Rudd, Iowa Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for 57 Years for Conspiracy and Firearms Charges

A man who had 39 guns when he conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced February 16, 2012, to 57 years in federal prison.

David Neve, age 59, from Rudd, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 21, 2011, jury verdict finding him guilty of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and two charges of possessing firearms in relation to the drug offenses. The jury also forfeited all the firearms, ammunition, and over $100,000 in cash.

Evidence at trial showed Neve conspired to distribute methamphetamine, possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, distributed methamphetamine, and possessed 39 firearms in relation to the drug offenses. Neve had over 20 loaded firearms including two assault rifles and 4600 rounds of ammunition. The evidence showed Neve possessed over $100,000 in proceeds from his drug business. Neve also had two bullet proof vests in his home.

Neve was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Neve was sentenced to 324 months’ imprisonment for the drug charges, and to 60 months’ imprisonment on the first gun charge, and 300 months’ imprisonment on the second gun charge. The terms of imprisonment will run consecutively for a total term of 684 months’ imprisonment. Neve was also fined $25,000. A special assessment of $500 was imposed. He must also serve a term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

Neve is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jack Lammers and was investigated by the North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force including the Special Operations Group; Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office; Mason City Police Department; Clear Lake Police Department; Iowa State Patrol including the Tactical Team; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; Franklin County Sheriff’s Office; Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office; Floyd County Sheriff’s Office; Wright County Sheriff’s Office; Charles City Police Department; Nora Springs Police Department; Des Moines Police Department Bomb Squad K-9; Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations; Iowa State Fire Marshal; and Iowa National Guard.