Zackery Smock, 37, from Anamosa, has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for attempting to manufacture methamphetamine near a school. The sentence was handed down on January 26, 2015, after Smock pleaded guilty to one count of attempted manufacture of methamphetamine by a drug felon near a school on July 1, 2014.
According to the evidence presented at the sentencing, Smock attempted to manufacture methamphetamine at a residence in Anamosa on March 7, 2014. During the course of his manufacturing, he started a fire at the residence, which was within 1000 feet of St. Patrick’s school in Anamosa. The fire resulted in the total destruction of the residence.
The investigation revealed that over 80 separate one-pot methamphetamine cooks were recovered from the basement area where Smock manufactured methamphetamine. This discovery highlighted the severity of the crime and the danger it posed to the surrounding community, particularly the nearby school.
Smock was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade to 168 months’ imprisonment. In addition to the prison term, a special assessment of $100 was imposed, and Smock must also serve a 6-year term of supervised release after the prison term. As there is no parole in the federal system, Smock will serve the full sentence.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams and investigated by the Anamosa Police Department, Anamosa Fire Department, Iowa Division of State Fire Marshal, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The collaborative effort of these agencies was instrumental in bringing Smock to justice and ensuring that he is held accountable for his actions.
Smock is currently being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison to begin serving his sentence. The court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl, with the case file number being 14-cr-57. This case serves as a reminder of the seriousness of methamphetamine manufacturing and the consequences of engaging in such activities, particularly near schools and other sensitive areas.
The sentencing of Zackery Smock to 14 years in federal prison sends a strong message to those involved in the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine. It underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies and the judicial system to combating this scourge and protecting communities from the dangers associated with it. As the war on drugs continues, cases like Smock’s serve as a deterrent to those who would engage in such illegal activities, posing a threat to public safety and well-being.
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Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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