Darius Stackhouse, a 33-year-old resident of Mason City, was found guilty on several charges related to drug distribution and firearm possession. The verdict came after a three-day trial in Sioux City's federal court, concluding with approximately three and a half hours of jury deliberation.
Stackhouse faced charges including one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, four counts of distribution of a controlled substance, and one count of possessing a firearm during and in furtherance of drug trafficking. The evidence presented at the trial indicated that from June 2021 to March 2023, Stackhouse participated in an ongoing methamphetamine distribution conspiracy centered in Mason City, Iowa. He reportedly sold over three pounds of methamphetamine to law enforcement sources. During searches conducted under warrants, authorities discovered more than $30,000 in cash at his residence along with additional methamphetamine and a firearm which he admitted owning.
Sentencing for Stackhouse will occur before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand once a presentence report is completed. After the jury's decision was announced, Stackhouse was taken into custody by the United States Marshal and will remain detained until sentencing. He faces potential penalties including a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years' imprisonment, up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release post-incarceration.
The case was investigated by the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons.