A Marshalltown man has been sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for drug and firearm offenses. Anthony James Shearer, aged 39, was found with more than 40 grams of methamphetamine during a traffic stop in February 2024. At that time, he had absconded from parole related to a 2020 state drug trafficking conviction. Two loaded firearms were discovered in a backpack inside the vehicle.
Following his imprisonment, Shearer will serve a five-year supervised release term. The federal system does not allow parole.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa. The Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which unites various levels of law enforcement and communities to combat violent crime and gun violence. On May 26, 2021, the department enhanced PSN with strategies focusing on community trust and legitimacy, supporting organizations that prevent violence, prioritizing strategic enforcement, and measuring outcomes.
For additional information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit Justice.gov/PSN.