A Mason City man has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison following his conviction for methamphetamine distribution and firearm possession. Darius Stackhouse, 33, received the sentence on October 1, 2025, after a jury found him guilty on March 12, 2025. The charges included one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, four counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm during and in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to evidence presented at trial, Stackhouse was involved in a drug conspiracy based in Mason City between June 2021 and March 2023. He distributed more than 40 pounds of methamphetamine during this period and sold three pounds to law enforcement sources working undercover. Authorities executing search warrants at Stackhouse’s residence discovered over $30,000 in cash, additional quantities of methamphetamine and other controlled substances, as well as a firearm.
United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand handed down the sentence in Sioux City. Stackhouse was ordered to serve 300 months’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release. Federal sentences do not allow for parole. Stackhouse remains in the custody of the United States Marshal until he is transferred to a federal prison.
The investigation was conducted by the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons prosecuted the case.
“There is no parole in the federal system,” stated officials regarding Stackhouse’s sentencing.