Justin Derby, Meth and Firearm Convictions, Iowa 2025
SIoux City Man Faces 20+ Years in Prison for Meth and Firearm Convictions
A Sioux City man is facing a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of methamphetamine and firearm charges. Justin Derby, 46, was sentenced to 248 months in federal prison on October 16, 2025.
Derby was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges stem from Derby's involvement in a conspiracy that distributed over 700 grams of methamphetamine in the Sioux City area from June 2022 to June 2024.
Law enforcement apprehended Derby in June 2024 after he attempted to elude authorities on a motorcycle. At the time of his arrest, officers seized over 85 grams of pure methamphetamine, a loaded 9mm pistol, additional ammunition, and a scale from Derby's backpack. Derby admitted to possessing the methamphetamine with plans to distribute it to others and possessing the firearm for protection.
Derby had previously been convicted of four other eluding law enforcement offenses. He will serve a five-year term of supervised release after completing his prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.
Derby was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Algona Police Department, Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, Iowa State Patrol, Kossuth County Sheriff's Office, Webster County Sheriff's Office, and the Iowa DCI Laboratory.
The case file number is 24-3033. Those interested in learning more about the case can visit the court's website at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl
Derby is currently being held in the United States Marshal's custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →