A Colorado man has admitted to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and illegally possessing a firearm, according to federal court proceedings in Sioux City. Ryan Miller, 40, who was living in Pilot Mound, Iowa, at the time of his arrest, pled guilty on June 27, 2025.
Miller faced charges for one count of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He had a prior conviction in 2017 for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which legally barred him from owning firearms.
During the plea hearing, Miller acknowledged that between January 2024 and April 27, 2024, he collaborated with others to distribute over half a pound of methamphetamine and more than 1,700 fentanyl pills. On April 21, 2024, while en route to Colorado with two associates to acquire additional methamphetamine and sell fentanyl pills, they attempted to evade law enforcement during a high-speed chase. During the pursuit, Miller discarded two pop cans containing fentanyl pills from their vehicle. His co-defendants made “false” emergency calls attempting to divert police attention.
On the same day as the chase, authorities searched Miller’s home under a warrant. They discovered small amounts of methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana, and a loaded .22 caliber Beretta handgun.
Sentencing will be scheduled following the preparation of a presentence report by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Meanwhile, Miller remains in custody under the supervision of the United States Marshal until sentencing. He faces severe penalties including a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and could potentially receive life imprisonment along with an $8.25 million fine and at least eight years of supervised release after serving his sentence.
