(Sioux City)– Drug-related charges have been filed against a man who was a key figure in the Shelby Duis child abuse case.
U-S Attorney Charles Larson Senior announced today 30-year-old Jesse John Wendelsdorf…now of Sioux county, Iowa…has been charged in an indictment unsealed Monday in U-S District Court in Sioux City.
The indictment charges Wendelsdorf with one count of conspiracy to rent, use and maintain a residence at 1501 Jackson Avenue in Spirit Lake for the purpose of using, distributing and manufacturing methamphetamine and marijuana; to manage and control the residence as a lessee, agent and occupant and knowingly and intentionally making the property available for the purpose of unlawfully using, distributing and manufacturing methamphetamine and marijuana; to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of mixed methamphetamine between January, 1997 through January, 2000; and one count of conspiracy to manufacture five grams or more of pure meth between January 2001 through November 25th, 2003.
If convicted Wendeldorf faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment and a maximum sentence of 40 years imprisonment; a two million dollar fine and atleast four years up to life supervised release following any imprisonment.
Wendelsdorf appeared Monday in U-S District Court in Sioux City for an initial appearance and arraignment and was detained. His next appearance is set for this Friday (Feb. 18th) when a detention hearing is scheduled.
Wendelsdorf was acquitted of charges against him in the death of Shelby Duis of Spirit Lake, who was found dead at her home at 1501 Jackson Avenue in early January, 2000. Wendelsdorf was living with Shelby’s mother, Heidi Watkins of Spirit Lake, who was found guilty of child endangerment and is currently serving a prison sentence of up to 50 years.
