Iowa Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Federal Prison
DES MOINES, Iowa – An Ottumwa, Iowa man was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in violation of federal law.
According to court documents and proceedings, 35-year old Hector Ramon Iglesias Tovar was involved in trafficking over 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in Ottumwa and elsewhere. Tovar possessed an Anderson AR 15 rifle and a Springfield XD .45 handgun in furtherance of drug trafficking. Because Tovar was unlawfully in the United States, his possession of these firearms was also a violation of federal law.
“This is another great example of law enforcement agencies collaborating to remove some of the worst drug offenders from our communities,” Drug Enforcement Administration Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Justin King said. “By placing Hector Ramon Iglesias Tovar in jail for 19 years, we are removing both the threat of drugs and also the violence associated with drug trafficking. We’re giving our families a safer environment to grow in and thrive.”
In February 2021, following a two-day trial, a jury found Tovar guilty of the two firearm charges. Tovar had previously pleaded guilty to the drug charges.
Iglesias’ co-defendant, David Lemley, also of Ottumwa, was sentenced in May 2021 to seven years in prison for his plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Southeast Iowa Inter-Agency Drug Task Force, the Ottumwa Police Department, the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations.
