Spencer man sentenced for distributing drugs near an elementary school

SIOUX CITY, Iowa ( KCAU ) —  A man who was accused of possessing a firearm and distributing drugs near an elementary school has been sentenced.

According to a release, Leon Scott Banks, 42, of Spencer, was sentenced to 37 months in prison, followed by six years of supervised release for possession with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a protected location.

Evidence showed that law enforcement learned that Banks was distributing controlled substances from his home and was in possession of a firearm. The release specified that Banks’ residence was located across the street from an elementary school.

With that information, police obtained a search warrant for his residence. They were able to find more than half a pound of cocaine, marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, THC edibles, a digital scale, ammunition, a Glock.22 with ammunition, and $16,000 in cash.

Banks remains in the custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transferred to prison.

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