Sioux City, Iowa — A Fort Dodge man has been sentenced to more than 16 years in federal prison in connection with illegal drug activity in Dickinson County.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office tells us 53-year-old Mark Allen Mendenhall of Fort Dodge received the prison term on Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of pure methamphetamine in July.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, Mendenhall admitted that on September 19, 2024, in Dickinson County, he knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute approximately 40 grams of pure methamphetamine. At that time, despite being a fugitive from the Iowa Department of Corrections, Mendenhall was working as a medical patient transport driver. While driving a patient to an appointment, he crossed the center lane and struck a semitruck. They tell us that after being transported to a local hospital, he was found to have approximately 40 grams of pure methamphetamine concealed on his body. A search of the vehicle he was driving revealed syringes, fake identification cards, fake United States currency, and other indications of drug use.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office says Mendenhall has an extensive criminal history, which includes 24 prior convictions, spanning over 25 years. Due to having at least two prior felony convictions that are crimes of violence or controlled substance offenses, Mendenhall was categorized for sentencing purposes as a career offender.
He was sentenced to 199 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.
KIWA Staff Photo
