September 29, 2022
DES MOINES, Iowa – Martin Leon Morales, age 40 of Melboure, was sentenced on Friday, September 23, 2022, to 240 months in prison following his guilty plea to Conspiracy to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Leon Morales was under investigation for drug distribution. Investigators from the Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force had information that Leon Morales was traveling to and from California. On June 7, 2020, Leon Morales’ vehicle was stopped by officers with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. During a search of Leon Morales’ vehicle, approximately 24 pounds of methamphetamine was found. Leon Morales admitted he intended to distribute the methamphetamine.
In January 2022, co-defendant Aimee Kathleen Smith, age 32 of Marshalltown, was sentenced to 120-month in prison following her guilty plea to Conspiracy to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force, Tri-County Drug Task Force, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and Cass County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
The Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force is funded by a grant, through the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, and the Governor's Office of Drug Control Policy.
About Marshall County Sheriff's Office
The Marshall County, Iowa Sheriff's Office is led by Sheriff Joel Phillips. Sheriff Phillips is committed to keeping communities and neighborhoods safe in Marshall County.
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