Chad Jacob Runnells, Methamphetamine Distribution, Iowa 2025

Burlington Man Sentenced to 24 Years for Methamphetamine and Firearms Charges

A Burlington man was sentenced to 24 years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine distribution ring, authorities announced. Chad Jacob Runnells, 49, was convicted of possessing a distribution quantity of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm, despite being prohibited from possessing firearms.

Runnells was the subject of a lengthy investigation by the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Burlington Police Department, West Burlington Police Department, Des Moines County Sheriff's Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Henry County Sheriff's Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

During the investigation, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at Runnells' residence and an adjacent stash house, seizing approximately 3.5 pounds of methamphetamine, a loaded firearm, and over $10,000 in cash.

Runnells had previously been convicted of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver as a habitual offender in the Iowa District Court for Des Moines County in 2021, and domestic abuse assault impeding airflow in the Iowa District Court for Warren County in 2013.

Based on evidence obtained during the investigation, Runnells was responsible for distributing over 65 pounds of methamphetamine.

Following his conviction, Runnells was sentenced to 288 months (24 years) in federal prison, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was announced by United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdia/pr/burlington-man-sentenced-24-years-federal-prison-possessing-distribution-quantity