United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SIOUX CITY, Iowa -- Willie York, 47, from Mason City, Iowa, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  York pled guilty on May 11, in federal court in Sioux City.  York was previously convicted in Cerro Gordo County of the following crimes which prohibit a person from possessing a firearm or ammunition: Terrorism – Intent to Injure or Provoke Fear or Anger and Robbery-2nd, both in 2000; and Delivery of Methamphetamine in 2015. 

At the plea hearing, York admitted that from August 2024 through October 2024, he and others conspired to distribute at least 500 grams or more of mixed methamphetamine which contained 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine.  On October 1, 2024, York was a passenger in a vehicle with two others when traffic stopped south of Sioux City, Iowa.  Law enforcement found over one pound of pure methamphetamine, along with two firearms including a fully loaded Beretta 9mm pistol with York.  York admitted that he and another transported the methamphetamine from Des Moines, Iowa to Pierre, South Dakota for distribution during two round trips over the course of several days and that he possessed the firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.  

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  York remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  York faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and at least ten years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.