Drug, weapon charges send man

to prison for 25 years

A Dakota City man has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for drug and weapons charges, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa.

In April, Nathan Nickless, 40, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after having been previously convicted of a serious drug felony, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and failure to appear.

He was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.

Nickless was involved in at least three high profile incidents in the area during the last couple of years.

In August 2023, he led Fort Dodge police on a pursuit which started at Kenyon Road and Avenue C and ended along the bank of the Des Moines River near Avenue B. Federal prosecutors said that during that pursuit, Nickless had a backpack containing a loaded 9mm handgun, about 200 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana, psychedelic mushrooms, pills, THC gummies, ammunition and a scale.

The case against him in that incident was moved to federal court. However, he was allowed to remain free until his trial. When he did not show up for the trial in July 2024, he became a wanted man. In July 2024, he eluded authorities in Pocahontas County during a chase that began in Pocahontas and ended near Rolfe. He escaped on foot into a corn field.

Then in September 2024, he again eluded law enforcement, this time in Humboldt County. After that pursuit, officers found methamphetamine, marijuana, pills, a scale, and two pipes in the vehicle he abandoned.

He was arrested Oct. 2, 2024, in a home in Dakota City.

Magistrate Court

WEBSTER COUNTY

Thursday

Driving while barred — Angel L. Whyte, 51, 902 S. 15th St., preliminary hearing waived. Jeffrey A. Smith, 40, 188 Ave. M West, preliminary hearing waived. Brad A. Gully, 51, 315 S. 15th St., continued until Sept. 11.

Violation of parole — Jordan N. Pohlman, 34, Fort Dodge, transferred to Parole Board. James L. Altman Jr., 41, 311 First Ave. S., transferred to Parole Board.

Domestic abuse assault impeding air/blood flow causing bodily injury — Sypraseuth M. Keothammakhoun, 44, Des Moines, preliminary hearing set for Sept. 12, no contact order issued.

Willful injury causing bodily injury — Sypraseuth M. Keothammakhoun, 44, Des Moines, preliminary hearing set for Sept. 12, no contact order issued.

Domestic abuse assault, third or subsequent offense — Sypraseuth M. Keothammakhoun, 44, Des Moines, preliminary hearing set for Sept. 12, no contact order issued.

Violation of a no contact order — Sypraseuth M. Keothammakhoun, 44, Des Moines, continued 180 days.

Possession of a controlled substance, third or subsequent offense — Stormi J. Schoon, 44, Pocahontas, preliminary hearing waived.

Driving while license denied — Rachel L. Hinton, 28, 2013 Nathan Blvd., failed to appear, arrest warrant issued.