A Webster City man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine and illegally possessed firearms was sentenced Wednesday to more than 15 years in federal prison.

Heath Cahill, 44, from Webster City, received the prison term after a Dec. 19, 2018, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and illegal possession of a firearm. Cahill was previously convicted of two prior felony drug convictions in the state of Iowa in 1997 and 2005, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa.

Evidence at the plea hearing and sentencing showed Cahill participated in a conspiracy that distributed more than 16 pounds of methamphetamine in the Webster City area from March 2018 through August 2018.

Officials said evidence further showed that Cahill had methamphetamine shipped to his residence via Federal Express for another co-conspirator from a California source. Law enforcement in August 2018 seized approximately 4 pounds of methamphetamine, over $2,000 in cash, a digital scale and a firearm at Cahill’s residence. Law enforcement seized two more firearms, and more cash from Cahill’s residence in October 2018.

Cahill was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Cahill was sentenced to 183 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

Cahill is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Webster City Police Department, Story County Sheriff’s Office, Ames Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, and Iowa Division of Criminalistics Investigation.