COUNCIL BLUFFS WOMAN SENTENCED ON DISTRIBUTION OF METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGES
Council Bluffs, IA - Estella Altman, 47, of Council Bluffs, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison, as a result of her conviction for distribution of methamphetamine and the use of a communications facility to commit a drug trafficking offense, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew G. Whitaker. After she is released from prison, Altman will be under federal court supervision for a period of three years. She also will be required to pay a $400 special assessment to the Crime Victim Fund.
Altman was convicted on June 4, 2009, after a two-day jury trial at the U.S. Courthouse in Council Bluffs, and was taken into custody at that time. Sentence was imposed by Chief District Judge Robert W. Pratt.
The evidence at trial showed that Altman distributed methamphetamine to an undercover officer on two separate occasions, and that she engaged in cell phone and text message communications on numerous occasions for the purpose of arranging drug deals.
This case was investigated by the Council Bluffs Police Department and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.