United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ST. LOUIS - Matt Barden, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the St. Louis Division Office, today announced that Robert “Bobby” Whitenack, 37, a convicted felon from Westside, Iowa, was convicted on the charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Whitenack was responsible for conspiring to distribute over 100 pounds of methamphetamine, and was in possession of a GSG, MP5, .22 caliber-firearm during the course of this conspiracy.

“Methamphetamine traffickers represent people who are actively trying to destroy our neighborhoods and communities,” Acting Special Agent in Charge Barden said. “A convicted felon, who distributes meth while in possession of firearms, represents an individual who is indifferent to the dangers they present to our neighborhoods. These dangers are recognized by law enforcement, which courageously partner together and put their lives on the line to protect their communities. DEA is proud of the partnerships we have with our brothers and sisters in law enforcement, and the daily sacrifices they make in pursuit of a safe community.”

Pursuant to his plea agreement, Whitenack admitted his involvement in a meth trafficking conspiracy that spanned from January 2014 through May of 2017, distributing at least 100 pounds of meth. During this conspiracy, Whitenack made multiple trips throughout Iowa and Nebraska to pick up quantities of meth, and recruited individuals along the way to assist him in his illicit activities. Some of those activities include associates of Whitenack’s collecting $10,000 in drug proceeds from customers, to Whitenack’s possession of firearms during these events.

This case was investigated in partnership with Project Safe (PSN), a vital program that launched in 2001 but was reinvigorated by Attorney General Jeff Sessions to combat the tide of rising violent crime in America.

This case was investigated by the DEA Tri-State Drug Task Force, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations, the Crawford County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office, the Denison, Iowa, Police Department, the Carrol County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office, and the Carrol, Iowa, Police Department. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa.