Mason City man sentenced to 11 years in federal prison on meth, firearms charges

SIOUX CITY — A Mason City man has been sentenced to 11 years in prison on federal firearm and methamphetamine charges.

The US Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa’s office says 34-year-old Jacob Shafer pleaded guilty in May to one count of possession with the intent to distribute meth and one count of illegal possession of a firearm.

He was previously convicted of possession of meth with the intent to deliver and trafficking in stolen weapons in Iowa in March 2022. Both of those convictions prohibit a person from possessing any firearm.

Prosecutors say evidence at the plea and sentencing hearing showed that in March of last year, during the execution of a search warrant at Shafer’s home, law enforcement seized: four bags of meth; drug paraphernalia including pipes, bongs, grinders, and baggies; a digital scale; and multiple weapons and ammunition. Shafer admitted he had plans to distribute the meth that officers found.

US District Judge Leonard Strand on Friday sentenced Shafer to 132 months in prison followed by a four-year term of supervised release.