Monroe Thompson, a 40-year-old resident of Mason City, has been sentenced to over 20 years in federal prison. This decision followed his guilty plea on August 28, 2024, for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
Between May and August 2023, Thompson was involved in a drug distribution operation centered in Mason City, Iowa. He obtained methamphetamine from sources collaborating with law enforcement. A search warrant executed at his residence uncovered counterfeit M-30 pills containing fentanyl.
Thompson's criminal record includes convictions across multiple states for offenses such as possession of controlled substances, illegal firearm possession by a felon, and assault causing serious injury in Iowa; absence from custody in Minnesota; drug-related offenses and firearm possession in Illinois; and burglary, unauthorized vehicle use, disorderly conduct, resisting or obstructing law enforcement, and intent to distribute drugs in Wisconsin.
United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand handed down the sentence of 262 months' imprisonment in Sioux City. Post-release, Thompson will be subject to five years of supervised release. The federal system does not allow parole.
Currently held by the United States Marshal’s service, Thompson awaits transfer to a federal prison.
The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons prosecuted the case.