Sioux City Woman to Federal Prison for Meth Distribution Conspiracy
Nikkel and another distributed meth near Fairmount City Park
SIOUX CITY, Iowa -- April Nikkel, 37, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced October 29, to 168 months’ imprisonment. Nikkel pled guilty on May 18, 2026, in federal court in Sioux City to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of distributing methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a protected location.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed Nikkel was involved in a conspiracy from January 2025 through November 2025 that distributed more than three pounds of methamphetamine. On at least three occasions Nikkel distributed and helped another distribute a total of over 190 grams of pure methamphetamine to individuals cooperating with law enforcement. These distributions occurred within 1,000 feet of Fairmount City Park and Cecillia City Park in Sioux City.
United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Nikkel to 168 months’ imprisonment and eight years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Nikkel remains in custody of the United States Marshal until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case 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 and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde.
