Mason City Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Distribution

            Charles Robinson, 44, from Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, after a September 2, 2025, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.

            Between at least May 2023 and continuing through September 2024, Robinson was involved in an ongoing methamphetamine distribution conspiracy based in Mason City where law enforcement documented Robinson actively engaged in drug trafficking.  Robinson has an extensive criminal history, including numerous assault and domestic abuse-related convictions.

            Robinson was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 120 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

            Robinson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

            The case was investigated by Cerro Gordo County, Iowa Sheriff’s Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons.