Duax.

Root’s case is an example of an individual who has repeatedly made the choice to break the law, and his conduct endangers the law-abiding members of our community who work hard, obey the law, and do nothing to harm their fellow citizens, Duax added.

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