Man convicted after 33 pounds of meth found in Spencer home

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — A man was convicted on Thursday after a 3 ½ day trial convicting him of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and other charges.

According to a press release, Oscar Navarro-Zepeda, 42, from Spencer, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Evidence at the trial showed that between April 2021 and April 2023, Navarro-Zepeada was involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than 500 grams of methamphetamine including more than 50 grams of pure methamphetamine.

Evidence also showed that on April 18, 2023, during a search warrant at Navarro-Zepeda’s residence in Spencer, Iowa officials seized approximately 33 pounds of methamphetamine. It was said in the release that Navarro-Zepeda intended to distribute to others in the Spencer.

Officers also seized $17,932; an AR-15 style .223 caliber rifle, with two loaded magazines in a rifle case and a partial box of .223 ammunition, as well as various items of drug distribution and use paraphernalia. Navarro-Zepeda was prohibited from possessing firearms and possessed either or both firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking, to protect himself, his drugs, and drug proceeds from others.

Navarro-Zepeda was sentenced to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment. He also has a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release.

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