State Drug Charges Transferred To Federal For Charles City Man

A Charles City man, sentenced to 10 years in prison on state drug charges, may be facing a much longer time behind bars.

Dalton Betsinger, 24, was arrested on New Year's Eve, after being stopped by authorities on U.S. Highway 65 in Cerro Gordo County. Betsinger then led authorities to meth, marijuana, packaging materials and paraphernalia. He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of marijuana, and received a ten year prison sentence.

But that was in state court. Federal authorities are now prosecuting Betsinger, whose state conviction and sentence have been vacated. Betsinger now faces charges of distributing methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth, which are filed in federal court in Cedar Rapids.

If he is found guilty of the new charges, Betsinger could face 10 years to life in prison.

He has pleaded not guilty, with a federal trial date set for Sept. 4.