Alfredo Soberanes, a 31-year-old from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced on April 10 to more than twelve years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute.
The sentencing reflects ongoing efforts by law enforcement and the courts to address the dangers of fentanyl distribution in local communities.
According to court documents, Soberanes admitted that on August 31, 2023, he fled from law enforcement during a traffic stop in Sioux City. Officers later found him hiding in the basement of a residence associated with his vehicle registration. At the time of his arrest, authorities discovered methamphetamine, a stolen firearm, a digital scale, and over 2,500 pills marked “M-30” containing fentanyl in his possession. Soberanes had previously been charged by the State for possessing methamphetamine and was sentenced to twenty years’ imprisonment but ultimately served a total of 620 days before being federally indicted for possession with intent to deliver fentanyl.
United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand handed down the sentence of 144 months’ imprisonment. Soberanes received credit for the time already served on related state charges and will also be required to serve four years of supervised release following his prison term. There is no parole available under the federal system.
The case highlights continued collaboration between local and federal authorities in prosecuting drug-related offenses involving dangerous substances like fentanyl.
