A Mason City resident, Jacob Shafer, aged 34, has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Sioux City on charges related to methamphetamine distribution and illegal firearm possession. The plea was made on May 7, 2025.
Shafer's convictions include one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of illegal possession of a firearm. His previous criminal record includes convictions for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and trafficking in stolen weapons in Iowa from March 2022. These past offenses legally bar him from possessing firearms.
During the plea hearing, Shafer acknowledged his prior convictions and admitted to being an unlawful drug user who possessed firearms. Evidence presented at the hearing indicated that during a search warrant execution at Shafer’s residence in March 2024, law enforcement confiscated four bags of methamphetamine along with various drug paraphernalia such as pipes, bongs, grinders, baggies, and a digital scale. Additionally seized were ninety-six .380 caliber Winchester rounds of ammunition; a Ruger LCP .380 pistol with six rounds including one chambered; a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol with thirteen rounds; an Intratec AB-10 9mm pistol loaded with twenty-two rounds; and a Rock Island Armory .45 caliber pistol. Shafer confessed he intended to distribute the discovered methamphetamine.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence by collaborating across all levels of law enforcement and community members. On May 26, 2021, the Department initiated a strategy under PSN focused on building community trust and legitimacy, supporting organizations that prevent violence proactively, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.
Sentencing will be determined after preparing a presentence report by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Until sentencing occurs, Shafer remains detained under the custody of the United States Marshal. For his conviction regarding possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Shafer faces between five years' mandatory minimum imprisonment up to forty years maximum imprisonment alongside potential fines reaching $5 million and at least four years supervised release post-imprisonment. Regarding illegal firearm possession conviction alone could result in up to fifteen years’ imprisonment coupled with fines amounting up to $250 thousand dollars plus not more than three years supervised release thereafter.