Timothy T. Duax U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa
Caleb Root, a 45-year-old from Concord, Michigan, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison following his conviction on multiple charges related to drugs and firearms. The sentence was handed down by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand on May 2, 2025.
Root's legal troubles began after a traffic stop by the Sioux City Police Department on May 23, 2023. During routine patrol, an officer noticed suspicious behavior from Root's vehicle on Hamilton Blvd. This led to a traffic stop where Root initially lied about his identity but eventually admitted to being a convicted felon. A search of his vehicle revealed marijuana in plain view.
Further investigation found approximately four pounds of marijuana, a loaded shotgun, and over 12 grams of pure methamphetamine inside Root's truck and trailer. Following this incident, Root was released from state custody but was later stopped for speeding in Adair County, Iowa on July 22, 2023. Again providing false identification during this stop, officers discovered more than one pound of marijuana and one gram of methamphetamine.
Root has a significant criminal history with previous convictions for various offenses including drug-related crimes and firearm possession as a felon. His record includes two prior federal convictions: one in 2017 for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as a felon; another in 2010 for uttering counterfeit federal reserve notes and interstate transportation of a stolen car.
The court has also imposed an eight-year term of supervised release following Root’s imprisonment. "There is no parole in the federal system," noted officials regarding the sentencing terms.
United States Attorney Timothy T. Duax remarked on the case stating: “Root is an example of an individual who has repeatedly made the choice to break the law. When caught, he chose to blame the police, the prosecutor, and even the court for his predicament. His conduct endangers the law-abiding members of our community who work hard, obey the law, and do nothing to harm their fellow citizens. Thanks to the fine work of our law enforcement partners, Root is off the street for a long time, and our community is safer as a result.”
Root remains in custody under United States Marshal supervision until he can be transferred to federal prison facilities.
The investigation was conducted by Sioux City Police Department with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
