Northern District of Iowa
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Career Offender Who Distributed Purported Heroin Containing Fentanyl Resulting in an Overdose Sentenced to over 13 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who sold purported heroin that contained fentanyl in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was sentenced today to 163 months in federal prison.
Rodney Eugene Lewis, age 49, from Chicago Heights, Illinois, received the prison term after a February 6, 2024 guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.
Between February 2020 and June 2020, Lewis distributed purported heroin in Cedar Rapids. When Lewis was unavailable provide drugs to his customers, he provided his drug-trafficking cellphone to his sister and co-defendant, Marsha Celes Dismukes, so that Dismukes could supply his customers with controlled substances. During this time, Lewis provided an individual with purported heroin that also contained fentanyl. After using the controlled substance provided by Lewis, the individual overdosed. Lewis was previously convicted of two different drug trafficking offenses in Illinois.
Lewis was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Lewis was sentenced to 163 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Lewis 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 Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Cedar Rapids Police Department, at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 21-CR- 00068.
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Two Cedar Rapids Fentanyl Dealers Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Two Cedar Rapids men that distributed hundreds of pills containing fentanyl were recently sentenced to federal prison.
Henry Sorrell Barnes, Jr., age 35, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 12, 2024 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Noah Christopher Ward, age 25, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 13, 2024 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Evidence disclosed at prior hearings and their respective sentencings showed that between January 2023 and September 27, 2023, Barnes distributed at least 4,000 pills containing fentanyl in Cedar Rapids. Between May 2023, and late October 2023, Ward obtained at least 815 pills containing fentanyl from different sources, including Barnes, and Ward distributed many of the pills that he obtained. On two occasions, Ward sold Barnes a firearm in exchange for pills containing fentanyl.
On August 13, 2024, Barnes was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Barnes was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a five‑year term of supervised release after the prison term.
On August 7, 2024, Ward was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Williams. Ward was sentenced to 39 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a four‑year term of supervised release after the prison term.
There is no parole in the federal system.
Barnes and Ward are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to a federal prison.
These cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Johnson County Drug Task Force, consisting of the Johnson County Sherriff’s Office, the Iowa City Police Department, the Coralville Police Department, the North Liberty Police Department, the University of Iowa Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the United States Parcel Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file numbers are 23‑CR‑70 and 23‑CR‑77.
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Dubuque Woman Sentenced for Participating in Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
A woman who was involved in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, in which a young woman died from using cocaine distributed by the conspirators, was sentenced on August 15, 2024, to more than nine years in federal prison.
Whitaker Jo Ingles, age 30, from Dyersville, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 14, 2024 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine between 2019 and February 17, 2021, near Madison Park in Dubuque, Iowa.
At the guilty plea and sentencing, Ingles admitted she was a member of a conspiracy to distribute cocaine in the Dubuque area. She helped get the cocaine from the individual who brought it from Chicago, and then worked with others to distribute the cocaine to customers in Dubuque. On February 14, 2021, one of her partners distributed cocaine to a young woman in Dubuque who went home, used the cocaine and died from using the cocaine.
Ingles was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Ingles was sentenced to 115 months’ imprisonment. She was ordered to make $13,911.02 in restitution to the victim’s family. She must also serve an eight-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Ingles is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick J. Reinert and Nicole Nagin and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department
of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Iowa Medical Examiner’s Office and the Dubuque Drug Task Force, comprised of Dubuque Police Department, Dubuque Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-01006.
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Sioux City Man Who Stole Firearm from Fleet Farm and Escaped on a Bicycle Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who fled Sioux City Fleet Farm with the firearm was sentenced today, to more than 2 years in federal prison.
Lythung Thach, age 23, from Sioux City, received the prison term after a April 3, 2024, guilty plea to possession of a stolen firearm.
Evidence in the case revealed in June, 2023, Thach was inside Fleet Farm and requested assistance from an employee to view a handgun. An employee removed the firearm from the case, removed the magazine and handed it to Thach. Thach observed the firearm for a moment before suddenly fleeing out the front doors with the gun, where he got on a bicycle and fled the area. Upon review of surveillance cameras, officers were able to identify Thach. Two days after the incident, officers observed Thach on his bicycle at the intersection adjacent to the police department, where he was taken into custody for the stolen firearm. Thach had the firearm on his person and a magazine he acquired from an unknown source and further admitted to stealing the firearm for “fun”.
Thach had previously attempted to gain access to the Sioux City Police Department through the personnel only secure entrance where he was directed to leave. Thach then entered through the public entrance where he advised that he was a new hire and was there to pick up his uniform. Command staff spoke with Thach where it became apparent Thach was not a new hire and he further advised that he had, in fact, not completed an application due to a prior domestic abuse conviction.
Thach was previously arrested in December, 2022, for serious assault. Sioux City officers were dispatched for a physical disturbance between siblings. The victim had several lacerations on his back and advised that Thach had been hit several times with a PVC pipe.
Thach was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 30 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Thach is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Justice-Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Sioux City Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4054.
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Mason City Man with Three Prior Drug Trafficking Convictions Sentenced to More Than 18 Years’ Imprisonment for Conspiracy to Distribute MethRead the Press Release
Andrew Snyder, age 56, from Mason City, Iowa, was sentenced today to more than 18 years in federal prison after a March 13, 2024, guilty plea to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual pure methamphetamine, and 2 counts of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual pure methamphetamine. Evidence in the case revealed that between July 2023 and August 2023, Snyder conspired to distribute pound-quantities of methamphetamine in the Mason City area. Law Enforcement utilized a confidential source to conduct a controlled purchase where Snyder exchanged approximately 50 grams of methamphetamine for cash and was in possession of approximately a pound more. On another occasion, during a traffic stop, Snyder was found to have six baggies containing approximately 25 grams of methamphetamine. Snyder has three previous convictions for trafficking methamphetamine and possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Snyder was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 220 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. Snyder is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff Department and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-3033.
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Woman Who Sold Methamphetamine to Undercover Agent Sentenced to over 13 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A woman who sold methamphetamine to an undercover agent was sentenced today to 160 months in federal prison for her involvement in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Heather Sue Hartzell, age 32, from Waverly, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 21, 2023 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
In 2022, an undercover agent purchased methamphetamine from Hartzell outside her residence in Waterloo, Iowa. Approximately one month later, law enforcement officers stopped Hartzell while she was in a car with her eventual co-defendant James Douglas Morrison returning from Des Moines. Inside the car, Hartzell and Morrison had almost 2,000 grams of “ice” methamphetamine that Morrison had obtained from his supplier in Des Moines, Iowa. Morrison also had a gun.
Hartzell was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Hartzell was sentenced to 160 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Hartzell is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tri‑County Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Black Hawk County Sherriff’s Office, and the Waterloo Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-2045.
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Armed Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man caught exchanging gun fire with another vehicle and in possession of fentanyl was sentenced July 31, 2024, to 10 years in federal prison.
Macarr Hill, age 28, from Minneapolis, received the prison term after a March 27, 2024, guilty plea to possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Evidence in the case revealed on June 16, 2023, at approximately 11pm, while Sioux City Police Officers were on an unrelated call for service, they heard gunshots, then observed two vehicles chasing each other. Officers relayed information related to the vehicles but couldn’t immediately locate them. Just before 5:00 a.m. on June 17, officers observed a vehicle matching the description previously relayed, and were able to conduct a stop for traffic violations. Hill was the driver and owner of the vehicle and gave officers consent to a search of his vehicle. During the search, officers located 2 fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone, a baggie containing 3.5 grams of methamphetamine, 4 grams of cocaine, and a loaded magazine. A fuller search of the car occurred on June 19, 2023, and that search revealed an additional 801 fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone and a firearm consistent with the magazine.
Hill was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 120 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.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Hill is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4057.
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Postville Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being DeportedRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced August 13, 2024, to more than three months in federal prison.
Alvaro Gomez-Lopez, age 35, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Postville, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 28, 2024, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Gomez-Lopez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Gomez-Lopez was previously deported in March 2006. On April 28, 2024, immigration officials learned Gomez-Lopez had illegally returned to the United States and found Gomez-Lopez at the Allamakee County Jail following his arrest on state charges. Immigration officials helped determine Gomez-Lopez’s identity through fingerprints after he provided an alias name and date of birth when he was booked into the jail. In 2022, Gomez-Lopez was convicted in Allamakee County under the same alias name for interference with official acts.
Gomez-Lopez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Gomez-Lopez was sentenced to 104 days imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Gomez-Lopez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-1014.
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Guatemalan Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being DeportedRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced on August 9, 2024, to more than four months in federal prison.
Edwin Junech-Pastor, age 37, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Decorah, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 10, 2024, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
In a plea agreement, Junech-Pastor admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Junech-Pastor was previously deported in June 2008. On March 22, 2024, immigration officials learned Junech-Pastor had illegally returned to the United States and found Junech-Pastor at the Winneshiek County Jail following his arrest on state charges.
In the plea agreement, Junech-Pastor also admitted he used a fraudulent Social Security card and a fraudulent Permanent Resident card, also known as a “green card,” both bearing his name, to prove his authorization to work in the United States when he completed employment and tax forms in June 2019 at a business in Decorah, Iowa. Illegal aliens are not authorized to work in the United States. The number on the Social Security card was assigned to a United States citizen and the number on the Permanent Resident card was assigned to a Mexican male.
Junech-Pastor was previously convicted in May 2008 in the Northern District of Iowa following an immigration enforcement action in Postville, Iowa, of using fraudulent documents to unlawfully gain employment in the United States.
Junech-Pastor was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Junech-Pastor was sentenced to 138 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Junech-Pastor is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-2014.
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Earlville Man Sentenced to Nearly 10 Years in Prison for Using Drugs and Possessing Multiple FirearmsRead the Press Release
An Earlville man who assaulted his girlfriend and shot at her was sentenced today, August 9, 2024, to 97 months in prison.
Christopher Wuchter, age 38, from Earlville, received the prison term after a February 7, 2024, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a drug user.
Information disclosed during the plea and sentencing hearing revealed that on January 9, 2023, Wuchter was arrested for domestic abuse following an incident that occurred at his residence. Officers later executed a search warrant at the residence and found drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine, multiple rounds of ammunition, and over 30 firearms. Two of the firearms were determined to be sawed-off shotguns. During their investigation, investigators learned that in August 2022, Wuchter and his girlfriend at the time had gotten into an argument. Wuchter assaulted his girlfriend’s minor son causing a bloody nose. Wuchter then fired three shots from a second-story bedroom at his girlfriend as she was trying to leave the residence.
At the time of both incidents, Wuchter was a user of methamphetamine and marijuana. Wuchter has a criminal history, which includes 11 prior adult criminal convictions.
Wuchter was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Wuchter was sentenced to 97 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery and investigated by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-2024.
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Mexican Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being Deported Two TimesRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to more than three months in federal prison.
Javier Santiz-Santiz, age 32, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Tama, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 12, 2014, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Santiz-Santiz admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Santiz-Santiz was previously deported in January 2013 and February 2013. On May 2, 2024, immigration officials learned Santiz-Santiz had illegally returned to the United States and found Santiz-Santiz at the Tama County Jail following his arrest on state charges.
Santiz-Santiz was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Santiz-Santiz was sentenced to 98 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Santiz-Santiz is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 34-CR-36.
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Mexican Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being Deported Two TimesRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to more than three months in federal prison.
Javier Santiz-Santiz, age 32, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Tama, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 12, 2014, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Santiz-Santiz admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Santiz-Santiz was previously deported in January 2013 and February 2013. On May 2, 2024, immigration officials learned Santiz-Santiz had illegally returned to the United States and found Santiz-Santiz at the Tama County Jail following his arrest on state charges.
Santiz-Santiz was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Santiz-Santiz was sentenced to 98 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Santiz-Santiz is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 34-CR-36.
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Marion Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who received child pornography pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Jeffrey Alan Bradley, age 50, from Marion, Iowa, was convicted of one count of receipt of child pornography.
In a plea agreement, Bradley admitted that between May 2020 and February 2022, he received at least 600 visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The depictions included material portraying sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence, as well as the sexual abuse or exploitation of an infant or toddler. Law enforcement searched Bradley’s residence in February 2022, and recovered the child pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Bradley remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Bradley faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, $40,100 in special assessments, a $250,000 fine, and a life of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 24-CR-40. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Jury Convicts Cedar Rapids Man of Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Child and Destruction of EvidenceRead the Press Release
A man who attempted to solicit a minor to engage in prostitution was convicted by a jury on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, after a two-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Joshua Johnson, age 50, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was found guilty of attempted sex trafficking of a child and destruction of evidence.
The evidence at trial showed that, in December 2023, Johnson responded to an ad on a website for prostitution. He exchanged text messages with a person who stated that she was 13 years old; she actually was an undercover law enforcement officer. Johnson sent messages describing sex acts he could perform with the minor, and he traveled to Hiawatha, Iowa, to meet with her. After meeting with officers, Johnson wiped his cell phone.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Johnson remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Johnson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, $5,200 in special assessments, and supervised release for 5 years to life following any imprisonment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Hiawatha Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 24-38.
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Hancock County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of More than 25 Stolen Firearms and a Pipe BombRead the Press Release
A man who was found with more than 25 stolen firearms and explosives was sentenced July 31, 2023, to 2 years in federal prison.
Tommy Gretillat, age 44, from Corwith, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 5, 2024, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Evidence in the case revealed that when Hancock County Sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant at Gretillat’s residence related to an investigation into multiple burglaries in the Humboldt County area, he was found to have more than 25 stolen firearms, explosives or destructive devices, a pipe-bomb, as well as other stolen property.
Gretillat’s criminal history includes several burglary convictions and a previous conviction for possession of a firearm by a felon, all of which precluded his lawful possession of firearms.
Gretillat was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 24 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 2-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Gretillat is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by Hancock County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-3004.
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Central American Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being DeportedRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to more than three months in federal prison.
Secundino Garcia-Lopez, age 37, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Ackley, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 13, 2024, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Garcia-Lopez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Garcia-Lopez was previously deported in August 2012. On April 23, 2024, immigration officials learned Garcia-Lopez had illegally returned to the United States and found Garcia-Lopez at the Mitchell County Jail following his arrest on state charges.
Garcia-Lopez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Garcia-Lopez was sentenced to 102 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Garcia-Lopez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-2018.
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Central American Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being DeportedRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to more than three months in federal prison.
Secundino Garcia-Lopez, age 37, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Ackley, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 13, 2024, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Garcia-Lopez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Garcia-Lopez was previously deported in August 2012. On April 23, 2024, immigration officials learned Garcia-Lopez had illegally returned to the United States and found Garcia-Lopez at the Mitchell County Jail following his arrest on state charges.
Garcia-Lopez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Garcia-Lopez was sentenced to 102 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Garcia-Lopez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-2018.
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Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to over Five Years in Federal Prison for Being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A felon and drug user who possessed a firearm was sentenced on August 1, 2024, to 63 months in federal prison.
Christopher King, age 52, of Cedar Rapids, received the sentence after a February 26, 2024, guilty plea to one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. At the plea hearing, King admitted that, in February 2023, he possessed a Glock pistol after having been convicted of two felonies and while being an unlawful drug user.
King was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. King was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the High Risk Unit of the Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is CR 23-62.
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Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm while on probation for a felony conviction was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.
Marshaun Daniel DeMoss, age 23, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 20, 2024, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
At the guilty plea, DeMoss admitted that on October 27, 2023, he knowingly possessed a firearm, a Taurus G3 9x19mm caliber pistol, as a felon. Specifically, during a fight with his girlfriend, DeMoss assaulted, strangled, and hit her in the head with the firearm. When his girlfriend fled in her vehicle, DeMoss followed in his car and pointed the firearm out the car window at her. After his girlfriend reported the assault to police, officers stopped DeMoss’s car and found a loaded Taurus G3 pistol with an extended magazine with a round in the chamber. At the time of the incident, DeMoss was on probation on a state felony conviction for trafficking in stolen weapons. He was also on probation for domestic abuse assault.
DeMoss was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. DeMoss was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
DeMoss 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 Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-01.
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Sioux City Man Sentenced to Fourteen Years in Federal Prison for Meth Trafficking and Immigration OffensesRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine while illegally in the United States was sentenced on August 2, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.
Juan Cardona-Tinajero, 34, from Guadalajara, Mexico, pled guilty on March 15, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and being an illegal alien in United States.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that from January 2023 and September 22, 2023, Cardona-Tinajero and others in the conspiracy agreed to distribute nearly 20 pounds of methamphetamine. Cardona-Tinajero also admitted that he was caught receiving approximately nine pounds of methamphetamine by mail which he intended to further distribute. Cardona-Tinajero was receiving packages through the U.S. postal service from California which contained methamphetamine that he distributed in Sioux City area. Evidence further showed that Cardona-Tinajero was removed from the United States in 2010, and again in 2014, and was in the United States illegally.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Cardona-Tinajero was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment and must serve a five-year term of supervised release following the imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Cardona-Tinjaro remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Shawn S. Wehde and Kevin C. Fletcher and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4063 and 23-4072.
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Monona County, Iowa Kidnapper and Gunman Sent to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Monona County, Iowa man was sentenced today, August 2, 2024, to 16 years in federal prison.
Allen Jones, age 35, from Ute, Iowa received the prison term after a March 19, 2024, guilty plea to kidnapping.
Evidence in the case revealed on July 7, 2023, Jones called his employer and stated his car would not start and that he needed a ride to work. Jones supervisor instructed a co-worker to pick up Jones at his residence. When the co-worker pulled into the driveway, Jones lured the co-worker into the garage, pointed a loaded shotgun at him, and said we are “going for a ride.” Jones held his victim at gunpoint, forced him into his (Jones’s) car, and ordered him to drive to a near-by casino. Jones told his victim that he planned “to shoot up the casino” and use the victim as a human shield.
On the way to the casino, Jones instructed the victim to change course, because he wanted to confront a former girlfriend before he committed the mass-shooting. Near Mapleton, Iowa, Jones further directed his victim to stop at a gas station, go into the store, and buy him food and beer. Jones warned his victim not to try to escape. The victim entered the store, selected some items, held them up to the window for Jones to see, but then set the items down and fled out of the back of the store. The victim ran alongside a storage unit, across a field, struggled across the Maple River, crossed another field, and ran onto an airfield where the victim found help.
When law enforcement arrived, they learned Jones had left the gas station on foot. Jones was located and arrested. On his person Monona County Sherriff’s Deputies located methamphetamine and in the truck they located the loaded shotgun. A subsequent search of Jones’ home revealed additional firearms, ammunition, various prescription pills, methamphetamine, and other items of contraband.
Jones has a lengthy criminal history including a 2013 federal conviction for illegally possessing a firearm as a felon and a history of marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine use.
Jones was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Jones was sentenced to 192 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Jones is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Iowa Department of Public Safety-Iowa State Patrol, Monona County Sherriff’s Office, and the United States Department of Justice-Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-4048.
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Former Union President Sent to Federal Prison for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
A former union president who misspent over $30,000 in union funds was sentenced on July 25, 2024, to eight months in federal prison. Brock A. Willson, also known as Brock A. Cligrow, age 43, received the prison term after a January 25, 2024, guilty plea to one count of bank fraud.
In a plea agreement and at hearings in the case, it was established that, from no later than about March 2020, and continuing through at least October 2021, Willson served in various capacities as a local labor union’s president, business manager/financial secretary, and coordinator of its joint apprenticeship training committee. By virtue of his high-level positions within the union, Willson had access to its bank accounts. From the bank accounts, the labor organization entrusted defendant with making authorized payments for certain authorized expenses, including its training committee. Willson abused his position of trust at the union to cause the local bank to make payments for his own personal expenses, including but not limited to payments on his personal vehicle loan and purchases at department stores. Willson ultimately agreed to repay over $30,000 in misspent union funds.
Willson has a criminal history, including a prior felony conviction for serious injury by vehicle and reckless driving. While on pretrial release, federal probation officers found a firearm and ammunition in the residence in which Willson was residing at the time. Willson was jailed for over a month because of that incident in late 2023.
Willson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Willson was sentenced to 8 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $30,280.98 in restitution to the labor union and its insurer.
Willson must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
“While the vast majority of union officials do their work diligently and without incident, unfortunately criminal violations do occur. When they do, it is the union and its members that are the victims. Brock Willson embezzled funds from a local union that should have been used for its members’ benefit,” said Christiane Abendroth, District Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards. “OLMS is committed to hold accountable anyone who unlawfully exploits their position for financial gain at the expense of their fellow union members.”
United States Attorney Timothy Duax stated, “We appreciate the hard work done by OLMS in helping hold Mr. Willson accountable for his crime. Willson took advantage of the people he was supposed to serve. There is a price to be paid for such conduct, and Mr. Willson will pay that price while in prison.”
Willson was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons at a date yet to be set. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards. The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department also assisted in the investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-67.
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Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
A man who distributed fentanyl in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was sentenced today to more than eight years in federal prison.
Colby Joseph Manley, age 26, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 8, 2024 guilty plea to four counts of distribution and aiding and abetting the distribution of a controlled substance and two counts of distribution of a controlled substance.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that, in April 2022, Manley distributed an amount of fentanyl to another person, which caused the person to suffer an overdose and die. Following the overdose, on six separate occasions between December 2022 and February 2023, under cover law enforcement officers purchased pills containing fentanyl from Manley.
Manley was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Manley was sentenced to 98 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Manley 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 Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated as part of the Northern Iowa Heroin Initiative and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Johnson County Drug Task Force and the Cedar Rapids Police Department. The Johnson County Drug Task Force consists of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa
City Police Department, the Coralville Police Department, the North Liberty Police Department, the University of Iowa Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-41.
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Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute DrugsRead the Press Release
Shannon Ivory, 43, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty July 31, 2024, in federal court, to four counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
At the plea hearing, evidence showed that on March 20, 2023, Ivory was arrested on state of Iowa charges. During the arrest multiple types of illegal drugs packaged in separate bags were found on Ivory. Ivory was found in possession of over 26 grams of pure methamphetamine; over 15 grams of crack cocaine; over 4 grams of powder cocaine; and 25 morphine pills. Ivory admitted to possessing the drugs and his intent to distribute them to other persons.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. On the convictions, Ivory faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, an $8,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service, the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department, and the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4038.
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Fort Dodge Woman Pleads Guilty to Meth Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty July 31, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.
Amanda Johnson, f/k/a Amanda Adams, 35, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. In 2020, Johnson was convicted in federal court of same conduct - conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute and aiding and abetting another in the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Johnson admitted her involvement in a conspiracy that distributed more than 150 grams of methamphetamine in the Fort Dodge area for six months in 2023. On November 15, 2023, Johnson and another distributed about ¼ pound methamphetamine in a controlled drug purchase transaction in Waterloo, Iowa. On December 4, 2023, Johnson made an agreement to distribute ¼ pound of methamphetamine to an undercover agent, distributed 2 grams of methamphetamine, then fled.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Johnson remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. On the conspiracy conviction Johnson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and at least ten years of supervised release following any imprisonment. On the distribution conviction Johnson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $8,000,000 fine, and at least eight years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Iowa DCI Laboratory, Fort Dodge Iowa Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Waterloo, Iowa, based Tri-County Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-3005.
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Rock Valley Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Terrance Buescher, 59, from Rock Valley, Iowa, was sentenced on July 26, 2024, to 5 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.
Buescher pled guilty on March 15, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that from April 2022 through January 2023, Buescher was involved in a conspiracy that distributed at least 20 pounds of methamphetamine in the Rock Valley, area. Buescher admitted to obtaining pounds of methamphetamine about every ten days from a source in Colorado to distribute in Northern Iowa, during 2022 and 2023.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Buescher was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment and must serve a three year term of supervised release following the imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Buescher remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Rock Valley, Iowa Police Department and the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4014.
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- Spencer Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A man who attempted to flee police twice while illegally possessing firearms and drugs, was sentenced today to more than six years in federal prison.
Raymon Olague, age 31, from Sioux City, received the prison term after a February 12, 2024, guilty plea to illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Evidence in the case revealed on May 1, 2023, Olague was involved in a car chase that reached speeds in excess of 100 mph. Stop sticks were deployed, which struck a front tire, but Olague continued to flee law enforcement at a high rate of speed for several blocks. Olague pulled into an alley and threw a loaded handgun, with an obliterated serial number, out of the driver’s side door, before fleeing on foot into a nearby residence. Olague failed to comply with officers’ verbal commands but was found hiding under a child’s bed in the residence, and was apprehended. Olague posted a cash bond for the eluding charges.
On September 21, 2023, while officers were conducting surveillance on another incident, Olague was observed entering the residence without any bags or backpacks, and two minutes later, exited carrying a backpack. When a uniformed officer approached Olague, he refused commands and fled on foot, dropping the backpack and multiple items from his waistband. Olague was apprehended and taken into custody on a warrant for failing to appear at a hearing related to the May 1 incident. Officers located the items Olague dropped, and inside the backpack was a second loaded pistol that had been reported stolen, along with drug paraphernalia.
Olague was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Leonard T. Strand to 90 months’ imprisonment adjusted for time served on a related state offense. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Olague is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4064.
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Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A Sioux City man who previously served time for distribution of cocaine was sentenced today to more than four years in federal prison.
Jerry Wilson, age 62, from Sioux City, received the prison term after a February 23, 2024, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon and drug user.
Evidence in the case revealed that on September 20, 2023, Wilson was stopped for traffic violations, and was also found to have a suspended license. As the officer approached, Wilson immediately became apprehensive and argumentative. The officer noticed the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and asked the occupants to step out. Upon search of the vehicle, officers located the keys in the ignition had a container attached which contained approximately 2 grams of a white powdery substance that field tested positive for cocaine. Officers also located a box in the center console, containing a THC vape pen and a contained with approximately 1 gram of a white crystal substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine. In the glove box was another THC vape pen. Under the driver’s seat, officers located a revolver. Prior to transporting Wilson to the jail, officers searched Wilsons’ person and also located a pill bottle in Wilson’s jacket that contained 21 fentanyl pills, disguised as oxycodone, 18 individual baggies containing methamphetamine, and 2 baggies containing cocaine.
Wilson has an extensive criminal history including delivery of controlled substance, pimping and pandering, possession of cocaine and carrying weapons, possession of a weapon by a felon, as well as a previous federal conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Wilson was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 51 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Wilson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4075.
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Felon with History of Violence and Drug Trafficking Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A Sioux City man who previously served time for possession of a firearm in violation of federal law, was sentenced today to another 8 years in federal prison.
Anthony Goodshield, age 41, of Sioux City, received the prison term after a March 6, 2024, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon and drug user.
Evidence in the case revealed Goodshield, who was taken into custody on an outstanding state warrant, was found to be in possession of several items of drug paraphernalia, as well as the firearm that he attempted to stash in an air duct vent.
Goodshield’s criminal history includes burglary, going armed with intent, eluding, possession with intent to distribute controlled substance, as well a previous federal felon in possession of a firearm conviction.
Goodshield was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 96 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Goodshield is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4056.
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Drug Dealers Who Mailed Fentanyl from Phoenix to Sioux City Sentenced to More Than 15 years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Aki Awou, age 33, from Omaha, Nebraska, was found guilty by a jury on March 1, 2024, of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. His brother, Karom Bol, age 20, of Sioux City, pled guilty on February 21, 2024, to five related counts: conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of firearms by a drug user, and possession of a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Evidence in the case revealed that the two were gang members and between January 2022 and May 2022, Awou, traveled to the Phoenix, Arizona area, where he would mail packages containing thousands of fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone to Bol’s address’ in Sioux City, Iowa. The Omaha Police Department’s Gang Intelligence Unit utilized a GPS tracker on Awou’s vehicle to pinpoint Awou’s travels and package mailing activities, including his shipment of fentanyl to addresses in Sioux City from post offices in Arizona. Postal Inspectors were able to intercept a package and conduct a controlled delivery with assistance from the DEA and the Sioux City Police Department, at one of the Sioux City addresses. Afterwards, law enforcement executed a search warrant. During the search warrant, Bol was observed throwing firearms out a second story bedroom window. Agents identified a second Sioux City location tied to Bol and Awou, and obtained a second search warrant for that residence. Additional evidence, including illegal pills, was found at that location.
Postal Inspectors later received notice of another package being sent from Arizona to the address in Sioux City and were able to intercept and search that package, revealing that it also contained thousands of fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone. Awou’s fingerprints were on three packages used as evidence in the case and Bol’s palm print was located on the package used during the controlled delivery. In total, Bol and Awou were responsible for nearly two pounds of fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone.
Awou was sentenced on July 24, 2024, in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 192 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.
Bol was sentenced July 10, 2024, in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 180 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.
United States Attorney Timothy Duax stated, “Fentanyl is an incredibly dangerous illegal drug, and when people like Awou and Bol bring fentanyl to our community, they place our citizens at risk of serious harm and death. Accordingly, we are grateful for the hard work and cooperation of federal and state law enforcement agencies in stopping these individuals and sending a clear message that fentanyl traffickers will be caught and severely punished in the Northern District of Iowa.”
Awou and Bol are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to a federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Omaha, Nebraska Police Department, Sioux City, Iowa Police Department, United States Postal Inspector, DEA Tri-State Drug Task Force, Lancaster County, Nebraska Sheriff’s Department, and the ATF. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ron Timmons, Shawn Wehde, and Patrick Greenwood.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-4051.
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Wright County, Iowa Man to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Michael Dean Hanus, Jr., 45, from Clarion, Iowa, was sentenced on July 22, 2024, to over four years in federal prison. Hanus, Jr. pled guilty on March 11, 2024, to possessing a firearm by a prohibited person. Hanus, Jr. was previously convicted of Interference with Official Acts – Dangerous Weapon, which prohibits a person from possessing a firearm.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that in October 2023, law enforcement in Wright County, Iowa were investigating elder abuse. During the investigation, law enforcement received information that Hanus, Jr. possessed an AR-15 style rifle, at his father’s residence in Humboldt, Iowa, where Hanus, Jr. was living for some time. An agent seized an HDR-15 rifle from Hanus, Jr., and later determined the firearm was stolen. Hanus, Jr. admitted to possession of the firearm, including his knowledge of his previous felony conviction, which prohibited his possession of any firearm. Evidence also showed Hanus had ten previous convictions for assault-based conduct over past 20 years.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Hanus, Jr. was sentenced to 52 months’ imprisonment and must serve a three-year term of supervised release following the imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Hanus, Jr. remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-3043. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man Who Attempted to Flee Traffic Stop Sentenced for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
A Sioux City man who tried to run from law enforcement, but didn’t get far, was sentenced today to more than 10 years in federal prison.
Jeremy Martin, age 45, originally from El Paso, Texas, received the prison term after a March 11, 2024, guilty plea to felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence in the case revealed that on January 26, 2023, Sioux City Police attempted to stop the vehicle Martin was operating for speeding. Martin attempted to flee, getting the vehicle high centered and stuck in snow. Martin then fled on foot but was promptly apprehended by officers from the Sioux City Police Department. Martin admitted to the arresting officer to having a firearm in his jacket, a box of ammunition containing 100 rounds, that had been stolen, a syringe, scale and a baggie that contained more than 3 grams of methamphetamine.
Martin’s criminal history included a felony, which prohibited him from legally possessing firearms.
Martin was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 126 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Martin is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4017.
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Convicted Domestic Abuser Sent to Prison for Making False Statements During Attempted Purchase of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A Hancock County man was sentenced July 23, 2024, to two and one-half years in federal prison for making three false statements in attempt to purchase a firearm.
Trevor Kent Hueneman, age 26, from Garner, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 20, 2024, guilty plea to making false statements during the purchase of a firearm.
In a plea agreement, Hueneman admitted that on or about July 21, 2022, he went to EzPawn in Mason City, Iowa, and attempted to purchase a Glock.40 caliber S&W pistol that he had previously pawned at the store. Hueneman filled out the standard ATF form 4473 and marked he had not been previously convicted of a felony crime, he had not been convicted of a crime of misdemeanor domestic violence and he was not subject to a court order restraining him from harassing, stalking, or threating an intimate partner, all three statements were false.
Hueneman was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Hueneman was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Hueneman was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit and investigated by Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tabacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-3017.
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Woman Who Threw over 13 Pounds of Methamphetamine from Car Sentenced to over 22 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A woman who trafficked methamphetamine was sentenced today to 270 months in federal prison for possessing large quantities of methamphetamine.
Victoria Kay Oestereich, age 32, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 23, 2024 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance after a prior conviction for a serious drug felony.
In 2023, Oestereich was traffic stopped by police in Waterloo, Iowa, while returning from her drug supplier in Des Moines, Iowa. When police tried to stop the car, the driver, Daniel Chisum, sped off, and Oestereich, a passenger in the car, threw over 13 pounds of methamphetamine from the car window. At the time of the traffic stop, Oestereich had over $11,000 of drug proceeds on her person and was on probation for a prior drug trafficking conviction. Oestereich sourced other large drug suppliers in the Iowa Falls and Waterloo area with methamphetamine.
Oestereich was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Oestereich was sentenced to 270 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Oestereich is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tri‑County Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Black Hawk County Sherriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 23-CR-2071.
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Dubuque Man Who Distributed Fentanyl, Heroin, Cocaine, and Methamphetamine Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who distributed fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.
Michael Henry Vandermillen, Jr., age 30, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 6, 2024, guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance near a protected location.
At the guilty plea, Vandermillen admitted that on April 25, 2023, in Dubuque, Iowa, he transferred methamphetamine to another person within 1,000 feet of two parks. Evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that one month later, he distributed heroin and fentanyl to a confidential informant. When law enforcement officers came to search his residence in May 2023, they discovered him in the bathroom, where he was attempting to hide heroin, Xanax, and Ativan by consuming the substances. Two days later, his blood tested positive for fentanyl, cocaine, amphetamine, benzodiazepine, and THC.
Vandermillen was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Vandermillen was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a 6-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Vandermillen is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated as part of the Northern Iowa Heroin Initiative and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort with the Dubuque Police Department and the Dubuque Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 23-CR-1023. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Cedar Rapids Man to Federal Prison for Possessing Twelve Firearms as a Drug UserRead the Press Release
A man caught with two firearms and whose social media and cell phone documented his unlawful possession of another ten firearms over a three-year period was sentenced on July 16, 2024, to more than five years in federal prison.
Semaje Jeyvon Star, age 23, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 1, 2024 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.
Information from sentencing showed that in 2018, police officers apprehended Star after a foot chase. Star was armed with a loaded handgun and in possession of marijuana. The officers had seen Star engage in a hand-to-hand transaction. Then in May 2020, officers located Star driving despite his status as a barred driver. Officers found a loaded pistol in the car. Star’s fingerprint was on the firearm found in his car. Star tested positive for marijuana and methamphetamine. Star’s Facebook records contained multiple conversations related to using, purchasing, and selling marijuana. Photos and videos from Star’s phone, Snapchat, and Facebook profile showed him possessing at least ten additional firearms, including firearms with extended magazines, in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
Star was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Star was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Star is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force. The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-0092.
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Honduran Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being DeportedRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to ten months in federal prison.
Eslyn Hernandez-Milla, age 28, a citizen of Honduras illegally present in the United States and residing in Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 8, 2024, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Hernandez-Milla admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Hernandez-Milla was previously deported in June 2018. On January 26, 2024, immigration officials learned Hernandez-Milla had illegally returned to the United States and found Hernandez-Milla at the Black Hawk County Jail following his conviction on state charges. Hernandez-Milla was convicted on January 26, 2024, in the Iowa District Court in Black Hawk County of two counts of Willful Injury Causing Bodily Injury, one count of Domestic Abuse Assault by Strangulation, and one count of Domestic Abuse Assault by Display or Use of a Weapon.
Hernandez-Milla was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Hernandez-Milla was sentenced to ten months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Hernandez-Milla 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 Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-2007.
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Felon Who Pistol-Whipped Victim Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
A felon who possessed a firearm pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Diago Davis, age 50, from Chicago, Illinois was convicted of one count of possession of a firearm as a felon.
In a plea agreement, Davis admitted that on February 3, 2024, law enforcement officers searched his residence in Hiawatha, Iowa, where they found a firearm that Davis knowingly possessed. Davis has three drug‑related felony convictions. In a prior hearing, evidence showed that earlier in the day on February 3, 2024, Davis had pistol-whipped a victim with that same firearm, resulting in the victim falling down several stairs and sustaining injuries.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Davis remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Davis faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by the Hiawatha Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 24-CR-41. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth Conspiracy ConvictionRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced on July 10, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.
Kenneth Dawdy, 39, from Sioux City, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine on January 26, 2024.
At the plea and sentencing hearings evidence showed that Dawdy participated in a conspiracy from January 2021 through June 2023 that distributed at least 3500 grams of methamphetamine in the Sioux City area. Dawdy admitted to assisting others in the conspiracy by acquiring and delivering money and methamphetamine to/from others involved in the conspiracy.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Dawdy was sentenced to 31 months’ imprisonment and must serve a term of three years of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Dawdy remains in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4055. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man to Federal Prison for 24 years for Meth Conspiracy ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Johnnie A. Cannon, 38, from Sioux City, Iowa, formerly from Osceola, Arkansas, was sentenced on July 9, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.
On January 18, 2024, after a 3-day jury trial, Cannon was convicted, by jury verdict, of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and three counts of distributing and aiding and abetting another in the distribution of methamphetamine.
The evidence in this case showed that Cannon conspired with others to distribute at least 19 pounds of methamphetamine from January 2021 through March 14, 2023. Evidence further showed that on at least three occasions in February and March 2023, during three control drug purchase operations, Cannon was observed to provide ¼, ½ and ½ pounds of methamphetamine to a co-conspirator, who then in turn, distributed the methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. On March 14, 2023, during a traffic stop immediately following the last drug purchase operation, Cannon was found in possession of $3000 in pre-serialized, buy money used by law enforcement in the drug purchase. In 2007 and 2008, respectively, Cannon was convicted of delivery of crack cocaine in Arkansas. In 2010, in the Northern District of Iowa, he was federally convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Cannon was released from federal prison in 2019 and was on federal supervised release at the time he committed his new offenses.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Cannon was sentenced to 299 months’ imprisonment – 262 months on his new offense, plus 37 months’ consecutive thereto for revocation of his federal supervised release from his 2010 offense. Cannon must serve a ten-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Cannon remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4023. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Jury Convicts Marion Man of Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
A man who attempted to entice a minor to engage in sex acts was convicted by a jury on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, after a one-and-a-half-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Cory Gall, age 30, of Marion, Iowa, was found guilty of attempted enticement of a minor.
The evidence at trial showed that, in December 2023, Gall exchanged text messages with a person who stated that she was 13 years old. The person was actually an undercover law enforcement officer. Gall sent messages describing sex acts he could perform with the minor, and he traveled to Hiawatha, Iowa, to meet with her.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Gall remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Gall faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $5,100 in special assessments, and supervised release for 5 years to life following any imprisonment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Hiawatha Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 24-32.
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Illegal Alien and Two Others Sentenced to Federal Prison in Organ Transplant SchemeRead the Press Release
An illegal alien and two other individuals who conspired to obtain over $500,000 in federally funded health care benefits, including a kidney transplant, were sentenced to prison on June 24, 2024, and July 2, 2024.
Jeremias Otoniel Herrera Rosales (“Herrera Rosales”), age 37, from Worthington, Minnesota, originally from Guatemala, received a 16-month prison term after a February 7, 2024, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
Jennifer Guadalupe Herrera (“Herrera”), age 43, from Worthington, Minnesota, received a one-month prison term after a February 9, 2024, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
Jaklyn Guerra (“Guerra”), age 52, from Wells, Minnesota, received a one-month prison term after a February 6, 2024, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
Evidence in the defendants’ criminal case established that Herrera Rosales was a citizen of Guatemala with no legal status in the United States. No later than 2012, Guerra and Herrera provided Herrera Rosales with the name, date of birth, and social security number of D.G. Herrera and Herrera Rosales were married, and Guerra is Herrera’s sister.
Beginning no later than 2015, Herrera Rosales assumed D.G.’s identity and used D.G.’s identification documents to apply for Medicare and Minnesota Medicaid benefits. The United States funds Medicare and, through a cost-sharing arrangement, also partially funds Minnesota Medicaid benefits. Between 2015 and
2020, Herrera Rosales obtained more than $500,000 in benefits from Medicare, Minnesota Medicaid, and the Social Security Administration using D.G.’s identity without D.G.’s knowledge or consent.
As part of the scheme, Herrera Rosales gained placement on the organ donor registry under the false and fraudulent pretense that he was D.G. and eligible for a kidney transplant. In 2019, Herrera Rosales obtained a federally funded kidney transplant in Minnesota. Herrera Rosales in his plea agreement admitted that, because he received the kidney transplant fraudulently, another person who needed the kidney did not receive it.
The defendants were sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Herrera Rosales was sentenced to 16 months of imprisonment, Herrera was sentenced to one month of imprisonment, and Guerra was sentenced to one month of imprisonment. All three defendants were ordered to make $510,949.61 in restitution as a joint and several obligation. Each defendant must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after their respective prison terms. There is no parole in the federal system.
Herrera Rosales is being held in United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. Herrera and Guerra were released on bonds previously set and are to surrender to the United States Marshal on future dates.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy L. Vavricek and Ronald Timmons and investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-4062.
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Fifth Manager Sentenced in Scheme to Defraud Midwest Livestock ProducersRead the Press Release
A Lyon County man who defrauded pork producers while working as the regional manager of an Iowa livestock dealer, “Lynch Livestock,” was sentenced on June 24, 2024, to six months in federal prison. Robert Harry Bickerstaff, age 52, from Rock Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 1, 2023, guilty plea to one count of wire fraud.
At plea and sentencing hearings, and in his plea agreement, Bickerstaff admitted that he had worked as a regional manager for Lynch Livestock between 2018 and 2021 As a regional manager, Bickerstaff oversaw livestock buying stations in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota. From time to time, Bickerstaff also personally counted, classified, and weighed swine at these stations.
Bickerstaff admitted he participated in a scheme to defraud livestock producers personally and by directing others to (1) falsely and fraudulently lower the weights and reduce the numbers and classifications of swine that producers and sellers had delivered to the dealer at its buying stations; (2) manipulate the weights of swine either manually or using a crowbar, paddle, or other similar object, and thus defeat the electronic scales on which livestock producers’ swine was weighed at his buying stations; and (3) create fraudulent “sort sheets” and scale tickets containing false numbers, classifications, and weights of producers’ swine for transmission to Lynch Livestock’s headquarters in Waucoma, Iowa. Finally, concerned about a potential investigation into his conduct in early 2021, Bickerstaff instructed others to destroy anything with his name on it.
Bickerstaff held a degree in Agribusiness and was experienced in the pork industry. Bickerstaff was a pork producer himself. In February 2022, Bickerstaff won a “Hog Wild” award from a statewide pork producers’ association for his role in promoting pork in Lyon County.
Bickerstaff was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on a date yet to be set. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Bickerstaff is the fifth manager of Lynch Livestock sentenced in this livestock fraud scheme.
Billie Joe Wickham, of Waucoma, Iowa, pled guilty on July 15, 2022, to one count of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States. On January 13, 2023, Wickham was sentenced to six months of imprisonment and fined $3,000. Wickham must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Charlie Lynch, of Fort Atkinson, Iowa, pled guilty on July 25, 2022, to one count of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States. On January 13, 2023, Lynch was sentenced to five years of probation and fined $3,000.
Leland “Pete” Blue, of Fredericksburg, Iowa, pled guilty on July 28, 2022, to one count of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States. On January 13, 2023, Blue was sentenced to five years of probation and fined $1,000.
Tyler Thoms, of Fayette, Iowa, pled guilty on August 9, 2022, to one count of Causing a Livestock Dealer to Keep Inaccurate Accounts and Records. On January 13, 2023, Thoms was sentenced to one year of probation.
Bickerstaff’s employer, Lynch Family Companies, Inc., of Waucoma, Iowa, also known as “Lynch Livestock,” pled guilty on July 29, 2022, to one count of Failing to Comply with an Order of the Secretary of Agriculture. On February 10, 2023, Lynch Livestock was sentenced to five years of probation, fined $196,000, and ordered to pay over $3 million in restitution to livestock producers and farmers.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-2026. The prior case file numbers are 21-CR-2074 (Wickham and Lynch), 21-CR-2042 (Blue), 22-CR-2043 (Lynch Family Companies, Inc.), and 22-CR-2044 (Thoms).
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Denison Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Gun and Silencer PossessionRead the Press Release
Ian Ward, 37, from Denison, Iowa, pled guilty on July 2, 2024, to one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm, one count of possession of a short-barreled rifle, and one count of possession of silencers.
At the plea hearing, evidence showed that on August 21, 2023, a traffic stop in Pocahontas County found Ward, high on fentanyl (he admitted as much to the deputy who stopped him), with six traditional firearms, including an illegal, short-barreled rifle, plus several full silencer/suppresser type devices. Law enforcement also located and seized from Ward’s vehicle methamphetamine, THC wax, and drug user paraphernalia. Ward admitted to being a user of fentanyl, meth, and marijuana and to a previous conviction for a felony drug offense in Minnesota. Being a felon as well as illegal user of drugs prohibited Ward from possessing any firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Ward remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. On the prohibited possession of firearm conviction, Ward faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release following any imprisonment. On the two convictions of possession of illegal firearm/silencers, Ward faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release following imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Pocahontas County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-3024. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Women Plead Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Amy Parks, 57, and Brandy Binneboese, 44, both from Sioux City, Iowa pled guilty in federal court in Sioux City, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Binneboese pled guilty on June 7, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of distributing methamphetamine. Parks pled guilty on June 27, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
At the plea hearings, Binneboese and Parks admitted their involvement in a conspiracy from January 2021 through June 2023, that distributed over seven pounds of methamphetamine. Evidence showed that on three occasions in 2023, Binneboese and Parks participated in the distribution of methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement, and on an additional four occasions Parks distributed methamphetamine to that same person. On June 1, 2023, just after one of the meth transactions was completed, Binneboese was stopped by law enforcement and found with two baggies (each containing approximately 8.5 grams methamphetamine) hidden in her bra area and was further found to have $2,500 in pre-serialized buy money that had been used during the drug purchase, moments earlier, in her purse. On June 19, 2023, upon arrest of Parks, law enforcement searched her residence and seized approximately 2 ounces of methamphetamine, digital scales, drug use/distribution paraphernalia, cash, and a loaded 9mm firearm. Parks further admitted possessing the handgun in furtherance of her drug trafficking conduct, namely to protect her person and property in connection with her methamphetamine trafficking.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after presentence reports are prepared. Parks remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Binneboese remains (temporarily) on release from custody under the supervision of United States Probation. On the drug conviction, both women face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment. On the firearm conviction, Parks faces an additional mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment (consecutive to any term imposed on the drug conviction) and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and no more than three years of supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4042. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Fort Dodge Man Convicted for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Matthew Bradley, 37, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, pled guilty on June 27, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City, to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
At the plea hearing, evidence showed that on April 11, 2024, law enforcement in Fort Dodge, Iowa, observed Bradley on a bicycle, wearing a backpack, and knew he had an outstanding arrest warrant. Officers arrested Bradley and seized small baggies of methamphetamine in each of his front pockets. Law enforcement also seized the backpack, which contained a 9mm pistol, and more baggies/vials of small amounts of methamphetamine and marijuana, plus a digital scale. Bradley was previously convicted of at least five state felony offenses. Bradley admitted to his previous felony convictions and to being a regular user of drugs both of which prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Bradley remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Bradley faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Fort Dodge Police Department, the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-3022. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Emergency Room Doctor Pleads Guilty to HIPAA ViolationRead the Press Release
An emergency room doctor who illegally obtained the personal health information of multiple individuals pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Dr. Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez Roman, age 30, of Puerto Rico, formerly of Iowa City, Iowa, was convicted of one count of Wrongfully Obtaining Individually Identifiable Health Information Relating to an Individual Under False Pretenses.
In a plea agreement, Dr. Hernandez Roman admitted that, in June 2020, the State of Iowa issued him a resident physician license. That same month, Dr. Hernandez Roman began participating in the emergency medicine residency program at a university hospital in the State of Iowa. Between 2020 and 2023, Dr. Hernandez Roman worked in the emergency departments of hospitals within the State of Iowa, including “Hospital-1” in Cedar Rapids and “Hospital-2” in Iowa City.
In January 2022, Dr. Hernandez Roman knowingly and without authorization obtained the individually identifiable health information of “K.F” under false pretenses at Hospital-1. Specifically, Dr. Hernandez Roman used his access, as a resident doctor, to Hospital-1’s electronic medical records system to access K.F.’s medical records and learn private medical information about K.F. without K.F.’s knowledge or consent. At no time did K.F. consent to Dr. Hernandez Roman accessing K.F.’s medical records. Dr. Hernandez Roman accessed K.F.’s medical records while working a shift in Hospital-1’s emergency department. K.F. was never Dr. Hernandez Roman’s patient and was not a patient in Hospital-1’s emergency department at the time defendant accessed K.F.’s medical records.
In his plea agreement, Dr. Hernandez Roman also admitted to accessing K.F.’s medical records at Hospital-2 in March 2021, as well as the medical records of “M.C.” at Hospital-2 in October 2020. Dr. Hernandez Roman also admitted that, in January 2022, he sent a photograph of one of Hospital-1’s patients to another individual via SnapChat. The photograph showed the patient in a hospital setting, wearing a gown, with the patient’s rectum clearly hanging out of the body. Dr. Hernandez Roman had no legitimate medical purpose for taking this photograph or, further, for sending it via SnapChat to the individual.
Finally, Dr. Hernandez Roman admitted that, in June 2023, he mailed a letter to the Iowa Board of Medicine in which he admitted accessing the confidential medical records of K.F. and M.C. and to sharing the photograph of the prolapsed rectum. In his plea agreement, Dr. Hernandez Roman admitted he falsely wrote in the letter that he had sent the photograph of the prolapsed rectum to his mother to remind her of the importance of fiber intake.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Dr. Hernandez Roman remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Dr. Hernandez Roman faces a possible maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by the Iowa Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-34.
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Colorado Man Sentenced to 19 years’ for Possessing Meth and FirearmsRead the Press Release
A man who possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possessed multiple firearms in furtherance of that crime was sentenced on June 26, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City. Esequiel Gomez, 35, from Denver, Colorado, had pled guilty on October 13, 2022.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that on April 27, 2022, law enforcement responded to an early morning alarm at the Sioux City Ford Lincoln car dealership. Defendant had broken into the dealership and stolen an F-350 pickup while a codefendant waited in a U-Haul van. Law enforcement ultimately located the pair traveling north on Highway 75 when a high-speed pursuit began. During the pursuit, defendant travelled in excess of 100 miles per hour and the pair were observed discarding items. The pursuit ultimately ended when the pair hit a parked car in Le Mars, Iowa, and sustained varying degrees of injury. Both were transported to Iowa hospitals for treatment. In the vehicles, and along the road, law enforcement discovered over 150 pounds of stolen marijuana from a Colorado dispensary, approximately one pound of methamphetamine, three firearms, and a substantial amount of other stolen items. Gomez has a significant number of warrants for pending charges in Colorado for auto thefts.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Gomez was sentenced to 19 years’ imprisonment and must serve five years of supervised release following imprisonment. Gomez remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-4045. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Lying to Buy a Gun and Possessing Multiple Guns While a Drug UserRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who made a false statement when purchasing a firearm and possessed multiple firearms as a drug user was sentenced today to more than four years in federal prison.
Alexander Wesley Ledvina, age 27, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 1, 2023 verdict following a bench trial in which Ledvina was found guilty of one count of possession of a firearm by a drug user and one count of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.
Evidence at the bench trial and sentencing hearing showed that on July 29, 2022, Ledvina purchased a firearm from a gun store in the Northern District of Iowa and falsely stated that he was not an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any other controlled substance. However, during the bench trial, Ledvina stipulated that he knew that he was using controlled substances, including marijuana, THC, and cocaine, in March, April, May, June, and July 2022. On August 11, 2022, law enforcement investigators searched Ledvina’s home. Investigators located a total of five firearms. Investigators also located multiple rounds of ammunition, multiple firearm magazines, a drum magazine that had a 100-round capacity, marijuana, and cannabis inside Ledvina’s residence.
Ledvina was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Ledvina was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Ledvina 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 Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-36.
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