A Monticello man was sentenced Monday in Jones County court for his participation in distributing methamphetamine in the area. KCRG reports 39-year-old James Smith was sentenced 15 years in prison for a charge of drug tax stamp violation as an habitual offender. He must serve three years before he is considered for parole. This is the latest arrest in a meth ring investigation that began in October of 2023. The Monticello Police Department investigated Smith in June of 2025 after he was found passed out in his vehicle at a Casey’s gas station. When officers searched his vehicle, a criminal complaint says they found nearly 14 grams of meth, as well as a scale and other drug paraphernalia. Investigators with the Anamosa Police were able to identify Smith as a dealer through a confidential source, who said suspects purchased from a man nicknamed “Biggie” or “Bigs” at the Blue Inn in Monticello. Investigators said they also had messages on a phone from a previous suspect that showed Smith was communicating about drug deals. In addition to the drug tax stamp charge, Smith also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and an OWI. He will serve those sentences consecutively with the other charge.
