Timothy T. Duax U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa
Oscar Navarro-Zepeda, a 43-year-old resident of Spencer, Iowa, received a 17-year federal prison sentence on January 31, 2025. The sentencing followed his conviction by a jury on August 22, 2024, after a three-and-a-half-day trial in Sioux City's federal court. Navarro-Zepeda faced charges including 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 drug trafficking.
Trial evidence revealed that between April 2021 and April 2023, Navarro-Zepeda participated in distributing over 31 kilograms of methamphetamine within the Northern District of Iowa and beyond. On April 18, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence in Spencer. They seized approximately 33 pounds of methamphetamine packaged separately into one-pound bags intended for distribution locally. Officers also confiscated $17,932; an AR-15 style .223 caliber rifle; two loaded magazines; other .223 ammunition; and various items related to drug distribution and use. Despite being prohibited from firearm possession, Navarro-Zepeda had armed himself to protect his drugs and proceeds.
The sentencing took place before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Alongside the prison term of 204 months, Navarro-Zepeda will serve five years of supervised release post-imprisonment. The federal system does not offer parole options. He remains under the custody of the United States Marshal until his transfer to a federal prison is arranged.
