Iowa Woman Sentenced to Over 24 Years for Massive Meth Distribution Conspiracy

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa reported Wednesday that a woman who plotted to distribute massive quantities of methamphetamine was sentenced to more than 24 years in federal prison on March 17.

Candace Sue Thein, 42, of Dike, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance as well as one count of distribution, according to the office.

According to the agency, between December 2023 and May 22, 2024, Thein and her companions received many shipments of methamphetamine and marijuana from a California supplier.

The group obtained more than 50 pounds of methamphetamine, which they disseminated around Waterloo, Dike, Reinbeck, and Hudson, according to the office.

On May 22, 2024, law enforcement conducted search warrants at several homes, including Thein’s, according to the office.

During the search, investigators discovered methamphetamine, marijuana, packaging materials, and drug-related paraphernalia, according to the report.

According to the office, Thein was involved in a violent altercation with one of her drug customers some weeks after the search.

According to the office, Thein and two associates went to the customer’s apartment early on June 15, 2024, to collect unpaid drug bills.

According to court documents, the two individuals threatened to kill the customer, and Thein forced his way into the home and grabbed his cell phone, according to the office.

C.J. Williams, United States District Chief Judge, sentenced Thein in Cedar Rapids, according to the office.

According to the agency, she is still in federal custody pending her transfer to a Bureau of Prisons facility.