Chicago Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Distribution Charge

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Chicago, Illinois, man was sentenced on Monday, January 22, 2024, to 120 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine.

According to public court documents at the time of his plea hearing, Joshua Adam Townsen, 42, admitted to the October 2022 distribution of a bag that contained approximately 220 grams of methamphetamine to Gilbert Ellis. On October 10, 2023, Gilbert Ellis was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment on conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, distribution of heroin near a school, distribution of heroin, and distribution of methamphetamine. Additional information on this drug conspiracy can be found in a previously published press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdia/pr/eight-burlington-individuals-charged-federal-criminal-complaint-drug-charges

After completing his term of imprisonment, Townsen will be required to serve five years 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Taskforce, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Burlington Police Department, the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, the West Burlington Police Department, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Lee County Task Force, Muscatine Task Force, Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group, Johnson County Drug Task Force, Ottumwa Drug Task Force, and the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team in Illinois.