Emily Ann Nelson, Fentanyl Distribution, Iowa 2022

A devastating case of fentanyl distribution has come to a close with a Dubuque woman facing a decade behind bars.

Emily Ann Nelson, 29, of Dubuque, Iowa, received a 10-year prison term on March 22, 2022, after pleading guilty to one count of distribution of fentanyl on October 14, 2021.

Evidence presented in court revealed that Nelson distributed a substance believed to be heroin to another individual in July 2020, which turned out to be fentanyl. The recipient of the substance overdosed, but was revived by first responders using the opioid antidote, Narcan.

At a prior hearing, Nelson admitted to distributing the fentanyl. Further investigation by the Dubuque Drug Task Force revealed that Nelson had attempted to obtain heroin from a confidential informant on two separate occasions, but had stolen the money intended for the purchase on the first attempt.

The second attempt resulted in Nelson obtaining the drugs, but she used a portion of them before being arrested by officers.

Nelson was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams in Cedar Rapids. Following her release, she will be required to serve a 3-year term of supervised release. It’s worth noting that there is no parole in the federal system.

Nelson is currently being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.

Nelson’s case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of fentanyl distribution and the severe consequences that come with it.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Drug Trafficking

Richard Stinson, Heroin Trafficking, North Carolina 2018

May 22, 2019

Drug Trafficking

Equan Cornelius Dunston, Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base, North Carolina 2018

Jun 4, 2018

Drug Trafficking

Robert Chauncey, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, South Dakota 2016

Dec 12, 2016

Drug Trafficking

Ricky Keith Barnette, Armed Drug Dealer, California 2016

Mar 10, 2017