Northern District of Iowa
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Mexican 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 almost three months in federal prison.
Ramon Garcia-Cruz, age 41, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 18, 2023, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Garcia-Cruz 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-Cruz was first removed from the United States in October 2014. Garcia-Cruz was also deported in March 2015 following his February 2015 conviction in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas for illegal entry into the United States. On November 14, 2023, immigration officials learned Garcia-Cruz had illegally returned to the United States and found Garcia-Cruz at the Linn County Jail following his arrest on state charges.
Garcia-Cruz was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Garcia-Cruz was sentenced to 86 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-Cruz 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 23-CR-85.
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Mason City Man Charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
Tirrell Harlan Hopkins, Jr., age 23, from Mason City, Iowa, has been charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The charges are contained in an Indictment filed on February 14, 2024, in United States District Court in Sioux City.
The Indictment alleges that, on or about November 18, 2023, Hopkins, knowing he had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowing he was then an unlawful user of a controlled substance as defined in 21 U.S.C. § 802, namely marijuana, methamphetamine and cocaine, and knowing he had previously been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, possessed a firearm and ammunition, and the firearm and ammunition were in and affecting commerce.
Hopkins is also charged with knowingly and intentionally possessing, with intent to distribute, less than 50 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), having previously been convicted of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver marijuana, a felony drug offense on December 10, 2018, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa.
If convicted on all charges, Hopkins faces a possible maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a $2 Million fine, and 6 years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Hopkins appeared today in federal court in Sioux City and was held without bond. Hopkin’s next appearance for a detention hearing is set for February 28, 2024.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Fletcher and was investigated by the Mason City Police Department, Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Cerro Gordo County Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the United States Marshal’s Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-03008.
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Manly, Iowa, Man Charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Drug UserRead the Press Release
Cory Allen More, age, 33 from Manly, Iowa, has been charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a drug user. The charges are contained in an Indictment filed on February 14, 2024, in United States District Court in Sioux City.
The Indictment alleges that, on or about October 23, 2023, More, knowing that he was then an unlawful user of a controlled substance as defined in 21 U.S.C. § 802, namely marijuana, knowingly possessed a firearm and ammunition, and the firearm and ammunition were in and affecting commerce.
If convicted, More faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
More appeared today in federal court in Sioux City and was held without bond. More’s next appearance for a detention hearing is set for February 28, 2024.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Fletcher and was investigated by the Clear Lake Police Department, Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, Manly Police Department, Worth County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Cerro Gordo County Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and United States Marshal’s Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-03006.
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Homemade Firearm Results in Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
A man who was found in possession of a homemade large-caliber pistol in the Meskwaki Casino in 2022 was sentenced February 22, 2024, to five years in federal prison.
Som Boun Cam, age 56, from Council Bluffs, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 18, 2023 guilty plea to possessing a smooth bore, .410 gauge pistol, which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
In a plea agreement, Cam admitted that on April 14, 2022, he was in the Meskwaki Casino hotel when he was involved in a scuffle with another guest and misplaced his backpack. Hotel staff subsequently found the backpack, and when they looked in it on April 18, 2022, they found methamphetamine and a homemade smooth bore .410 gauge pistol. On April 19, 2022, Cam returned to the hotel to claim his property. Cam admitted he had manufactured the firearm. This was a firearm that was required to be registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, but it was not registered to him. Cam has a 1995 felony conviction for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and methamphetamine, a 2017 felony conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon, and multiple assault convictions.
Cam was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Cam was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment and 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.
Cam 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 Patrick J. Reinert and was investigated by the Meskwaki Nation Police 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-00050.
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Clear Lake Man Charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
Michael Ryan Mikkelson, age 37, from Clear Lake, Iowa, has been charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and person convicted of domestic violence. The charges are contained in an Indictment filed on February 14, 2024, in United States District Court in Sioux City.
The Indictment alleges that from March 1, 2023, through October 3, 2023, Mikkelson knowingly possessed a firearm and ammunition having been previously convicted on four occasions of crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year and also convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
If convicted, Mikkelson faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Mikkelson appeared today in federal court in Sioux City and was held without bond. Mikkelson’s next appearance for a detention hearing is set for February 28, 2024.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Fletcher and was investigated by the Clear Lake Police Department, Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, Manly Police Department, Worth County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Cerro Gordo County Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and United States Marshal’s Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-03009.
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Nevada Woman Gets 42 Months in Federal Prison for Iowa Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced on February 21, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City, to 42 months’ imprisonment.
Sabrina Bradley, age 50, from Pahrump, Nevada, pled guilty on September 13, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Bradley was involved in a conspiracy that distributed at least 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine from November 2021 through December 2021. Bradley admitted her involvement in assisting other co-conspirators to transport at least four pounds of methamphetamine from sources in Nevada to Iowa for further distribution, including in the Council Bluffs and Cherokee, Iowa areas.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Bradley was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment and must serve a three-year term of supervised release following the imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Bradley remains in custody of the United States Marshal until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, United States Postal Inspectors, Homeland Security Investigations, Iowa DCI Laboratory, and Cherokee Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-4002. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
A man who distributed methamphetamine, possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it, and possessed a firearm as a prohibited person, was sentenced today to more than 19 years in federal prison.
Dennis Wayne Hager, age 65, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 1, 2023 guilty plea to two counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm as a felon and drug user.
Evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that on May 25, 2021, Hager distributed 110 grams of methamphetamine to another person. On June 1, 2021, Hager distributed 222 grams of methamphetamine to another person. That day, law enforcement officers searched his home and found a firearm that Hager was prohibited from possessing because he was a felon and methamphetamine user. Hager had four felony convictions related to drugs. Finally, on September 1, 2021, Hager possessed over 100 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.
Hager was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Hager was sentenced to 235 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a five-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.
Hager 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 Devra T. Hake and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-40.
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Woman Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison for Her Role in Stealing Firearms from Her FamilyRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired to steal firearms and other valuables from a family member’s home was sentenced February 20, 2024, to more than 7 years in federal prison.
Tresa Fiedler, 24, from LeMars, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 28, 2023, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to possess stolen firearms and one count of possession of stolen firearms.
Evidence in the case revealed that on October 1, 2021, Fiedler participated in a home burglary where she and coconspirator, Ian Bigler stole 10 guns. The burglary was planned in advance, and Fielder used diversions to insure the home was empty when the burglary was committed. Afterward, Fielder and Bigler took several steps to conceal the conspiracy. On October 5, 2021, Fiedler, in an attempt to leave town, purchased a 2008 Dodge Charger for $5,500 in cash. On October 11, 2021, Bigler, fled from police in a 2008 white Dodge Ram pickup truck that contained evidence of the burglary (including a pistol which had been stolen during the burglary). On October 15, 2021, Bigler equipped himself with a bulletproof vest and two firearms (including a pistol, which had been stolen during the burglary) and a shortened shotgun, and hid himself from law enforcement at a home in North Sioux City, and held another person against his/her will.
Fielder was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 87 months’ imprisonment adjusted for time served. She must also serve a 1-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Ian Bigler was sentenced July 20, 2023, in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 180 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term.
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.
Fielder is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by LeMars, Iowa Police Department, Sioux City, Iowa Police Department, and 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 22-4022.
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Mason City Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethRead the Press Release
A Mason City woman who allowed her daughter and another individual to store methamphetamine in her home was sentenced February 21, 2024, to more nearly 4 years in federal prison.
Julie Ann Sankey, age 62, from Mason City, Iowa received the prison term after an August 29, 2023, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Sankey was in possession of a half-ounce of ice methamphetamine that belonged to the co-defendants and was intended for sale. Sankey allowed her co-defendants to store up pounds of methamphetamine for resale on 15 through 20 different occasions between 2020 and 2021.
Sankey was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Sankey was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Sankey 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 Jack Lammers and investigated by the Cerro Gordo Sheriff’s Office, Mason City Police Department, Clear Lake Police Department, Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, and the North Central Iowa Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-3006.
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Drug User and Felon who Illegally Possessed 3 Firearms to Serve Time in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm as a felon and a drug user was sentenced today to 37 months in federal prison.
Sean Hamilton Pruden, age 44, from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, received the prison term after a September 8, 2023 guilty plea to one count of possessing a firearm as a prohibited person.
Evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that Pruden, who was visiting Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for work, was a felon, a drug user, and on probation in another state, at the time he possessed a loaded firearm. Pruden also had a firearm in his hotel room and a stolen firearm in his vehicle.
Pruden was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Pruden was sentenced to 37 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.
Pruden 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 Nicole L. Nagin, and it 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-42.
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Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Selling FentanylRead the Press Release
A man who was selling fentanyl was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.
Maurice Montez Tarver, age 30, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 30, 2023 guilty plea to one count of distribution and aiding and abetting the distribution of a controlled substance.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that, on four separate occasions between December 2022 and February 2023, law enforcement officers conducted an undercover operation and purchased pills containing fentanyl from Tarver.
Tarver was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Tarver was sentenced to 37 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. Tarver 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.
Texas Man Who Sexually Abused a Sioux City Minor Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Brownsville, Texas man, who coerced a minor to engage in live streaming of sexually explicit conduct was sentenced February 6, 2024, to 20 years in federal prison. Isaac Herrera, age 22, from Brownsville, Texas, received the prison term after a May 10, 2023, guilty plea to sexual exploitation of a minor.
Evidence in the case revealed that Herrera met a child online in 2019 and eventually cultivated a sexual relationship with the child. Herrera coerced the child into live streaming sexually explicit conduct, where Herrera took screenshots during the stream. Several of the images were found on Herrera’s phone when he was arrested in June 2022 after walking into a local school and claiming to be the minor’s guardian. Herrera traveled from Texas to Iowa to engage in conduct with the victim. While Herrera was in jail, pending trial, he also admitted to contacting the victim in order to influence the victim’s potential testimony, resulting in a no contact order. Up until the evening before sentencing, however, Herrera made phone calls to the victim in an effort to continue communication and further influence testimony.
Herrera was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 240 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve an 8-year term of supervised release after the prison term, during which he will be prohibited from contacting three minor victims from this case. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Timothy Duax stated, “I am proud of the efforts of the FBI and Sioux City Police Department to capture a dangerous child molester, and see him sentenced to a lengthy prison term. The citizens of our community feel safer knowing that local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies work together seamlessly to protect children from dangerous predators like Mr. Herrera.”
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.”
Herrera is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Sioux City Police Department 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 22-4060.
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Former Waukon Office Manager Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Waukon woman who embezzled over $200,000 from her employer was sentenced on February 1, 2024, to nine months in federal prison. Heather Leigh Migliore, age 52, received the prison term after a July 19, 2023 guilty plea to one count of wire fraud.
In a plea agreement, Migliore admitted that, between 2015 and 2021, she was the office manager of a tax preparation business that had offices in Waukon and Decorah in Winneshiek County, Iowa. Migliore wrote over 600 fraudulent checks for her own benefit from the business’s checking accounts without her employer’s knowledge or permission. Migliore also used one of the business’s credit cards to make over 200 fraudulent charges. The owner of the business had to use a home equity line of credit to pay its bills during this timeframe. In early 2021, Migliore also made false statements to the State of Iowa to obtain approximately $900 in federally funded, COVID-19 unemployment benefits.
Migliore was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Migliore was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment. She was ordered to make $229,351 in restitution. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Migliore 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 Timothy L. Vavricek and investigated by the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-1015.
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Serial Armed Robber with History of Violence Sent to Federal Prison for 36 YearsRead the Press Release
A man who robbed several Siouxland businesses at gunpoint was sentenced today, to 36 years in federal prison.
Kevon Spratt, age 30, from Chicago, Illinois, received the prison term after an August 25, 2023, jury verdict finding him guilty of 2 counts of interference with commerce by robbery, 3 counts of use and brandishing of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, 1 count of attempted bank robbery, and 1 count of possession of a firearm by a felon. The jury acquitted Spratt of an additional count of bank robbery and use and brandishing of a fireman.
Evidence in the case revealed that on October 22, 2022, Spratt entered the Sgt. Bluff’s Stop Shell gas station in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, at approximately 7:11 p.m., armed with a handgun that had a distinctive gold barrel and gold ejection port. Spratt forced the clerk to the register and robbed her before he fled on foot from the scene. Spratt’s vehicle was seen on several surveillance cameras in the area beginning as early as 5:28pm.
On October 24, 2022, Spratt entered the Check into Cash, in Sioux City, Iowa, just after 10:00 a.m., armed with the same distinctive handgun, forcing two employees to their registers. Spratt’s vehicle was seen on surveillance footage in the area as early as 7:00 a.m., the same video surveillance also captured his silver and black convertible-top car leaving the scene and crossing the bridge into South Sioux City, Nebraska, as he fled.
On November 14, 2022, Spratt attempted to enter the Pioneer Bank in Salix, Iowa, as the teller exited the bank just after noon. Spratt could be seen on surveillance footage circling the bank and town of Salix beginning just after 8:00 a.m. Spratt was able to make entry into the bank but was unable to get away with any funds because of the actions of the teller.
Additionally, the sentencing court concluded defendant had committed two other armed robberies in the tri-state region. The court found on October 16, 2022, Spratt robbed the Dakota City, Nebraska Food and Fuel at gun point at approximately 8:04 p.m. and on November 11, 2022, Spratt attempted to rob the Conoco gas station in Jefferson, South Dakota, at gunpoint.
In several of these robberies Spratt pointed his weapon at clerks and even pressed his firearm into their bodies.
Spratt had previously been convicted of many offenses including aggravated battery of a peace officer, aggravated robbery (where he pressed a toy gun into the head of his victim), and an attempted theft from a person (where he actually used a real gun to rob and carjack his victim), in Cook County, Illinois.
Spratt was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 432 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $5,304.00 in restitution to two of his victims. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Timothy Duax stated that, “Due the fine work of local, state, and federal law enforcement, a dangerous individual who preyed upon the businesses of our community was brought to justice. Spratt traumatized his victims by placing them in fear for their lives. For the next three decades, those victims can sleep more soundly knowing he can’t hurt them. This case is a good example of what happens to people who commit violent crimes in the Northern District of Iowa.”
Spratt 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; the Sergeant Bluff, Iowa Police Department; the Jefferson, South Dakota Police Department; the South Sioux City, Nebraska Police Department; the Woodbury County, Iowa Sheriff’s Department, the Woodbury County Iowa Attorney’s Office; the Monona County, Iowa Sheriff’s Department, the Dakota County, Nebraska Sheriff’s Department, The Iowa Department of Public Safety; Iowa State Patrol; the Iowa Department of Natural Resources; the United States Department of Justice – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, (ATF) and the United States Department of Justice – Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). 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 23-4011.
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Estherville Woman to Federal Prison for Firearm ConvictionRead the Press Release
Jodeci Holmes, 22, from Estherville, Iowa, was sentenced on February 1, 2024, to 30 months in federal prison. Holmes pled guilty September 21, 2023, to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that on April 1, 2023, in Estherville, Iowa, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Holmes was a passenger. After the officer smelled marijuana from inside the vehicle, a search was conducted where marijuana and a 9mm pistol which belonged to Holmes were found. Holmes was a marijuana user and had been convicted of felony possession with intent to deliver marijuana. Both prohibit an individual from possessing a firearm.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Holmes was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment and must serve a term of three years of supervised release following the imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Holmes remains in custody of the United States Marshal until she 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 Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Emmet County Sheriff’s Office, Estherville Police Department, 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 23-3008.
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Meth Dealer with Firearm Sentenced to over a Decade in PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who distributed methamphetamine from his garage in Lowden, Iowa, was sentenced on January 31, 2024, to 121 months in federal prison.
Dalton James Griebel, age 31, from Davenport, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 10, 2023 guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.
In April 2022, Griebel sold methamphetamine to an individual inside the garage of Griebel’s home in Lowden. At the time of the sale, Griebel had a firearm in his waistband. When law enforcement later searched the home, they found additional methamphetamine, a digital scale, drug paraphernalia, and parts of firearms and ammunition.
Griebel was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Griebel was sentenced to 121 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. Griebel 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 Cedar County Sherif’s Office, the Muscatine County Drug Task Force, the Muscatine Special Operations Response Team, Tipton Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Clarence 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- 00020.
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Former Local Labor Union President Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
A former local labor union president who embezzled union funds pled guilty on January 25, 2024, in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Brock A. Willson, also known as Brock A. Cligrow, age 42, from Linn County and Cedar County, Iowa, was convicted of one count of bank fraud.
In a plea agreement, Willson admitted that, from no later than about March 2020, and continuing through at least October 2021, he 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 Willson 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 person expenses, including but not limited to payments on his personal vehicle loan and purchases at department stores. Willson admitted stealing at least $6,500 in union funds.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Willson remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Willson faces a possible maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a $1 million fine, and five 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 United States Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards. The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department assisted 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 Contractor Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids contractor who scammed victims of the 2020 Iowa derecho pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Scott Gregory Adkins, age 48, who did business as “Adkins Home Improvements LLC,” was convicted of one count of wire fraud.
On August 10, 2020, a severe storm, commonly referred to as a derecho, struck multiple counties in the Northern District of Iowa, as well as other parts of the States of Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. Media reporting on the event, citing public and private sources, have estimated that the derecho, with winds exceeding 100 mph, caused an estimated total of $7.5 billion in damage across the affected states. The derecho caused long-duration power outages across the Northern District of Iowa and the larger region, millions of acres of crops were damaged or destroyed, and numerous semi-trucks were blown off major interstate highways. Just within the city of Cedar Rapids, power was cut to nearly all of the city’s residents by the derecho, and damage estimates indicate that over 1,000 housing units were rendered unlivable while hundreds of additional homes suffered damage. Many of the city’s businesses were also damaged during the storm.
In a plea agreement, Adkins admitted that, from December 2020, through March 2022, he devised and perpetrated a scheme to defraud his customers, including victims of the 2020 Iowa derecho. Adkins organized “Adkins Home Improvements LLC” in October 2020, approximately two months after the derecho. By means of “Adkins Home Improvements LLC,” Adkins offered home repair services to victims of the derecho, as well as other individuals in the Cedar Rapids area who needed projects completed in the tight-labor, post-derecho construction market.
As a part of his scheme, Adkins offered to provide construction services and materials to prospective customers of “Adkins Home Improvements LLC,” including but not limited to victims of the derecho. Adkins provided estimates to those customers and demanded substantial advance deposits or downpayments before undertaking work on the projects. Instead of completing the projects, Adkins spent some of the advanced funds on personal expenses, including but not limited to food, and transferred other such funds to a family member by means of a mobile payment service. Adkins also made false statements and excuses to his customers about the status of their projects to conceal his illicit use of the funds and to lull his customers into a false sense of security. Adkins stole over $150,000 as part of his scheme, and one of his victims was an elderly widow who suffered roof damage to her Cedar Rapids residence from the derecho.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Adkins remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Adkins faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 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 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-66.
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California Man Who Forged Medical Documents on Pretrial Release and Later Sold Methamphetamine in Jail Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A California man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine by mail, was sentenced today to 30 years in federal prison.
James Dean Sterner, age 67, from Tustin, California, received the prison term after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine on June 28, 2023. Evidence in the case revealed that from August 2019 to October 2019, Sterner conspired to distribute methamphetamine in and around Sioux City, Iowa after receiving the methamphetamine via mail. Sterner was released on pre-trial supervision in 2020 but failed to appear for a change of plea hearing in October 2021, after submitting forged documents to the court falsely claiming to have cancer. A warrant was issued, but Sterner’s whereabouts were unknown for over a year before he was arrested in April 2023 in Anaheim, California. After pleading guilty to conspiracy charges, Sterner distributed methamphetamine-laced paper in the O’Brien County Jail while awaiting sentencing. Sterner has 10 prior controlled substance-related convictions.
Sterner was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 360 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.
Sterner is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service 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. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ron Timmons and Mikala Purdy-Steenholdt.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4088.
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Iowa Falls Felon Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
An Iowa Falls man who possessed a stolen gun as a felon was sentenced January 30, 2024, to more than five years in federal prison.
Deron Michael Humes, II, age 34, from Iowa Falls, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 7, 2023, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
Information disclosed at sentencing showed that, on October 4, 2022, Humes carried a Shadow Systems, MR920, 9x19mm pistol into a gun store in Iowa Falls. The Shadow Systems pistol had been stolen from its owner the week before. While Humes was inside the gun store, he purchased a thirty‑round magazine for the firearm and asked an employee of the store if they had a device that could turn the firearm into a fully automatic weapon. After Humes exited the store, law enforcement officers responded and confronted Humes. During the encounter, officers searched the vehicle Humes was located in, and they found the Shadow Systems pistol hidden behind the glovebox compartment. Humes had two prior felony convictions, and he was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Humes was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Humes was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment, and 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.
Humes 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 Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Iowa Falls Police Department, 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‑00032‑CJW.
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Dubuque Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm as a felon and unlawful drug user was sentenced today to nine years in federal prison.
Eric Thomas, age 49, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 7, 2023 guilty plea to one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
At the plea hearing, Thomas admitted that, in January 2023, he possessed a Ruger pistol after having been convicted of multiple felonies and while being an unlawful drug user. Evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that, on January 23, 2023, Thomas sold a mixture of heroin and fentanyl to another person while at Thomas’s residence. That same day, law enforcement officers searched Thomas’s residence and located a Ruger pistol and 2.14 grams of a mixture containing heroin and fentanyl in Thomas’s bedroom.
Thomas was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Thomas was sentenced to 108 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.
Thomas 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 Devra Hake and was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force (consisting of the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office and the Dubuque Police Department).
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-1012.
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Cedar Rapids Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A felon who possessed a firearm pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Malachi Patton Handley, age 23, of Cedar Rapids, was convicted of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. At the plea hearing, Handley admitted that, between December 2022 and March 2023, he possessed an SCCY pistol after having been convicted of three felonies.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Handley remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Handley faces a possible maximum sentence of fifteen years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Marion Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is CR 23-57.
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Tama Man Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Prison for Stabbing His BrotherRead the Press Release
A Tama man who stabbed his brother 10 times was sentenced today to nearly four years in federal prison.
Victor Arquis Garcia, age 26, from Tama, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 9, 2023, guilty plea to assault causing serious bodily injury.
Evidence at the plea hearing and sentencing showed that in November 2022, Garcia and his brother were drinking at their residence in Tama, Iowa, when the two became intoxicated. A fight broke out between the two and Garcia retrieved a knife from the kitchen. As the two continued to fight, Garcia stabbed his brother ten times resulting in injuries to the brother’s leg, armpit, and stomach. The victim’s injuries required surgery to repair. Garcia has a long criminal history including 14 prior criminal convictions.
Garcia was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Garcia was sentenced to 45 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.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery and investigated by the Meskwaki Nation Police Department and the FBI.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-11.
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Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty January 26, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.
Kenneth Dawdy, 39, from Sioux City, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Dawdy admitted his participation in a conspiracy from January 2021 through June 2023 that distributed at least 3500 grams of methamphetamine in the Sioux City area. Dawdy also admitted to being a “middle-man,” assisting others in the conspiracy by acquiring and delivering money and methamphetamine to others.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Dawdy was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the guilty plea and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Dawdy faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three 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 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.
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Mexican Man Sentenced for Document FraudRead the Press Release
A man who used a false identification document bearing someone else’s social security number was sentenced today to more than three months in federal prison.
Diego Nava-Barrios, age 37, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Cascade, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 1, 2023, guilty plea to one count of unlawful use of an identification document.
In a plea agreement, Nava-Barrios admitted he knowingly used a fraudulent Social Security card to prove his authorization to work in the United States when he completed employment and tax forms in March 2016 at a business in Anamosa, Iowa, in September 2016 at a business in Cascade, Iowa, and in December 2016 at a business in Farley, Iowa. Illegal aliens are not authorized to work in the United States. The number on the Social Security card was a real Social Security number assigned to a United States citizen.
Nava-Barrios was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Nava-Barrios was sentenced to 99 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.
Sosa-Jimenez 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 18-CR-03.
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Urbana Man Sentenced to Three Decades in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a ChildRead the Press Release
A man who sexually exploited a child was sentenced January 25, 2024, to 30 years in federal prison.
Michael Heinitz, age 20, of Urbana, received the sentence after an August 4, 2023, guilty plea to one count of sexual exploitation of a child. At the plea hearing, Heinitz admitted that, between August and September 2022, he recorded sexually explicit videos of a four-year-old girl. Evidence presented at the sentencing hearing showed that Heinitz distributed, received, and possessed child pornography.
Heinitz was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Heinitz was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $21,000 in restitution to seven victims depicted in child pornography he possessed. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term, and he must comply with all sex offender registration and public notification requirements.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Dupuich and Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Urbana Police Department, and the Iowa State Patrol.
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 23-33.
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Marion Man Sentenced to over 20 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Ice MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A man who sold over 30 pounds of methamphetamine was sentenced today to more than 20 years in federal prison.
Robert Lee Michael Bates, age 31, from Marion, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 2, 2023 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at prior hearings in the case showed that David Belton, a/k/a “Blood,” and others orchestrated shipments of between 30 to 60 pounds of ice methamphetamine between Los Angeles, California, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, between 2017 and March 2022. Belton paid other individuals to transport the ice methamphetamine, typically in a vehicle that contained a specially made hidden compartment. Once the ice methamphetamine arrived in Cedar Rapids, Belton or his associate would retrieve the methamphetamine and distribute it to other members of the organization for sale to customers. Evidence at prior hearings showed that Bates was intercepted over a wiretap of phones used by the Belton organization. Evidence showed Bates was ordering pounds of ice methamphetamine and 100 ecstasy pills from the organization.
Bates was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Bates was sentenced to 248 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.
Bates is the last of twelve co‑defendants in the investigation to be sentenced:
- Kiyonte Levell Sowell was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment;
- Albert Henry Bailey was sentenced to 88 months’ imprisonment;
- Jesus Vera was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment;
- Calub Joseph Storlie was sentenced to 200 months’ imprisonment;
- Christopher Eric Curley was sentenced to 175 months’ imprisonment;
- David Poitier Belton was sentenced to 396 months’ imprisonment;
- Derek Michael Mims was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment;
- Phillip Lanell Rogers was sentenced to 135 months’ imprisonment;
- Anton Tarrice Whitney, Jr. was sentenced to 216 months’ imprisonment;
- Elmer Mims was sentenced to 235 months’ imprisonment; and
- Timothy Michael Webber was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment.
Bates is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case 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 DEA Task Force in Cedar Rapids and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The DEA Task Force in Cedar Rapids consists of the DEA; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22‑CR‑39‑CJW‑MAR.
Former Nurse Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing Fentanyl and Other Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
A Sioux City, Iowa nurse who stole fentanyl, morphine, hydromorphone, and hydrocodone was sentenced today to 9 months in federal prison.
Morgan Miralles, age 32, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 30, 2023, guilty plea to one count of acquiring a controlled substance by means of misrepresentation, fraud, deception and subterfuge, and one count of false statements relating to health care matters.
Evidence in the case revealed that as early as April 2020, and continuing through August 2022, Miralles diverted controlled substances that were supposed to be dispensed to patients and kept them for her for her own personal use. Miralles falsified documents on an almost weekly basis by omitting information from log entries designed to track the disbursement of controlled substances. Miralles further admitted that in a “petty and vindictive” act of revenge, she stole vials of Benedryl after not receiving a promotion.
Miralles was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand 9 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Miralles was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons a date to be determined.
The case was investigated by the Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Drug Enforcement Administration and is being 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 23-4049.
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Cedar Rapids Man Receives Statutory Maximum Decade in Prison for Possessing Ammunition While a Drug UserRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who possessed ammunition and firearms while being a drug user was sentenced today to ten years in federal prison.
Booker Deon McKinney, age 24, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 7, 2023 guilty plea to possession of ammunition by a drug user.
Evidence at sentencing showed that on April 17, 2021, McKinney was in a vehicle with a juvenile male. Police officers searched the vehicle and located a privately made firearm, also known as a ghost gun, with an extended magazine loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition. McKinney’s DNA was located on the firearm, and he later admitted handling the weapon. During 2020 and 2021, McKinney used another individual to purchase firearms for him. McKinney later assaulted that same person and was convicted of Assault Causing Bodily Injury, Domestic Abuse, Strangulation. McKinney also admitted to handling a firearm in 2022 that was used in an incident where shots were fired in the area around his parents’ residence.
McKinney was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. McKinney was sentenced to 120 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.
McKinney is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. His sentence was ordered to run consecutive to his state conviction in the strangulation case.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Marion Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-cr-2.
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Armed Drug Dealer Convicted of Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
A Chicago man who distributed significant amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack cocaine, and was found in possession of a firearm, was convicted by a jury on January 25, 2024, after a four‑day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Antonio Rayshaun Evans, from Chicago, Illinois, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, two counts of distribution of a controlled substance, one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. The verdict was returned yesterday following about one hour and thirty minutes of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that beginning in the summer of 2021 and continuing to March 2023, Evans distributed over 70 pounds of methamphetamine and significant amounts of cocaine and crack cocaine. On April 2, 2023, Evans distributed four pounds of methamphetamine, and on April 11, 2023, Evans distributed four ounces of cocaine. On April 18, 2023, law enforcement officers stopped Evans’ vehicle and arrested him. A closer inspection of Evans’ vehicle revealed a hidden compartment in the dash of the vehicle, which contained a firearm, over 26 grams of crack cocaine, and over 12 grams of fentanyl.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Evans remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Evans faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $44,500,000 fine, and a lifetime term of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dillan Edwards and Kyndra Lundquist and was investigated by the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force consisting of the Waterloo Police Department, Cedar Falls Police Department, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Department, Evansdale Police Department, Waverly Police Department, Hudson Police Department, La Porte City Police Department, and the Bremer County Sheriff’s Department; the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; 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‑02033‑CJW.
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Waterloo Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison for Being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A prohibited person who possessed a firearm was sentenced on January 24, 2024, to 70 months in federal prison.
Ezekiel Menteer, age 24, of Waterloo, received the sentence after an August 9, 2023, guilty plea to one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. At the plea hearing, Menteer admitted that, in January 2022, he possessed a Kimber pistol after having been convicted of a felony and while being an unlawful drug user. Evidence presented at the sentencing hearing showed that defendant used the pistol to fire eight shots outside a Waterloo bar.
Menteer was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Menteer was sentenced to 70 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.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Waterloo Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 23-2009.
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Mason City Man Who Threatened to Kill Woman with a Shotgun Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Possession of Firearm by a FelonRead the Press Release
A Mason City, Iowa man who pointed a shotgun at a woman and threatened to kill her, was sentenced today, January 25, 2024, to 10 years in federal prison.
Joseph Fitzgerald, age 64, from Mason City, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 11, 2023, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and domestic misdemeanant.
Evidence in the case revealed that on November 23, 2022, Fitzgerald pointed a shotgun at a woman he resided with, who was disabled, and threatened to kill her. The woman was able to call 911. When officers arrived on scene, Fitzgerald initially refused to let officers enter the home, but they were eventually able to make contact with the woman, who was still upset by the interaction. Fitzgerald has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for domestic violence, illegal drugs, and burglary. Notably, Fitzgerald also had eight driving while intoxicated convictions and 13 assault convictions.
Fitzgerald was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 120 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.
Fitzgerald 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 Mason City, Iowa Police Department and ATF, and 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 23-3009.
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Iowa Traffic Stop Leads to Seizure of Meth from Nebraska ManRead the Press Release
A Nebraska man who planned to distribute methamphetamine, pled guilty January 24, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.
Calvin Wright, 33, from Creighton, Nebraska, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Wright was previously convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in 2016 in Nebraska.
At the plea hearing, evidence showed that on July 5, 2023, in Sioux City, Iowa, law enforcement stopped a vehicle in which Wright was a passenger. Due to suspicious activity, a K-9 was deployed and indicated to the presence of a controlled substance in the vehicle. Once law enforcement began to search the vehicle, Wright admitted everything in the car was his. In a backpack which had been between Wright’s legs in the vehicle, law enforcement found approximately 95 grams of pure methamphetamine, scales, and drug paraphernalia.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Wright remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Wright 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.
The case is being 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 23-4052. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Fort Dodge Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine and distributed methamphetamine was sentenced on January 23, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.
Phillip Pringle, 53, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, pled guilty on June 6, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution and aiding and abetting another in the distribution of methamphetamine.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that between January 2015 and December 2019, Pringle and others distributed more than six kilograms of methamphetamine in the Fort Dodge/Humboldt, Iowa, areas. In September and October 2019, Pringle was the source of methamphetamine for an individual selling methamphetamine to an undercover officer. On October 19, 2020, an arrest warrant was issued for Pringle’s failure to appear for a pre-trial release revocation hearing. Over two years later, on February 14, 2023, Pringle was arrested by the United States Marshals Service as a federal fugitive.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Pringle was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 5-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Pringle 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 Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, and 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 20-3022. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Cherokee Woman to Federal Prison for Meth ConvictionRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine and possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced on January 25, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.
Christina Gianopoulos-Rohrer, 50, from Cherokee, Iowa, pled guilty on March 15, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that on December 6, 2021, in Woodbury County, Iowa, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle in which Gianopoulos-Rohrer was a passenger and seized approximately one pound of methamphetamine which Gianopoulos-Rohrer intended to distribute to other persons. Gianopoulos-Rohrer also admitted her involvement in a conspiracy that distributed at least 6 kilograms of methamphetamine from December 2019 through May 2022. Gianopoulos-Rohrer further admitted her involvement with others in obtaining four pounds of methamphetamine from sources in California and Nevada, along with others, and transporting it back to the Cherokee, Iowa area for further distribution.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Gianopoulos-Rohrer was sentenced to 47 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release following the imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Gianopoulos-Rohrer remains in custody of the United States Marshal until she can be transferred to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, United States Postal Inspectors, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Iowa DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-4002 and 22-4066. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Armed Felon Who Fled Police at High Speed Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who fled a traffic stop after arming himself with a firearm as the officer approached was sentenced January 17, 2024, to more than 4 years in federal prison.
Michael McCullum, age 33, from Chicago, Illinois, received the prison term after a guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Evidence in the case revealed McCullum was stopped for speeding in the predawn hours of April 30, 2023. As the Officer approached the vehicle, he observed McCullum grasping a handgun with his right hand, looking over his left shoulder for the approaching officer, as if preparing to engage the officer. The officer took control of the situation, drew his sidearm, and ordered McCullum and his passenger to keep their hands up. McCullum initially complied, but then dropped his hands and fled the traffic stop in his car at a high rate of speed. McCullum’s vehicle was later discovered thanks to a report of a reckless driver. Officers found McCullum and his car, freed the passenger, who had been trapped when McCullum sped away from the traffic stop, and later found the firearm McCullum had hidden nearby.
McCullum has a history of interactions with law enforcement that started as early as 15 years old. He has a felony conviction for armed robbery/armed with dangerous weapon.
McCullum was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 51 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.
Judge Strand commented the situation the defendant created was “chilling” and but for the well-trained officers disciplined actions and approach the situation could have been tragic.
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.
McCullum 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 23-4030.
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Gun Possession and High-Speed Chase Results in Decade Long Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
A man who had domestic abuse convictions and was found on three occasions with different firearms in Cedar Rapids was sentenced January 23, 2024, to ten years in federal prison.
Colby Lakeith Shannon, Jr., age 26, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 10, 2023, guilty plea to three counts of possession a firearm by a person with a prior domestic abuse conviction.
In a plea agreement, Shannon admitted that, on July 15, 2022, he was at a gathering where firearms were discharged. When Cedar Rapids police officers responded, they recovered a stolen .45 caliber handgun from a vehicle that was linked to Shannon by DNA testing. This firearm had previously been reported stolen. The next day, July 16, 2022, Shannon fled from the police in a high-speed chase through a Cedar Rapids residential neighborhood. When officers found Shannon’s abandoned vehicle, they found a firearm with an obliterated serial number and marijuana. On October 30, 2022, Cedar Rapids police officers responded to an alarm at a business in downtown Cedar Rapids. They found Shannon passed out in a running vehicle behind the business. When they removed him from the vehicle, they found another stolen firearm in the vehicle.
Shannon was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Shannon was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment and 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.
Shannon is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Reinert 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’s Police Community Action Team.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-00012.
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Former MercyOne Nurse Sentenced for Conspiracy to Acquire Controlled Substances and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Douglas Kelley, 67, from Sioux City, Iowa, and former MercyOne nurse was sentenced on January 18, 2024, to over 10 years in prison for Possession of Child Pornography and Conspiracy to Acquire Controlled Substances by Fraud.
Kenneth Hurd, 32, from Harrisburg, South Dakota, was sentenced on January 3, 2024, to two years’ probation for Conspiracy to Acquire Controlled Substances by Fraud.
Brian Gene Raff, 44, from Orchard, Nebraska pled guilty in federal court on November 29, 2023, to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Raff remains free on bond pending sentencing.
Evidence at Hurd’s and Kelley’s sentencing hearing’s established that Kelley knowingly conspired with co-defendants to obtain and acquire fentanyl by means of misrepresentation, fraud, deception, and subterfuge. The trio used Kelley’s position as a nurse at MercyOne Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa, to obtain fentanyl and other controlled substances for personal use and to illegally distribute to others. Raff further admitted that he conspired with his co-defendants to distribute his minor child’s prescription ADHD medication, Vyvanse (amphetamine), a Schedule II Controlled Substance.
During the investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Kelley’s cell phone and recovered six videos and 20 images of child pornography. These videos and images included material that depicted prepubescent minors or minors who had not attained 12 years of age. The materials also portrayed sadistic and masochistic conduct, as well as toddlers and bestiality. Kelley had previously been convicted of offenses relating to the possession of child pornography in Buena Vista County, Iowa in 1993.
“By using his position as a nurse, Kelley violated the public’s trust while stealing controlled substances for himself and others. He also possessed child pornography, allowing for the heartbreaking victimization of children and their sexual exploitation. The sentencing of Kelley in this matter sends a strong and powerful message that those who violate the law will be held accountable,” said Curt L. Muller, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “We will continue working with our State, Federal, and Tribal law enforcement partners as we investigate and seek justice against those who would victimize our programs and their beneficiaries.”
Kelley was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 126 months’ imprisonment. He must pay $1,200 in fines and assessments and serve a 5-year term of supervised release upon release from custody. There is no parole in the federal system.
Hurd was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to two years’ probation. He was also ordered to obtain mental health and substance abuse evaluations and comply with any recommended treatment.
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.”
The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Inspections & Appeals, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Sioux City Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-4022.
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Jury Convicts Sioux City Man of Methamphetamine Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Johnnie A. Cannon, age 38, from Sioux City, Iowa, formerly from Arkansas, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and three counts of distributing and aiding and abetting another in the distribution of methamphetamine. Cannon was convicted by a jury on January 18, 2024, after a three-day trial in federal court in Sioux City. The verdict was returned following close to four hours of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that Cannon worked with others to distribute at least seven pounds of methamphetamine from January 2021 through March 14, 2023. Evidence further showed that on at least three occasions in February and March 2023, Cannon supplied ¼, ½ and ½ pounds of methamphetamine to a co-conspirator, who then distributed the methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. On March 14, 2023, during a traffic stop, Cannon was found in possession of $3,000 in serialized, buy money used by law enforcement minutes before to buy drugs. In 2010, Cannon was also convicted in federal court in 2010 of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Cannon was released from federal prison in 2019.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Cannon remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Cannon 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.
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 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.
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Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to over Nine Years in Federal Prison for Being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A prohibited person who possessed a firearm was sentenced on January 18, 2024, to 110 months in federal prison.
Ethan Porter, age 33, of Cedar Rapids, received the sentence after a July 11, 2023, guilty plea to one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. At the plea hearing, Porter admitted that, in June 2022, he possessed a Taurus pistol while being an unlawful drug user and after having been convicted of three felonies and a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
Porter was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Porter was sentenced to 110 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.
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 23-6.
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Two-Time Convicted Felon Found Guilty of Unlawfully Possessing a Sawed-Off ShotgunRead the Press Release
A twice convicted felon who unlawfully possessed a sawed-off shotgun was convicted by a jury today, after a two-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Larry Jones, age 62, from Waterloo, Iowa, was convicted of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possessing a shortened shotgun. The verdict was returned this afternoon following about one hour of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that on September 7, 2022, Jones was involved in a dispute with another individual. During the dispute, Jones went into his house and emerged with a sawed-off shotgun. The other individual took a video on his cellphone of Jones with the firearm.
Officers from the Waterloo Police Department were eventually dispatched to the scene and learned of the gun. They eventually found the firearm behind Jones’ property after he told an officer that he wrapped the shotgun in a tarp and threw it behind his house. The weapon had a barrel length of approximately 13 inches. Any weapon with a barrel length of 18 inches is illegal to possess unless it is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Jones had also previously been convicted of felony burglary twice.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Jones was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the verdict was returned and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Jones faces a possible maximum sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, and six years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Nagin and Anthony Morfitt and was investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department.
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 23-CR-2015.
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Cedar Rapids Woman Involved in Methamphetamine Conspiracy Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced today to six years in federal prison.
Allison Mills, age 32, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 25, 2023 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Mills was involved in a large-scale drug trafficking organization that was responsible for mailing methamphetamine from California to Iowa through the United States Postal Service. Mills received at least five packages from California that each contained multiple pounds of methamphetamine. In exchange for allowing these packages to be delivered to her address, Mills received a pound of methamphetamine from one of her co-conspirators for each box she received.
Mills was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Mills was sentenced to 72 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.
Mills 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 Adam J. Vander Stoep 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 United States Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force. The DEA Task Force consists of the DEA, the Linn County Sheriff's Office, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Marion 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 22-CR-91.
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Waterloo Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man who distributed significant quantities of methamphetamine was sentenced on January 5, 2024, to 30 years in federal prison.
Jeffery Turner, age 48, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 28, 2023 jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
Evidence at trial showed that, between 2020 and 2022, Turner obtained approximately twenty pounds of methamphetamine from three different sources — a source in Waterloo, who in turn was obtaining methamphetamine from a Mexican source; a source in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and a source in California. On two occasions in 2022, law enforcement conduced controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Turner.
Turner was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Turner was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a five‑year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Turner 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 Attorneys Adam J. Vander Stoep, Patrick J. Reinert, and Dillan Edwards and investigated by Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force consisting of the Waterloo Police Department, Cedar Falls Police Department, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Department, Evansdale Police Department, Waverly Police Department, Hudson Police Department, La Porte City Police Department, and the Bremer County Sheriff’s Department; the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22‑CR‑02059‑CJW.
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Man Found with Methamphetamine Hidden Under Car Hood Sentenced to Fourteen Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who committed a drug trafficking offense was sentenced on January 10, 2024, to fourteen years in federal prison for possessing large quantities of methamphetamine.
Cody James Darland Heinrichs, age 34, from Newton, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 1, 2023 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
After Heinrichs was traffic stopped by police in Waterloo, Iowa, they located over 1,200 grams of methamphetamine hidden under the hood of his vehicle and $2,000 on his person.
Heinrichs was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Heinrichs was sentenced to 168 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.
Heinrichs 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 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- 2017.
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Sioux City Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal Prison for Second Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced January 5, 2024.
Anthony Bartusek, 37, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 4, 2023, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense. In 2015, Bartusek was convicted in federal court of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at the hearings showed that between April 2022 and March 2023, Bartusek and others distributed more than two kilograms of methamphetamine. On March 9, 2023, law enforcement officers responded to a disorderly call at a local hotel and found Bartusek under the influence of drugs, with marijuana on his person, and in possession of a backpack full of drugs. Law enforcement seized approximately 11 ounces of methamphetamine, 1.5 ounces of cocaine and 15 ounces of marijuana. This occurred about 11 months after he was released from federal prison.
Bartusek was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. He was sentenced to 153 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 6-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Bartusek is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by 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 23-4024. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
A man who possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced on January 4, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.
Thomas Powell, 36, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty on May 15, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense. Amongst other convictions, Powell was previously convicted in federal court of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine in 2010.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that on November 13, 2022, while in Sac County, Iowa, Powell was found with over 90 grams of pure methamphetamine that he planned to distribute to other persons. At sentencing, Powell was found to be a career offender with multiple prior convictions relating to drugs, fraud, and violence towards others.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Powell was sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment and must serve a term of 10 years of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Powell 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 Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Sac County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa DCI Laboratory, and 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 23-4002. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Waterloo Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm as a felon was sentenced today to seven years in federal prison.
Davion Everette Madlock, age 24, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after as August 21, 2023 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm as a felon.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that between October 2022 and November 2022, Madlock posted videos and photos on social media advertising the sale of marijuana. On November 11, 2022, law enforcement officers searched Madlock’s residence. During the search, officers located a firearm with a laser sight and an extended magazine that was loaded with 31 rounds of ammunition on a coffee table in front of a couch where Madlock would sleep. Behind that couch, officers located a shoe box that contained 33 individually tied sandwich baggies each containing marijuana, a digital scale, and a paper identification card belonging to Madlock. At the time of the search warrant, Madlock was a felon based on multiple prior gun-related felony convictions.
Madlock was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Madlock was sentenced to 84 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.
Madlock 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 Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated by the Waterloo Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-2027.
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Tama Man Sentenced to over Two Years in Prison for Assaulting His GirlfriendRead the Press Release
A Tama man who punched and kicked his girlfriend in the face was sentenced today to nearly there years in federal prison.
Bryce Saunders Kapayou, age 43, from Tama, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 13, 2023 guilty plea to domestic abuse assault.
Evidence at the plea hearing and sentencing showed that in April 2023, Kapayou punched and kicked his girlfriend in the face. She was transported to a local hospital where she was treated for substantial injuries to her nose and face. Evidence showed that Kapayou was drunk and in possession of a machete at the time of the assault. Kapayou has a long criminal history and has 51 prior criminal convictions.
Kapayou was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Kapayou was sentenced to 31 months’ and 16 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.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery and investigated by the Meskwaki Nation Police Department and the FBI.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-46.
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Former Iowa Businessman Sentenced to Federal Prison in Pandemic Benefits Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A former Iowa businessman who defrauded the federal and state governments out of over $150,000 in pandemic benefits, and who also possessed firearms and ammunition after multiple prior felony convictions, was sentenced today to five years in federal prison. Justin Eugene Dowie, age 41, from Cedar Rapids, received the prison term after pleading guilty on July 19, 2023, to one count of bank fraud, one count of money laundering, and one count of possessing ammunition as a felon.
Evidence at Dowie’s sentencing, and other hearings in the case, showed that, in 2020 and 2021, Dowie repeatedly submitted false applications to the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) in attempts to receive Paycheck Protection Program loans (“PPPs”) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDLs”). During the pandemic, Congress authorized PPPs and EIDLs to assist businesses and individuals suffering financial impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dowie applied for approximately $1 million in PPPs and EIDLs from the SBA, and while many of his attempts were unsuccessful, he received over $100,000 from the SBA in his own name and using a stolen identity. During the same timeframe, Dowie also received over $50,000 in fraudulent unemployment insurance benefits from the State of Iowa, again using his own name and a stolen identity. Dowie also perpetrated other fraud schemes on individual victims, including stealing insurance benefits intended for a victim of the derecho—a severe windstorm that damaged numerous properties in the Cedar Rapids area in August 2020—and obtaining over $13,000 from a line of credit.
Dowie is a former businessman in the Cedar Rapids and Des Moines areas. He is also a convicted felon with sixteen prior criminal convictions, including five drunk driving convictions in state court. In late 2022 and early 2023, Dowie possessed firearms and ammunition even though he was prohibited from doing so
on account of his criminal record, which included felonies for drunk driving in 2008, conspiracy to commit a nonforcible felony in 2015, and attempted eluding in 2018. While Dowie illegally possessed the firearms and ammunition, he refused to leave another man’s home after the other man had temporarily allowed Dowie to stay in the home during a snowstorm and cold weather. The other man ultimately had to leave his own home when Dowie took it over illegally.
Dowie was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Dowie was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $190,539.65 in restitution to the victims of his crimes, including the federal and state governments. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Dowie 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 Timothy L. Vavricek and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, assisted the investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file numbers are 23-CR-10 and 23-CR-55.
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Alden Man Who Illegally Possessed a Firearm Sentenced to 71 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Seth Peterson, 30, from Alden, Iowa, was sentenced on January 5, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City, to 71 months’ imprisonment. Peterson pled guilty on August 4, 2023, to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Peterson was previously convicted of Aggravated Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Aggravated Domestic Abuse Assault with the Intent or Display a Weapon, and Extortion.
At the hearings, evidence showed that an investigation into Peterson for vandalism led to search warrants for his social media, and ultimately his residence. At his residence, law enforcement found a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number and drug paraphernalia. Peterson admitted to knowingly possessing the firearm, being a felon at the time he possessed the firearm, and being a user of methamphetamine and marijuana, all of which prohibit him from possessing a firearm.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Peterson was sentenced to 71 months’ imprisonment and must serve a term of supervised release of three years following the imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Peterson 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 Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-3007. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.