A Dubuque man was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for his involvement in a drug distribution conspiracy. Ian Michael Bonnette, aged 45, was convicted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl pills. He had a prior conviction for a federal firearms crime.
Bonnette's guilty plea was entered on July 30, 2024, acknowledging his role in the distribution of controlled substances. During his sentencing hearing, evidence revealed Bonnette's exploitative behavior towards vulnerable women. It was disclosed that Bonnette offered free methamphetamine to homeless women in exchange for sex. Further evidence indicated that he threatened a woman with a knife over missing drugs.
The case was presided over by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand in Cedar Rapids. Bonnette's prison term will be followed by four years of supervised release. It should be noted that the federal prison system does not allow parole.