Sioux City, Iowa — A Cherokee man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine has been sentenced to twelve years in federal prison.Federal authorities say 37-year old Raymond Andrew Kerns, from Cherokee, received the prison term after a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to authorities, Kerns was previously convicted of possession of a controlled substance, third or subsequent offense in state court in August, 2017.
Federal authorities say evidence at the guilty plea and sentencing showed that from January 2017 through February 2018, Kerns was involved in a conspiracy that distributed nearly three pounds of methamphetamine in and around the Cherokee area.
On February 27th, of 2018, Kerns was apprehended by law enforcement in Storm Lake while allegedly attempting to meet with another meth dealer. Law enforcement reportedly seized $1,500 and 8 grams of methamphetamine from Kerns, which Kerns admitted he planned to distribute to other persons.
Kerns was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Kerns was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a four-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Authorities say Kerns is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
