Meth Ring Leaders Sentenced

A methamphetamine conspiracy that distributed over 500 grams of the drug in the Fort Dodge, Iowa area has been dismantled, with four members sentenced to federal prison. Robert Ackerman, 36; Shawn Owen, 37; Deidre Schlachter, 45; and Donald Smith, 42, from Huntington Beach, California, all plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

The conspiracy, which lasted from about January 2009 to December 2013, involved Smith shipping methamphetamine from California to Iowa, where it was received by Owen, Schlachter, and Ackerman in exchange for cash. On April 25, 2013, law enforcement seized a Fed-Ex package containing 10.44 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine, which was being shipped from Smith to Schlachter.

The defendants were sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Ackerman was sentenced to 35 months’ imprisonment, while Owen received a 48-month sentence. Schlachter was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment, and Smith received the longest sentence at 120 months’ imprisonment. Each defendant must also pay a $100 special assessment and serve a five-year term of supervised release after their prison term.

The investigation and prosecution of the case were the result of a collaborative effort between several law enforcement agencies, including the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster City Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, and Iowa Falls Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde.

The defendants are currently being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to a federal prison. The case file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov, with the case file number being 13-3055. The public can follow the US Attorney’s office on Twitter @USAO_NDIA for updates on this and other cases.

The sentencing of these four individuals marks the end of a lengthy investigation and prosecution, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of involvement in methamphetamine trafficking. The dismantling of this conspiracy has likely saved countless lives and prevented further distribution of the highly addictive and destructive drug in the Fort Dodge area.

In a statement, the US Attorney’s office emphasized the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking. The successful prosecution of this case is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the investigators and prosecutors involved. As the defendants begin their prison sentences, the community can take comfort in knowing that those responsible for bringing methamphetamine into their neighborhood have been held accountable.

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