Ryan Miller, 40, of Pilot Mound, Iowa, has been sentenced to 112 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges related to drug distribution and illegal firearm possession. The sentencing took place on December 1, 2025, in Sioux City federal court.
Miller admitted guilt on June 27, 2025, to one count of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and one count of possessing a firearm as a prohibited person. His prior conviction in 2017 for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine barred him from legally owning firearms.
Court proceedings revealed that between January and April 27, 2024, Miller worked with others to distribute at least half a pound of methamphetamine and more than 1,700 fentanyl pills. On April 21, 2024, Miller and two associates traveled toward Colorado with the intention of acquiring additional methamphetamine and selling fentanyl pills. They attempted to evade law enforcement during a high-speed chase; during this pursuit, Miller discarded two cans containing fentanyl pills from the vehicle. To distract police officers, his co-defendants made false emergency calls.
Later that day, authorities executed a search warrant at Miller’s home where they found small amounts of methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana, and a loaded .22 caliber Beretta handgun.
United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand presided over the sentencing. In addition to his prison term, Miller was ordered to serve five years of supervised release following incarceration. Federal prisoners are not eligible for parole. Until transfer to a federal prison facility is arranged, Miller remains in custody under the United States Marshal Service.
