A Keokuk man has been sentenced to 19 years in prison on drug and firearms charges

KEOKUK, Iowa (KWQC) – A Keokuk man was sentenced Wednesday to 19 years in prison on drug and firearms charges, media reports said.

John Herman Soper, 50, was convicted after he pleaded guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

According to court documents, on Oct. 30, 2021, law enforcement responded to a disturbance in Soper involving threats by an individual with a firearm. The officer said they knew Soper had active arrest warrants at the time and was involved in recent shootings.

Court records show officers found Soper and searched him and his car. Soper had a loaded handgun, cash and about a quarter pound of ice methamphetamine.

According to court records, officers said they had multiple sources that Soper obtained pounds of ice methamphetamine.

With Soper’s serious drug conviction, he qualifies as an armed career felon and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, according to the release. One of Soper’s prior convictions includes a previous federal conviction for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.

Copyright 2022 KWQC. All rights reserved.