Sioux City Man Chad Hughes Convicted of Meth Trafficking After High-Speed Chase

A local man is facing a lengthy prison sentence after admitting to trafficking methamphetamine in Sioux City, Iowa.

Chad Hughes, 40, of Sioux City, Iowa, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, a charge that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Hughes’ guilty plea comes after a high-speed chase through Sioux City, Iowa, and North Sioux City, South Dakota, in June 2023. During the pursuit, Hughes fled on a motorcycle and eventually ditched his bike and a backpack containing methamphetamine and other items.

According to court documents, the backpack seized by law enforcement contained almost ½ pound of methamphetamine, which Hughes intended to distribute to others in Sioux City. Hughes was previously convicted of a federal firearms offense in 2005.

The case was investigated by the Iowa State Patrol, North Sioux City, South Dakota, Police Department, and the Tri-State Drug Task Force, a multi-agency task force consisting of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department, and other agencies.

Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde is prosecuting the case, which is now set for sentencing. Hughes remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending his sentencing hearing. The case file number is 23-4053.

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