Meth found after wreck sends man to prison

A Fort Dodge man will serve time in a federal penitentiary after methamphetamine was found on him following a 2024 vehicle accident.

Mark A. Mendenhall, 53, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine.

On Tuesday U.S. District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced him to 16 years in prison.

According to the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa, on Sept. 19, 2024, Mendenhall was working as a patient transport driver despite being a fugitive from the Iowa Department of Corrections. On that date, his vehicle was southbound on Iowa Highway 86 when it crossed the center line and collided with a northbound semitrailer, according to the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office. Mendenhall and the passenger in his vehicle were injured. When he was taken to the hospital, it was found that he had about 40 grams of methamphetamine concealed on his body.

A search of his wrecked vehicle revealed syringes, fake IDs and counterfeit money, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa reported.

According to federal prosecutors, Mendenhall had an extensive criminal record that includes 24 convictions over 25 years.

Police Log

FORT DODGE

Tuesday

An escape was reported in the 300 block of First Avenue South.

A welfare check was conducted in the 1300 block of Third Avenue Northwest.

A nuisance was reported in the 1100 block of Junior Court.

A vehicle accident was reported in the 1500 block of Cardinal Avenue.

A fight was reported in the 1200 block of First Avenue North.

A fight was reported in the 800 block of North 25th Street.

A vehicle accident was reported at Second Avenue South and 12th Street.

A suspicious person was reported in the 500 block of South 14th Street.

An assault was reported in the 800 block of North 32nd Street.

A welfare check was conducted at Fifth Avenue South and 17th Street.

A noise violation was reported in the 2400 block of 9 1/2 Avenue South.

A hit and run accident was reported in the 700 block of South 31st Street.

A civil dispute was reported in the 3000 block of 20th Avenue North.

An animal complaint was reported at Second Avenue South and Third Street.

A suspicious person was reported in the 1100 block of Central Avenue.

A noise violation was reported in the 300 block of South Eighth Street.

An animal complaint was reported at E Street and Avenue E.

A hit and run accident was reported at Second Avenue North and 22nd Street.

A theft was reported in the 3000 block of First Avenue South.

Magistrate Court

WEBSTER COUNTY

Wednesday

Driving while barred — Reilly S. Gordon Peterson, 19, 850 N. 20th St., preliminary hearing waived.

Assault on persons in certain occupations — Krystal Marie Ann Frock, 32, Livermore, preliminary hearing set for Feb. 2.

Fifth degree criminal mischief — Krystal Marie Ann Frock, 32, Livermore, preliminary hearing set for Feb. 2.

Disorderly conduct — Krystal Marie Ann Frock, 32, Livermore, continued 180 days.

Reckless driving — Taelynn D. Slawson, 18, 632 Riverside St. N.W., trial set for March 5.

Driving while license suspended — Annabel S. Rosburg, 30, 1641 Eighth Ave. N., $250 plus surcharge, court costs.

Fifth degree theft — Matthew Z. Schafnitz, 21, 1940 225th St., trial set for March 5.

Provide false identification information — Javier Mendez, 28, Webster City, $105 plus surcharge, court costs.

Property maintenance code violation — Steven McFarland, 733 S. 22nd St., continued until March 5. Cora L. Brennan, 1526 Fifth Ave. N., trial set for March 11.