A shocking case of methamphetamine trafficking has come to light in Iowa, with Arizona man John Trinidad Qualls, 42, pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute the illicit substance.
Qualls, from Tucson, Arizona, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on December 31, 2022, law enforcement traffic-stopped Qualls for speeding. He handed an officer a black pouch, which contained his license, insurance, and registration. However, there was marijuana residue inside the pouch, and both the pouch and documents smelled of marijuana. Qualls admitted that he had used marijuana earlier that day.
Law enforcement searched the car and found 1,200.10 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine, a staggering amount that highlights the severity of Qualls’ crimes.
Qualls remains in custody of the United States Marshal and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment. He also faces maximum penalties of not more than life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a fine of not more than $10,000,000, a mandatory special assessment of $100, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to a term of life.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office.
The case file number is 23-CR-2021. For more information, visit https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
Related Federal Cases
- Brisa Paniagua-Trejo, Methamphetamine Possession with Intent to Distribute, Iowa 2020 · New York
- Lawrence Antonio Jackson, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Arizona 2020 · Arizona
- Jared B. Cain, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Nebraska 2022 · Idaho
- Rose Lee Beranek, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Iowa 2025 · Oklahoma
- Daniel Gutierrez, Methamphetamine and Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute, Florida 2020 · Alabama
Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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