United States of America v. Wenona Oropeza

Woodbury, Iowa, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substance.

A number of times over one year in 2024-2025, Wenona Oropeza, 48, from Omaha, Nebraska, would have other persons drive her from Omaha, Nebraska to Sioux Falls, South Dakota with several ounces of methamphetamine to distribute in Sioux Falls where she could double and triple her profits selling the methamphetamine. On March 2, 2025, a vehicle Oropeza was a passenger in was stopped for traffic violations near Sioux City. Law enforcement seized over 50 grams of pure methamphetamine that Oropeza admitted she planned to sell in Sioux Falls.

United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Oropeza to 130 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Oropeza is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.

The Defendant was found guilty and was sentenced to 130 months imprisonment. 5 years supervised release. $100 assessment.