Two brothers from Marshalltown, Iowa, have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a heroin distribution conspiracy. On October 3, 2025, Marcel Edmund Oden, age 53, and his brother Jerry Juan Oden, age 56, received sentences after being found responsible for distributing more than 100 grams of heroin over a period of at least three years within the Marshalltown community.
Court records indicate that Marcel Oden had previous state convictions related to assault. At the time of this offense, Jerry Oden was on state parole following several prior convictions: in 2018 for delivery of heroin and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver; and in 2014 for possession of heroin with intent to deliver as well as being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
Marcel Oden received a sentence of 78 months in federal prison. He will also serve five years under supervised release and pay a $20,000 fine. Jerry Oden was sentenced to twelve years in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Federal sentencing does not allow for parole.
United States Attorney David C. Waterman for the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentences. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathon Holscher prosecuted the cases. The investigation was conducted by the Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force and the Marshalltown Police Department.
