a man i almost fell in love with, gets arrested

MASON CITY — A Mason City man has been arrested by the North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force and charged in a three- count federal indictment.

James Mariner, 38, is charged with conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and a mixture of cocaine; and money laundering.

If convicted, according to a news release from the drug task force, Mariner faces 40 years in prison and $12.5 million in fines.

The investigation has been ongoing since 2003, according to authorities.

In addition to the task force, the case was investigated by the Mason City Police Department, Mason City Drug Enforcement Unit, Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department, Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Clear Lake Police Department and Iowa Army National Guard.

Mariner was held in the Cerro Gordo County Jail and taken to Cedar Rapids for his initial appearance in federal court.
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i remember first meeting jim in 2003 when he was a close friend to one of my employees. i remember his stunning handsome good looks and how i fell head over heels for him. then there was the time i went to his house and spent some time fixing his computer. we came this close to actually getting it on, but it never happened. i had since then tried to see him several times, but never could find him home. now he'll never be home. and i'm really saddened by this development.