Denison Man Sentenced to Over 20 Years for Distributing Methamphetamine
A Denison, Iowa man has been sentenced to over 20 years in federal prison for distributing significant quantities of ice methamphetamine throughout Northern Iowa. Armando Castillo Valerio, 50, received the prison term after a jury verdict finding him guilty of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in June 2016.
Evidence at trial showed that Valerio was responsible for distributing ice methamphetamine, a highly pure and crystalized form of methamphetamine, throughout Northern Iowa. He received the methamphetamine from multiple sources, including some who were located out of state. Once he obtained the methamphetamine, Valerio distributed it to a network of individuals. Multiple witnesses testified at trial to receiving methamphetamine from Valerio.
Valerio was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 262 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and he must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. The investigation was conducted through a cooperative effort of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force, which consisted of the DEA; the Linn County Sheriff’s Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; the Iowa City Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
A special task force, the Mid-Iowa Task Force, comprised of the Marshalltown Police Department, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, Tama County Sheriff’s Office, Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Falls Police Department, Eldora Police Department, and the Dysart Police Department, also assisted in the investigation. Additionally, the Tri-County Drug Task Force, made up of the Waterloo Police Department, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, Cedar Falls Police Department, LaPorte City Police Department, Hudson Police Department, Evansdale Police Department, University of Northern Iowa Police Department, Waverly Police Department, and the Bremer County Sheriff’s Office, contributed to the investigation.
Valerio is currently being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. To access court file information, visit https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 15-CR-2050. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA for updates and other important information.
Related Federal Cases
- Denison Man Gets 20+ Years for Ice Meth Conspiracy · Iowa
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Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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