Last two men implicated in Iowa meth trafficking ring plead guilty

CEDAR RAPIDS - The last two men charged in an ice methamphetamine trafficking ring, involving eight co-conspirators, pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court.  

Kelbie Struve, 24, of Toledo, and Scott Steuhm, 24, of Tama, both pleaded guilty to trafficking methamphetamine as part of a drug conspiracy that spanned from November 2012 through August 2016.

Others indicted last September on the conspiracy charge are Kyle Chyma, 28, of Toledo; Edgar Hernandez, 30, of Toledo; Kailyn Struve, 25, of Toledo; Tyler Walz, 22, of Tama; Marlene Hernandez, 24, of Toledo; and Alejandra Castillo-Hernandez, 45, of Marshalltown.

The indictment shows Chyma, Edgar Hernandez, and Steuhm were charged with distributing at least 500 grams or more of a mixture containing meth, which contained 50 grams or more of pure meth.

Kelbie and Kailyn Struve, Marlene Hernandez and Alejandra Castillo-Hernandez were charged with distributing at least 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine, which contained 5 grams or more of pure meth.

In addition, Walz was charged with distributing cocaine and Chyma and Kailyn Struve also were charged with distributing cocaine. Chyma was also charged with money laundering.

At plea hearings earlier this month, Chyma, Edgar Hernandez, Kailyn Struve, Marlene Hernandez and Alejandra Castillo-Hernandez admitted to trafficking in methamphetamine. Chyma, Kailyn Struve, and Walz admitted to trafficking in cocaine, and Chyma also admitted to money laundering. 

The indictment also contained a forfeiture allegation. As part of their guilty pleas, the eight defendants agreed to forfeit up to $360,027 in drug proceeds.

Chyma, Edgar Hernandez, and Steuhm face 10 years to life in federal prison.

Kelbie Struve, Kailyn Struve, Marlene Hernandez and Alejandra Castillo-Hernandez face five to 40 years in prison and Walz faces up to 20 years in prison.

Sentencing hearings are to be set after presentencing reports are prepared. All eight defendants remain in U.S. Marshal's custody pending sentencing.

l Comments: (319) 398-8318; trish.mehaffey@thegazette.com