Chad Hughes, Meth Conviction, Iowa 2024
Fugitive Sentenced to 14 Years for Methamphetamine Conviction
A man who fled from law enforcement while possessing methamphetamine was sentenced in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa.
Chad Hughes, 40, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty on May 31, 2024, to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Hughes was previously convicted of a federal firearms offense in 2005, federal assault in 2010, and two federal escapes in 2017 and 2018, respectively.
At the plea and sentencing hearings evidence showed that Hughes possessed almost ½ pound of methamphetamine which he intended to distribute to others in Sioux City.
On June 24, 2023, when law enforcement attempted to stop the motorcycle Hughes was operating, he fled from law enforcement in a high-speed pursuit through cities of Sioux City, Iowa and North Sioux City, South Dakota. During the pursuit Hughes ditched the motorcycle and a backpack to avoid apprehension.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Hughes was sentenced to 170 months' imprisonment and must serve a five-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
Hughes remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa State Patrol, North Sioux City, South Dakota, Police Department, and the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
According to court documents, Hughes possessed methamphetamine with intent to distribute, a federal offense punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
The case number is 23-4053.
Defendant: Chad Hughes
Criminal Charges: Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
City and State: Sioux City, Iowa
Sentencing Date: October 25, 2024
Sentence: 170 months' imprisonment
Additional Sentence: Five-year term of supervised release following imprisonment
Case File Information: https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl (The case file number is 23-4053)
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Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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