Burlington Man Sentenced to 24 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Distribution Quantity of Methamphetamine and a Loaded Firearm

DAVENPORT, Iowa - A Burlington man was sentenced on September 16, 2025, to 288 months (24 years) in federal prison for possessing a distribution quantity of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm as a prohibited person.

According to public court documents, Chad Jacob Runnells, 49, sold and received methamphetamine during several controlled purchases to law enforcement. In September 2024, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at Runnells' residence and adjacent stash house and found about 3.5 pounds of methamphetamine, a loaded firearm, and more than $10,000. Based on evidence obtained during the investigation, Runnells was responsible for distributing more than 65 pounds of methamphetamine. Runnells was prohibited from possessing firearms, including based on a 2021 conviction for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver as a habitual offender in the Iowa District Court for Des Moines County, and a 2013 conviction for domestic abuse assault impeding airflow in the Iowa District Court for Warren County.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Runnells will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Burlington Police Department, West Burlington Police Department, Des Moines County Sheriff's Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Henry County Sheriff's Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.