United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SIOUX CITY, Neb. - -James Shroba, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, announced today that a man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced September 24, 2015, to six years in federal prison.

Jose William Orellana, 42, from South Sioux City, Nebraska, received the prison term after a May 22, 2015, jury found him guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Evidence at trial showed Orellana participated in a methamphetamine conspiracy from September 2013 through May 13, 2014 in Sioux City, Iowa and South Sioux City, Nebraska.

Orellana was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett.  Orellana was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment.  A special assessment of $100 was imposed.  He must also serve a four-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and 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.