Two Burlington, Iowa Men Sentenced for Conspiracy to Manufacture Methamphetamine and Endangering Human Life While Manufacturing Methamphetamine
DAVENPORT, IA - On June 5, 2009, two Burlington men who were involved in the same methamphetamine conspiracy were both sentenced. Richard Lee Meppelink, 43, was sentenced to 280 months imprisonment, having previously pled to conspiracy to manufacture at least 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and 5 grams of actual methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Matthew G. Whitaker. Meppelink was also sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, having previously pled to endangering human life while manufacturing methamphetamine which was ordered to run concurrent with the 280 month sentence imposed in Count 1. United States District Judge John A. Jarvey also ordered Meppelink to serve eight years on supervised release following imprisonment, and pay an assessment of $200 to the Crime Victim Fund and restitution in the amount of $27,891.59.
Jeffrey Wayne Dillon, 42, was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, having previously pled to conspiracy to manufacture at least 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and 5 grams of actual methamphetamine. Dillon was also sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, having previously pled to endangering human life while manufacturing methamphetamine which was ordered to run concurrent with the 120 month sentence imposed in Count 1. United States District Judge John A. Jarvey also ordered Dillon to serve eight years on supervised release following imprisonment, and pay an assessment of $200 to the Crime Victim Fund and restitution in the amount of $27,891.59.
On January 4, 2008, a traffic stop was conducted on DILLON. During a search of the vehicle, officers seized pseudoephedrine pills, which are frequently used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Officers got a search warrant for DILLON’s residence, located within the city limits of Burlington. Upon executing the search warrant, both Meppelink and Dillon were present and preparing for a methamphetamine cook. Officers found numerous items indicative of methamphetamine manufacturing. While at the residence, one officer was exposed to a significant amount of anhydrous ammonia vapors and suffered injuries.
The items collected were sent to the DCI laboratory. The report indicates that the amount of actual methamphetamine was 8.93 grams, and the mixture and substance containing methamphetamine was 260.90 grams.
This case was investigated by the Burlington Police Department, Des Moines County Sheriff’s Department, Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force, and the Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa prosecuted the case in Davenport.