Hartley, Iowa — A Hartley man has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy To Distribute Methamphetamine.
According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa, 49-year old Joe Edward Leal entered a guilty plea in which he admitted to his involvement in a conspiracy from about July 2013 and continuing through May 2014 that distributed more than 50 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine. On three occasions in January and February 2014, Leal reportedly distributed over 53 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine to individuals cooperating with law enforcement.
Leal was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Leal was sentenced to 81 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Leal is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Sheldon Police Department, Iowa Great Lakes Drug Task Force, and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
