Timothy T. Duax U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa
Jacob Shafer, a 34-year-old resident of Mason City, Iowa, was sentenced on September 12, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegal possession of a firearm. Shafer entered guilty pleas to both charges on May 7, 2025.
According to court records, Shafer had prior convictions in Iowa for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and trafficking in stolen weapons in March 2022. These convictions made it unlawful for him to possess any firearms.
During a search of Shafer’s residence in March 2024, law enforcement officials found four bags of methamphetamine along with various drug paraphernalia such as pipes, bongs, grinders, baggies, and a digital scale. Officers also seized ninety-six .380 caliber Winchester rounds of ammunition; a Ruger LCP .380 pistol loaded with six rounds (including one chambered); a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol with thirteen rounds; an Intratec AB-10 9mm pistol with twenty-two rounds in the magazine; and a Rock Island Armory .45 caliber pistol. Shafer admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine found at his home.
The sentencing took place before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Shafer received a prison sentence of 132 months (11 years) followed by four years of supervised release. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole. He remains in the custody of the United States Marshal until his transfer to federal prison.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence by fostering cooperation among law enforcement agencies and community groups. The Department’s strategy includes supporting organizations that help prevent violence and setting focused enforcement priorities.
"Shafer pled guilty on May 7, 2025, to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of illegal possession of a firearm. Shafer was previously convicted of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, and trafficking in stolen weapons in Iowa in March of 2022. Both of these convictions prohibit a person from possessing any firearm."
"Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that in March 2024, during the execution of a search warrant at Shafer’s home, law enforcement seized the following: four bags of methamphetamine; drug paraphernalia including pipes, bongs, grinders, and baggies; a digital scale; ninety-six .380 caliber Winchester rounds of ammunition; a Ruger LCP, .380 pistol, and a total of 6 rounds of ammunition, which included a round in the chamber; a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol, and a total of 13 rounds of ammunition; an Intratec AB-10, 9mm pistol, and a total of 22 rounds of ammunition in the magazine; and a Rock Island Armory, .45 caliber pistol. Shafer admitted he had plans to distribute the methamphetamine that officers found."
"This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results."
"Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Shafer was sentenced to 132 months’ imprisonment and will serve a four-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Shafer remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison."
