Northern District of Iowa
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Spencer Iowa Man Sentenced on Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A Spencer man was sentenced January 4, 2024, to more than 4 years in federal prison.
Leighton Marshal Jones, age 42, from Spencer, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 18, 2023, guilty plea to Possession of Child Pornography.
Evidence at Jones’ sentencing hearing established that between January 1, 2012, and December 7, 2017, Jones possessed over 1,500 images of child pornography copied across six electronic devices. Jones admitted to officers that he downloaded the child pornography in approximately 2012. Jones stated he had no interest in it but kept the child pornography because it was “different,” and he “knew he would not be able to get it again if he deleted it.” These images included material that portrayed toddlers, bestiality, and sadistic and masochistic conduct.
Jones was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Jones was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $14,000 in restitution to several victims. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Jones is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and Spencer Police Department and was 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-4015.
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Onslow Drug Dealer Sentenced to Fourteen Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who committed drug trafficking offenses while on federal supervised release for a prior gun conviction was sentenced on January 4, 2024, to 168 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine.
Ryan Marshall Thomas Streets, age 44, from Poway, California, received the prison term after a July 10, 2023 guilty plea to two counts of distribution of a controlled substance.
Streets, who resided in Onslow, Iowa, distributed large quantities of methamphetamine on two occasions in January of 2023 in Maquoketa, Iowa, while he was on federal supervised release for a prior gun offense. In March 2023, Streets’ supervised release was revoked, and he was sentenced to two-years in custody for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
Streets was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Streets 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.
Streets 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 Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Clinton County Sherriff’s Office, and the Iowa State Police.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR- 1011.
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Brother and Sister Sent to Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A brother and sister from Dubuque, Iowa, who conspired with each other to distribute methamphetamine were sentenced this week to federal prison.
Jacob Patrick Demaio, age 42, and Codi Lyn Demaio, age 35, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after both pled guilty on July 6, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance near a protected location.
From August 2019 through January 2022, both Demaios were involved in a conspiracy to distribute hundreds of pounds of “ice” methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school. There were several residences used by the brother and sister to store and traffic the “ice” methamphetamine in Dubuque and elsewhere.
Evidence at a prior hearing showed that Jacob Demaio sold hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine to multiple people between 2019 and 2022. Drug customers dropped off hundreds of thousands of dollars at the various “stash” houses. That money was intended to be given to Jacob Demaio.
Evidence also showed that Codi Demaio sold pounds of methamphetamine to several people in Dubuque between 2019 and 2022. On occasions when her brother was incarcerated, she took over his drug operation and sold pounds of methamphetamine. She was once instructed to go to California with $25,000 to buy drugs, though she instead traveled to Las Vegas and lost all the money.
Jacob and Codi were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Jacob Demaio was sentenced to 306 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term. Codi Demaio was sentenced to 172 months and 27 days of imprisonment and must serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Jacob and Codi are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Devra T. Hake and Nicole L. Nagin and 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 Dubuque Drug Task Force, Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, Dubuque Police Department, Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Criminalistics Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 22-CR-1039.
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Sumner Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
A woman who hid a $147,000 inheritance check from her creditors in bankruptcy court was sentenced on December 21, 2023, to federal prison. Debra S. Leisinger, age 58, from Sumner, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 7, 2023 guilty plea to one count of bankruptcy concealment.
In a plea agreement, Leisinger admitted that, on December 8, 2022, she filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, by means of sworn court filings. When a debtor files a petition seeking protection from creditors under the bankruptcy laws, a “bankruptcy estate” is created, which is comprised of all property belonging to the debtor, wherever located, and by whomever held, as of the time of the filing of the bankruptcy case, and debtors must truthfully disclose their assets to the court in court filings. Leisinger admitted she fraudulently concealed that she was in possession of a $147,969.28 inheritance check on the date she filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. An attorney had handed Leisinger the check on December 1, 2022, but Leisinger did not immediately cash it. On December 16, 2022, Leisinger cashed the check into an account she controlled at a local credit union. As a part of her scheme, Leisinger attempted to discharge over $65,000 in debts that she owed to her creditors but keep her entire inheritance. Ultimately, the United States Trustee discovered Leisinger’s scheme, she waived her Chapter 7 discharge, her bankruptcy was dismissed, her inheritance was applied to repay her creditors, and she was prosecuted federally.
Leisinger was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Leisinger was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment. Leisinger was also ordered to repay $5,000 for her court-appointed attorney fees. She must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Leisinger was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal in January 2024.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Office of the U.S. Trustee referred and assisted in the investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-2028.
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Emmetsburg Woman Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
A woman who illegally possessed a firearm pled guilty December 19, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City.
Andrea Crystal Lee, 35, from Emmetsburg, Iowa, was convicted of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Lee had previously been convicted of felony possession of a controlled substance – 3rd or subsequent offense on April 30, 2021. Lee was on state probation for that offense when she committed the federal firearms offense.
At the plea hearing, evidence showed that on January 24, 2023, a state probation officer located drug-use paraphernalia at Lee’s home in Emmetsburg, Iowa, during a probation check. Lee was given a urinalysis test which returned positive indicating recent methamphetamine use. The same day, a search of Lee’s home was conducted pursuant to a search warrant. Law enforcement found a 9mm handgun concealed in a floor vent, 9mm ammunition in two magazines, and a bag of needles. As a drug user and felon, Lee was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Lee remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Lee faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-3011.
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Wilton Man Who Sent Child Pornography to Minors Sentenced to over 17 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who distributed child pornography to multiple minors was sentenced December 20, 2023, to more than seventeen years in federal prison.
Benjamin Mockmore, age 37, from Wilton, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 4, 2023 guilty plea to one count of distribution of child pornography.
Information presented at the sentencing hearing and in a plea agreement showed that in 2021 and 2022 Mockmore had online sexual communications with multiple minors. During some of the conversations, Mockmore sent images and videos of child pornography to the minors. One of the minors with whom Mockmore communicated was a 15‑year‑old autistic girl, from whom Mockmore had requested “nudes.” Mockmore also sent naked pictures of himself to multiple minors, including to the 15‑year‑old autistic girl. In March 2022, an adult female posing as a 12‑year‑old girl from Wilton communicated with Mockmore. During the conversations Mockmore stated that he wanted to have sex with the 12‑year‑old and that he would be home alone on March 20, 2022. The adult woman confronted Mockmore on March 19, 2022, at which time Mockmore admitted that he had sent a picture of his penis to the person he believed to be the 12‑year‑old. Mockmore also offered the woman money not to report him to law enforcement.
Four days after his encounter with the adult woman in Wilton, Mockmore had an online conversation with another adult woman who was posing as a 13‑year‑old girl. Mockmore sent that person a photograph of his penis and requested that the girl send him a photograph of herself in the shower. A search of Mockmore’s residence on March 29, 2022, resulted in the seizure of two of Mockmore’s cellular phones. Searches of those phones revealed 181 images and 50 videos of child pornography, and 61 online conversations during which Mockmore sent child pornography to another person. Over 30 of the people to whom Mockmore sent child pornography had represented themselves to be juveniles.
Mockmore was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Mockmore was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $9,000 in restitution. He must also serve a five-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 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.”
Mockmore 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 Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Shelby County, Alabama, Sheriff’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Chatham and Jason Norwood.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23‑CR‑00029‑CJW‑MAR.
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California Drug Dealer Who Shipped Methamphetamine by Mail to Iowa Sentenced to over Two Decades in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who absconded from state court parole in Iowa for a drug trafficking offense was sentenced on December 20, 2023, to over 20 years in federal prison for participating in a methamphetamine conspiracy.
Todd Alan Skalberg, age 57, from Osmond, Nebraska, received the prison term after a June 30, 2023 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance after having previously been convicted of a serious drug felony.
Skalberg, who was living in California, sent multiple pounds of “ice” methamphetamine by mail to Waterloo, Iowa, to his co-defendant, Justin Lee Hanawalt, over the course of a few months. Skalberg has three prior convictions for drug trafficking offenses.
Skalberg was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Skalberg was sentenced to 262 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a ten-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Skalberg is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. Justin Lee Hanawalt was previously sentenced to 240 months in federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Waterloo 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- 2065.
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Sioux City Man Found Guilty of Receiving and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Anthony Michael Tucker, 36, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted by a jury today of Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography. The verdict was returned this afternoon following one day of testimony and about three and half hours of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that in January 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a Cybertip from Google that accounts belonging to Tucker contained over 90 images and three videos of child sexual abuse material. Evidence showed these depictions included images displaying sadistic or masochistic conduct as well as prepubescent children and toddlers. Jurors watched a video-recorded interview of Tucker speaking with an Iowa DCI agent where he admitted he was responsible for the content on the Google account and stated, “there’s more that I run across. . . those were just the ones I kept.” Evidence also showed Tucker has a prior conviction for Lascivious Acts with a Child from 2010 where Tucker, then 21, had sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old female.
United States Attorney Timothy Duax cited the excellent work done by the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation in this case. “Starting with just a cybertip, law enforcement, through skill and hard work, was able to locate the defendant and interrupt his exploitive activities. As a result, a dangerous and repetitive child predator is off the streets for a significant period of time.”
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Tucker remains in the custody of the United States Marshal after the verdict was returned and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Due to his prior sex offense, Tucker faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release of 5 years to life following any imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Investigation, Cyber Crime Bureau, 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.
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North Dakota Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Illegal DrugsRead the Press Release
A man, who admitted he was delivering drugs for a drug cartel was sentenced on December 6, 2023, to 14 years in federal prison.
Ethan Longie, 20 from Bismarck, North Dakota received the prison term after an October 5, 2022, guilty plea to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
In a plea agreement, Longie admitted on February 4, 2022, he was stopped after a short pursuit in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa and was found in possession of more than 350 grams of actual methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, and other narcotics. Longie further admitted he was delivering drugs for the “Cartel” and that he had been delivering methamphetamine to various areas. While in custody pending his federal sentencing, Longie continued to distribute drugs and threatened to stab another inmate to keep him from informing on Longie.
Longie was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Longie was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment of $100. He must also serve a 5 -year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Longie 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 Jack Lammers and investigated by Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, Mason City Police, the North Central Iowa Drug Task Force, and the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-3014-LTS-KEM.
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Mason City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A man who sold methamphetamine in the Mason City area was sentenced today to more than 8 years in federal prison.
Jay James Eden, age 32, from Mason City, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 13, 2023, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
In a plea agreement, Eden admitted that between fall of 2020, and the fall of 2021, he and Nathan Carlson conspired with others to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Eden further admitted that on or about September 20, 2021, he knowingly distributed more than 50 grams of “ice” methamphetamine in the Mason City area. Eden was a drug dealer who was getting methamphetamine from Minnesota and re-selling it in and around Mason City.
Eden was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Eden was sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment of $100. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Eden 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 Jack Lammers and investigated by the Cerro Gordo Sheriff’s Office, Mason City Police Department, Clear Lake Police Department, Iowa Division 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-CR-3025.
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Jury Convicts Akron Man of Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was convicted by a jury on December 6, 2023, after a three-day trial in federal court in Sioux City.
Britt Lander, 42, from Akron, Iowa, was convicted of conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of pure methamphetamine. The verdict was returned after about 1 hour of jury deliberations. In 2012, Lander was previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa.
The evidence at trial showed that Lander, along with others, conspired to receive methamphetamine by mail and vehicle from California and Mexico to distribute in the Sioux City and Akron, Iowa areas. Evidence also showed Lander assisted others in the unloading of 5-10 pound loads of methamphetamine transported to rural properties associated with Lander. Evidence also included an audio/video recording of Lander and another using cutting tools to remove 7 kilograms of methamphetamine from inside a spare tire that was used to transport the methamphetamine from Mexico.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Lander remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Lander faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and 10 years up to life 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 22-4071.
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Cedar Rapids Man Charged with Being a Prohibited Person in Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Christopher King, age 52, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been charged with three counts of being a prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. The charges are contained in an Indictment filed on September 8, 2023, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictment alleges that, between February and August of 2023, King possessed a pistol, a shotgun, and ammunition while being an unlawful drug user and after having been convicted of felonies.
If convicted, King faces a possible maximum sentence of 45 years’ imprisonment, a $750,000 fine, and three years on supervised release following any imprisonment.
King appeared for a detention hearing on November 29, 2023, in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was held without bond. King’s next appearance for trial is set for January 16, 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.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and is being investigated by the High Risk Unit of the Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 23-62.
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Waterloo Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Half of a Counterfeit Fentanyl Pill That Caused 19 Year Old’s DeathRead the Press Release
A man who distributed a fake Percocet pill containing fentanyl that killed his customer was sentenced December 5, 2023, to thirteen years in federal prison.
Tarron Lechtenberg, age 23, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 5, 2023 guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.
Evidence at a prior hearing and information presented at sentencing showed that, in July 2020, Lechtenberg regularly sold marijuana, THC wax, and purported Xanax and Percocet pills in the North Washington, Iowa area. The purported Percocet pills, commonly referred to as “Perc 30s,” in fact contained fentanyl, and not oxycodone. In the evening of July 29, 2023, Lechtenberg distributed half of a “Perc 30” pill to a 19‑year‑old, J.C., who used the pill at Lechtenberg’s house. At approximately midnight, some friends drove J.C. from Lechtenberg’s house but returned to the house after J.C. began overdosing in their vehicle. Lechtenberg and the group put J.C. into a chair in the backyard and the friends left. One of the friends texted Lechtenberg later that night, asking if J.C. was okay. Lechtenberg responded, “No. He’s dead. JK, LOL.” J.C. was not conscious and was having snoring respirations. At around 4:00 a.m., Lechtenberg noticed that J.C. “didn’t look good” and called a friend to help him move J.C. into Lechtenberg’s vehicle so he could seek medical help. At approximately 4:45 a.m., Lechtenberg sped by a Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Deputy, slammed on his brakes, and returned to the deputy’s location to ask for help. J.C. was unresponsive and slumped over on the rear seat of Lechtenberg’s vehicle. Efforts by the deputy and first responders to revive J.C. were unsuccessful. J.C.’s death was determined to be from acute fentanyl intoxication.
Lechtenberg was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Lechtenberg was sentenced to 156 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $8,182.45 in restitution to J.C.’s family. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Lechtenberg 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 Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Chatham and Jason Norwood.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23‑CR‑2002‑CJW‑MAR.
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Two Men Involved in Mexico Based Drug Trafficking Organization Sent to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Two men who were involved in a large Mexico‑based drug trafficking organization were sentenced this week to significant time in federal prison.
Jesse Lax, age 38, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 8, 2023 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Luis Carlos Corral Lopez, age 32, from Caborca, Sonora, Mexico, received the prison term after a February 9, 2023 jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Evidence disclosed at Corral Lopez’s trial, Lax’s sentencing, and the sentencings of others involved in the Mexico‑based drug trafficking organization showed that, in either 2015 or 2016, Lax met a man who later moved to Mexico and became a source of supply of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine for Lax while they were incarcerated together in the Colorado Department of Corrections. In the Spring of 2019, the source of supply directed Lax and his then‑girlfriend Sandra Deyerle to drive to Detroit, Michigan, where Lax obtained three kilograms of heroin.
In May 2019, the source of supply directed Lax and Deyerle to move to Waterloo, Iowa. After they arrived, Lax began distributing methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine, and he frequently possessed a firearm while doing so.
In June 2019, the source of supply directed Lax to travel to Cincinnati, Ohio, where Lax obtained eight kilograms of cocaine. Lax then brought all the cocaine back to Waterloo, and he distributed it to others.
In July 2019, and in August or September 2019, the source of supply directed Lax and Deyerle to travel to Bell Gardens, California, where they obtained three pounds of ice methamphetamine, which had been imported from Mexico, each time. After Lax and Deyerle acquired the ice methamphetamine, they mailed it back to Waterloo and later distributed all the methamphetamine to others.
In December 2019, the source of supply directed Lax and Deyerle to travel to Bell Gardens, California again, where they obtained at least 19 ounces of ice methamphetamine, which had been imported from Mexico.
On January 20, 2020, Lax shot another man in the neck during a methamphetamine‑related encounter. After he was arrested for the shooting, Lax directed Deyerle to take over his role within the Mexico‑based drug trafficking organization.
After Deyerle assumed Lax’s role, Deyerle distributed all the remaining methamphetamine Lax and Deyerle had obtained from California in December 2019. The source of supply then directed Deyerle to make three or four separate trips to California, where Deyerle obtained a total of approximately 21 pounds of ice methamphetamine, which had been imported from Mexico. Deyerle then mailed the methamphetamine to Iowa, and she distributed all of it to others.
Once Deyerle had distributed the 21 pounds of ice methamphetamine she obtained from California, the source of supply coordinated the delivery of at least 150 pounds of ice methamphetamine that had been imported from Mexico to Deyerle in Iowa via rail car in the Summer and Fall of 2020. On October 30, 2020, law enforcement officers searched several places in Iowa connected to the Mexico‑based drug trafficking organization, including Deyerle’s residence and storage units. During those searches, officers seized at least 75 pounds of ice methamphetamine, over 500 grams of heroin, $23,950, and two firearms.
Following the October 30, 2020, seizures, the Mexico‑based drug trafficking organization sent Corral Lopez to Waterloo. At some point after he arrived, the organization directed Corral Lopez to travel to an unidentified city, where Corral Lopez and two others acquired approximately 22 pounds of ice methamphetamine, which had been imported from Mexico. Corral Lopez then brought the 22 pounds of ice methamphetamine back to Waterloo, and he distributed all of it to others, including Levi Dull.
In the late Spring or early Summer of 2021, the Mexico‑based drug trafficking organization sent Narciso Chinchillas Sanchez to replace Corral Lopez in Waterloo. After he arrived, Chinchillas Sanchez distributed methamphetamine to others in Waterloo and elsewhere, including Levi Dull.
On August 18, 2021, law enforcement officers searched Dull’s house in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and his storage unit in Waterloo. During those searches, officers seized almost 300 grams of ice methamphetamine, two grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture, and two firearms, including one that was stolen.
On October 25, 2021, law enforcement officers searched Chinchillas Sanchez’s house in Waterloo. During the search, officers seized over 90 pounds of ice methamphetamine and almost 23 pounds of fentanyl, including approximately 34,380 pills containing fentanyl. Most of the methamphetamine seized from Chinchillas Sanchez’s house was hidden behind drywall in the basement.
Around the time of the October 25, 2021, search of Chinchillas Sanchez’s house, the source of supply began supplying ice methamphetamine to Andrew Surprenant. A wiretap of Surprenant’s telephone revealed that the source of supply provided Surprenant with at least 10 pounds of methamphetamine that was imported from Mexico. On January 12, 2022, law enforcement officers searched Surprenant’s house and storage unit. During those searches, officers seized over seven pounds of methamphetamine, seven firearms, and ammunition.
Lax and Corral Lopez were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Lax was sentenced to 313 months’ imprisonment, and Corral Lopez was sentenced to 141 months’ imprisonment. They both must serve a five‑year term of supervised release after their respective prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Nine other individuals have pled guilty to their involvement with the Mexico‑based drug trafficking organization and have been sentenced:
- Sandra Ann Deyerle was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment;
- Jeremey Aswegan was sentenced to 262 months’ imprisonment;
- Dana John Dana was sentenced to 234 months’ imprisonment;
- Drew Scarborough was sentenced to 150 months’ imprisonment;
- Levi Dull was sentenced to 270 months’ imprisonment;
- Ruben Vasquez was sentenced to 170 months’ imprisonment;
- Narciso Chinchillas Sanchez was sentenced to 158 months’ imprisonment;
- Andrew Davis Surprenant was sentenced to 396 months’ imprisonment; and
- Gabriel Allen Pelz was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment.
Lax and Corral Lopez are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the 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 Drug Enforcement Administration; the United States Postal Inspection Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Green County Sheriff’s Office; and the Elbert, County Colorado Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file numbers are 22‑CR‑02039‑CJW and 22‑CR‑02067‑CJW.
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Sheldon Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Henry Araica-Gonzalez, age 22, from Sheldon, Iowa, plead guilty in federal court on December 5, 2023, to Distribution of Child Pornography.
At the plea hearing, Araica-Gonzalez admitted that he distributed and attempted to distribute child pornography, using a means and facility of interstate and foreign commerce. Araica-Gonzalez further admitted in a plea agreement that he engaged in a sexual relationship with a minor, that he knew the age of the minor at the time, and that he filmed several of the assaults on both his and the victim’s phones. Araica-Gonzalez also admitted the videos of exploitative material contained displays of sadistic and masochistic conduct.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Araica-Gonzalez was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the guilty plea and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Araica-Gonzalez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sergeant Bluff Police Department, and Sheldon Police Department 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-4031.
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Waterloo Felon and Domestic Abuser Sentenced to Federal Prison for Discharging Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man who discharged a stolen firearm during an argument was sentenced today to more than five years in federal prison. Dean Eugene Smith, age 54, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 10, 2023 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
In a plea agreement, Smith admitted that, on April 16, 2023, he was involved in an argument with a woman. During the argument, Smith discharged a stolen firearm into the air. After he discharged the firearm, Smith held the firearm behind his back while he shouted at the woman, until she ran away. Smith also admitted that, prior to April 16, 2023, he had previously been convicted of several offenses that prohibited him from possessing firearms and ammunition, including third‑degree sexual abuse, domestic abuse assault causing bodily injury, domestic abuse assault causing bodily injury (second offense), first‑degree theft, multiple third‑degree burglary offenses, and several failures to comply with sex offender registry requirement offenses.
Smith was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Smith was sentenced to 63 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.
Smith 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 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.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-02031-CJW.
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Iowa Custom Cattle Farmer Pleads Guilty to Livestock Theft and COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
An Iowa farmer who operated an unlicensed custom cattle operation known as “Fawn Hollow” in Clayton County pled guilty on December 1, 2023, in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Michael Wayne Butikofer, age 53, from Monona, Iowa, was convicted of one count of theft of livestock, one count of wire fraud, and one count of false bankruptcy declaration.
In his plea agreement, Butikofer admitted he operated a large farming operation in Northeastern Iowa known as “Fawn Hollow,” from his home farm outside St. Olaf, Iowa, and at satellite locations elsewhere in Iowa and Wisconsin. Butikofer operated a so-called “custom cattle” feeding operation in which employees of his organization would raise and care for cattle owned by other individuals, including cattle investors located across the United States. Fawn Hollow then sold the cattle, primarily to a Wisconsin slaughterhouse.
At no time was Butikofer or “Fawn Hollow” registered with the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) as a “dealer” under the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 (“the Act”). Butikofer and another individual identified as “Individual-1” did participate in the so-called “H-2A” visa program and recruited agricultural workers from the Republic of South Africa to work at Fawn Hollow.
Between July 2020 and February 2022, Butikofer converted the proceeds of sales of cattle owned by six cattle investors to his own use. Butikofer had convinced the cattle investors to allow Butikofer to sell the cattle in his own name. When Butikofer sold the cattle to the Wisconsin slaughterhouse, Butikofer falsely represented to the slaughterhouse that he had “good and merchantable title to” the cattle when he did not, in fact, own or otherwise have title to the cattle. By convincing the cattle investors to permit Butikofer to sell their cattle in his own name, and by fraudulently concealing the true ownership of the cattle from the slaughterhouse, Butikofer attempted to evade the requirements of the Act and its regulations for registration, posting of a dealer bond, and prompt payment, which would have protected the cattle investors’ funds.
Between July 2020 and August 2020, Butikofer defrauded the USDA of more than $200,000 in emergency assistance funds designed to assist livestock producers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, applications were submitted in the name of Individual-1 and entitled “Coronavirus Food Assistance Program” (“CFAP”) payments. A cattle producer qualified for CFAP payments on a per head basis based on the producer’s owned inventory of eligible beef cattle on a date selected by the producer between certain dates in calendar year 2020. It was part of Butikofer’s wire fraud scheme that the CFAP applications in Individual-1’s name falsely stated that Individual-1 owned cattle when, in truth, Individual-1 did not own any cattle. Finally, it was part of the scheme that Butikofer would intercept or otherwise gain access to the CFAP funds once the USDA provided those funds to Individual-1 and then use those CFAP funds for his own purposes.
In February 2022, Butikofer received over $1.5 million from the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) as part of an application for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”). Butikofer falsely stated to the SBA that he would use the proceeds “solely as working capital to alleviate economic injury caused by” the COVID-19 pandemic. In truth, upon receiving the $1.5 million from the SBA, Butikofer used no less than $75,000 of the EIDL funds to pay an attorney known as Attorney-1 for services rendered in connection with a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding that Butikofer filed on or about February 28, 2022, in In re Michael W. Butikofer et al., Case Number 22-00096, in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Iowa.
In March 2022, Butikofer submitted a false and fraudulent statement of financial affairs in his bankruptcy case. In April 2022, Butikofer falsely testified under oath at a meeting of creditors and, in November 2022, repeatedly committed perjury before the bankruptcy court when asked questions about the ownership of his cattle operation.
From April 2023 to November 2023, while on federal pretrial release, Butikofer recruited and caused Individual-1 to recruit H-2A workers to the United States under false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. The false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises included: (1) the housing conditions provided to the employees; (2) the location of the employees’ work; (3) the terms and timing of reimbursement for the employees’ work and expenses; and (4) payment for injuries sustained during the employment.
Evidence at a detention hearing held on December 1, 2023, and December 4, 2023, showed that Butikofer attempted to tamper with grand jury and trial witnesses. In 2020, a federal district court entered a default judgment against Butikofer and in favor of H2A workers from the Republic of South Africa for civil violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act and Trafficking Victims Protective Reauthorization Act in 2018. As part of his plea agreement, Butikofer has agreed to voluntarily terminate and cease participation in foreign labor programs with respect to any program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor or U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Butikofer faces a possible maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a $750,000 fine, and 3 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 Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General, the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-1018.
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Dubuque Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A felon who possessed a firearm was sentenced December 4, 2023, to eight years in federal prison.
Rosnel Larose, age 32, of Dubuque, received the sentence after a June 20, 2023, guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. At the plea hearing, Larose admitted that, in January 2022, he possessed a pistol after having been convicted of eleven felonies.
Larose was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Larose was sentenced to 96 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 Dubuque Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 22-1044.
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Nebraska Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
Brian Raff, 44, from Orchard, Nebraska, pled guilty in federal court on November 29, 2023, to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
At the plea hearing, Raff admitted that he knowingly conspired with co-defendants Douglas Kelley and Kenneth Hurd, to distribute his minor child’s prescription ADHD medication, Vyvanse (amphetamine), a Schedule II Controlled Substance.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Raff remains free on bond pending sentencing. Raff faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
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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Lyon County Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud in Scheme to Defraud Midwest Livestock ProducersRead the Press Release
A Lyon County man who defrauded pork producers while working as the regional manager of an Iowa livestock dealer pled guilty on December 1, 2023, in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Robert Harry Bickerstaff, age 52, from Rock Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of wire fraud.
At the plea hearing and in his plea agreement, Bickerstaff admitted that he had worked as a regional manager for an Iowa livestock dealer between 2018 and 2021. As regional manager, Bickerstaff oversaw livestock buying stations in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota. From time to time, Bickerstaff also personally counted, classified, and weighed swine at these stations.
Bickerstaff admitted he participated in a scheme to defraud livestock producers personally and by directing others to (1) falsely and fraudulently lower the weights and reduce the numbers and classifications of swine that producers and sellers had delivered to the dealer at its buying stations; (2) manipulate the weights of swine either manually or using a crowbar, paddle, or other similar object, and thus defeat the electronic scales on which livestock producers’ swine was weighed at his buying stations; and (3) create fraudulent “sort sheets” and scale tickets containing false numbers, classifications, and weights of producers’ swine for transmission to the dealer’s headquarters in Waucoma, Iowa. Finally, concerned about a potential investigation into his conduct in early 2021, Bickerstaff instructed others to destroy anything with his name on it.
In addition to working for the livestock dealer, Bickerstaff was a pork producer himself. In February 2022, Bickerstaff won a “Hog Wild” award from a statewide pork producers’ association for his role in promoting pork in Lyon County, Iowa.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Bickerstaff remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Bickerstaff faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, 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-2026.
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Cedar Rapids Man Who Produced Child Pornography Sentenced to over 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who sent gift cards to minors in exchange for sexually explicit videos from the minors was sentenced to more than 15 years in prison today.
Andrew Kyte, age 53, from Cedar Rapids, received the prison term after a June 22, 2023, guilty plea to one count of sexual exploitation of children.
Evidence established that from 2017 until 2019 defendant received depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct on two electronic devices. Defendant would send minors gift cards to encourage the minors to make sexually explicit videos and send those videos to him. Defendant also secretly recorded a minor through a hidden spy camera. Six minor victims were awarded restitution based on defendant’s criminal conduct.
Kyte was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Kyte was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $24,000 in restitution to six minor victims. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Kyte is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by former Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Dupuich and Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Cole and investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-4.
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Serial Armed Robber Sentenced to More than Fifty-Five Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A seven-time convicted felon who robbed or attempted to rob employees of Cedar Rapids businesses at gunpoint seven times in a twelve-day period in November 2020 was sentenced today to more than fifty-five years in prison.
Cardel Demetrius Redmond, age 28, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 6, 2023 jury verdict finding him guilty of six counts of interference with commerce by robbery, six counts of using and possessing a firearm during and in furtherance of those robberies, one count of attempt to interfere with commerce by robbery, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
The evidence at trial showed that on November 17, 2020, Redmond robbed the Subway restaurant on Gateway Place SW in Cedar Rapids by displaying a firearm to the employees and demanding the cash from the register. On November 19, 2020, Redmond robbed a cashier at gunpoint in the Wine and Spirits area of the Hy-Vee grocery store on Oakland Road NE in Cedar Rapids. On November 25, 2020, Redmond robbed the Perkins Restaurant & Bakery on Southgate Court SW in Cedar Rapids by pointing a firearm at one of the employees of the business. On the night of November 27, 2020, Redmond used a firearm to rob an employee at the Hy-Vee grocery store on Mount Vernon Road SE in Cedar Rapids. Minutes later, Redmond robbed two employees at gunpoint at the Little Caesar’s Pizza on Mount Vernon Road SE. Less than twenty-four hours later, on November 28, 2020, Redmond attempted to rob two employees at the Hy-Vee Drugstore on 6th Street SW by brandishing a firearm. One of the employees told him there was a police officer in an unmarked car in the parking lot, and Redmond fled. The following night, November 29, 2020, Redmond robbed the same Subway restaurant on Gateway Place SW by pointing a firearm at an employee.
Additional information from sentencing showed that Redmond was released on probation on November 4, 2020. He committed three burglaries on November 9, 2020. The first burglary was at restaurant. He stole a valuable truck parked in front of the restaurant belonging to the restaurant owner. He used the truck as transportation to commit two additional burglaries that morning at cellular telephone stores. After committing the three burglaries, Redmond was driving the stolen truck, when he crossed the center line and collided head-on with another car, causing serious injuries to the other driver. Redmond stayed at the scene of the accident and provided false information to a police officer. He committed another burglary at a retail store on November 12, 2020, that resulted in more than $4,000 in property damage.
Redmond was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Redmond was sentenced to 666 months’ imprisonment. In imposing the sentence, Judge Williams noted the tremendous impact Redmond had had on the community in committing highly aggravating offenses and found that Redmond posed a grave danger to the public. Redmond was ordered to make $2,068.54 in restitution to the victims of the robberies. He must also serve a five-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 Attorneys Kyndra Lundquist and Tony Morfitt and was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department assisted by 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-0085.
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Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Accessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who participated in an online chat group where adult men made requests to a 13-year-old girl for sexually explicit photos and videos was sentenced November 29, 2023, to more than 11 years in federal prison.
Jason Dean Anderson, age 50, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 16, 2023 guilty plea to one count of accessing child pornography including a depiction involving a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
Information at the sentencing hearing showed that during 2021 and 2022, Anderson participated in a Snapchat group where men would sexually exploit a 13‑year-old girl. Anderson admitted to requesting that the girl take and post sexually explicit depictions of herself. Officers seized Anderson’s cell phone and found several videos and photos of child pornography, including depictions of adults sexually abusing infants. Anderson admitted that he was interested in teenagers and that he had chatted with some children online. Anderson had previously been encountered by law enforcement in 2012 after it was discovered that he was having sexually explicit conversations online with a seventeen‑year‑old girl who lived in a facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Anderson had been communicating with the seventeen‑year‑old for approximately two years and had requested that she send him sexually explicit pictures of herself.
Anderson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Anderson was sentenced to 135 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $5,100 in special assessments. He must also serve a five‑year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Anderson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by former Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Dupuich and Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23‑CR‑00008‑CJW‑MAR.
Carroll County Nurse Pleads Guilty to Stealing Controlled Substances from Life Care Center EmployerRead the Press Release
A nurse, who stole controlled substances from a life care center where she was employed, pled guilty today in federal court in Sioux City.
Cassandra Lynne Vonnahme, age 32, from Arcadia, Iowa, entered a 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. Vonnahme had been scheduled to begin a jury trial on December 11, 2023.
At the plea hearing, Vonnahme admitted that between November 2020 and December 2020, she diverted controlled substances and falsified related documents. The controlled substances Vonnahme stole and the records she falsified pertained to actual patients. Vonnahme was later convicted of burglary in Carroll County in 2021, where she stole controlled substances from a stranger’s home.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Vonnahme remains free on bond pending sentencing. Vonnahme faces a possible maximum sentence of 9 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 4- years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being investigated by the Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit 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 23-4019.
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Humboldt Iowa Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
A convicted felon found in possession of a stolen gun plead guilty on November 28, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City.
Joseph Isiah Hardy, Sr., age 37, from Humboldt, Iowa, was convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
In a plea agreement, Hardy admitted that he knowingly possessed a firearm even though he had been previously convicted of a felony punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year and that he knew he had been previously convicted of that felony. Hardy further admitted the gun was stolen.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Hardy remains in custody of the United States Marshal, pending sentencing. Hardy faces the following maximum penalties: (1) not more than 15 years’ imprisonment without the possibility of parole; (2) a fine of not more than $250,000; (3) a mandatory special assessment of $100; and (4) a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years.
The case was investigated by Humboldt Police Department 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-3010.
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Dubuque Man Sentenced for Selling Crack Cocaine Within 1,000 Feet of a PlaygroundRead the Press Release
A man who sold crack cocaine near a playground was sentenced today to more than 15 years in federal prison.
Orlandis Fred Murriel, age 35, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after May 18, 2023 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance near a protected location.
In a plea agreement, Murriel admitted that between June and November 27, 2022, while living in Dubuque, he sold over 2,400 grams of cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine. Many of these sales occurred from his residence which was within 1,000 feet of three Dubuque playgrounds: Orange Park, Madison Park, and Jackson Park. On November 27, 2022, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop on a car as it approached Murriel’s residence. Murriel was seated in the front passenger seat. During a search of the car, the officers found 132 grams of crack cocaine and 111 grams of cocaine which Murriel intended to sell. At the time of the offense, Murriel was on Iowa state probation for three drug trafficking felonies.
Murriel was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Murriel was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a six-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Murriel 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 Dubuque Drug Task Force 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-1005.
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Woman Convicted for Voter Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Sioux City, Iowa, convicted an Iowa woman today for a voter fraud scheme during the Iowa 2020 primary and general elections.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Kim Phuong Taylor, age 49, of Sioux City, perpetrated a scheme to fraudulently generate votes for her husband in the primary election for Iowa’s 4th U.S. Congressional District in June 2020. After Taylor’s husband lost in the primary, he ran for Woodbury County Supervisor in the 2020 general election and Taylor again engaged in ballot fraud, causing absentee ballots to be fraudulently requested and cast. Taylor submitted or caused others to submit dozens of voter registrations, absentee ballot request forms, and absentee ballots containing false information. Taylor completed and signed voter forms without voters’ permission and told others that they could sign on behalf of relatives who were not present.
“The right to vote is one of our most important constitutional rights,” said United States Attorney Timothy T. Duax. “Ms. Taylor deprived citizens of their right to vote in order to benefit her husband’s campaign. Today, another group of citizens, fulfilling their civic duty as jurors, held her accountable for her actions. The guilty verdict is an example of how the justice system works to protect the voting rights of citizens and ensure fair and honest elections.”
The jury convicted Taylor of 26 counts of providing false information in registering and voting, three counts of fraudulent registration, and 23 counts of fraudulent voting. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count. A sentencing date will be set after a presentence report is prepared. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Timothy T. Duax for the Northern District of Iowa, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel of the FBI Omaha Field Office, and Acting Inspector in Charge Brad Mahs of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Denver Division made the announcement.
The FBI Omaha Field Office and USPIS Denver Division investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Timmons for the Northern District of Iowa and Trial Attorneys Richard B. Evans and Lauren M. Castaldi of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.
Woman Convicted for Voter Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Sioux City, Iowa, convicted an Iowa woman today for a voter fraud scheme during the Iowa 2020 primary and general elections.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Kim Phuong Taylor, 49, of Sioux City, perpetrated a scheme to fraudulently generate votes for her husband in the primary election for Iowa’s 4th U.S. Congressional District in June 2020. After Taylor’s husband lost in the primary, he ran for Woodbury County Supervisor in the 2020 general election and Taylor again engaged in ballot fraud, causing absentee ballots to be fraudulently requested and cast. Taylor submitted or caused others to submit dozens of voter registrations, absentee ballot request forms, and absentee ballots containing false information. Taylor completed and signed voter forms without voters’ permission and told others that they could sign on behalf of relatives who were not present.
The jury convicted Taylor of 26 counts of providing false information in registering and voting, three counts of fraudulent registration, and 23 counts of fraudulent voting. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count. A sentencing date will be set after a presentence report is prepared. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Timothy T. Duax for the Northern District of Iowa, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel of the FBI Omaha Field Office, and Acting Inspector in Charge Brad Mahs of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Denver Division made the announcement.
The FBI Omaha Field Office and USPIS Denver Division investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Richard B. Evans and Lauren M. Castaldi of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Timmons for the Northern District of Iowa are prosecuting the case.
Mexican Man from Florida 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 three months in federal prison.
Luis Ronaldo Lopez-Lopez, age 24, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Arcadia, Florida, received the prison term after a September 12, 2023, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Lopez-Lopez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Lopez-Lopez was previously deported in December 2017 and January 2018. On August 13, 2023, immigration officials learned Lopez-Lopez had illegally returned to the United States and found Lopez-Lopez at the Dubuque County Jail following his arrest on state charges for public intoxication and soliciting prostitution. Those charges are still pending. Lopez-Lopez had been residing in a Dubuque hotel while illegally working in the area. Lopez-Lopez had previously been convicted in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico of illegal entry into the United States in December 2017.
Lopez-Lopez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Lopez-Lopez was sentenced to 90 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.
Lopez-Lopez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-1017.
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Drug Dealer Who Traveled to Chicago to Get Drugs for Dealers in Iowa Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who was on federal supervised release from a prior drug conspiracy conviction was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison for participating in another drug conspiracy.
Toney Edward Henderson, age 50, from Camden, Arkansas, received the prison term after a May 3, 2023 guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance after having previously been convicted of a serious drug felony and possession of a firearm by a felon.
From August 2021 until September 2022, Henderson traveled to Chicago, Illinois, to obtain large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine and then re-distributed the drugs in Iowa. Henderson was on federal supervised release for a previous cocaine related and firearm conviction during this time.
Henderson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Henderson was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a ten-year term of supervised release after the prison term. He was also sentenced to a consecutive term of 60 months’ imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release for his prior federal conviction. There is no parole in the federal system. Henderson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the 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 22-CR- 94.
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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 three months in federal prison.
Emmanuel Reyes-Jaimes, age 38, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Cambridge, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 21, 2023 guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Reyes-Jaimes admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Reyes-Jaimes was previously deported in November 2016. On August 7, 2023, immigration officials learned Reyes-Jaimes had illegally returned to the United States and found Reyes-Jaimes at the Benton County Jail where he was serving a state sentence.
Reyes-Jaimes was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Reyes-Jaimes was sentenced to 93 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.
Reyes-Jaimes 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-59.
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Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm after High-Speed Chase with Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
A man who fled from law enforcement with a loaded firearm in his vehicle was sentenced today to more than 8 years in federal prison.
Jacques Eugene Robinson, age 50, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 8, 2023 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Robinson was previously convicted of Murder in the Second Degree in the Iowa District Court for Scott County on June 11, 1990.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that, on March 25, 2022, law enforcement stopped Robinson as he was driving. Before the traffic stop ended, Robinson sped away. During the following car chase, Robinson reached a speed of 107 miles per hour, and he ran two red lights. Officers were eventually able to stop Robinson’s vehicle and take him into custody. Robinson’s blood alcohol concentration was determined to be .128%. Officers located a loaded handgun inside the vehicle Robinson had been driving. Robinson later told officers that he carried a firearm daily.
Robinson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Robinson was sentenced to 100 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. Robinson 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 Liz Dupuich and investigated by the Cedar Rapids 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 22-CR-60.
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Carroll Man Receives 70 Months’ Imprisonment for Federal Gun and Drug ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Darwin Robinson, Jr., age 45, from Carroll, Iowa, was sentenced on November 9, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City.
Robinson pled guilty July 20, 2023, to illegally possessing a firearm and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Robinson was previously convicted of cocaine-possession and three domestic abuse assaults which prohibit a person from possessing any firearm.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed Robinson had prohibitive convictions and was a regular user of methamphetamine while possessing a .40 caliber handgun. On March 22, 2021, law enforcement stopped the vehicle Robinson was driving and officers seized 2 small bags of methamphetamine from Robinson and a loaded .40 caliber handgun from the vehicle. Robinson admitted that he planned on selling some or all of the methamphetamine that was found.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Robinson was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Robinson 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, Carroll, Iowa Police Department, Iowa DCI Criminalistics Laboratory, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-3002.
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Iowa Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Timothy Steinbeck, age 47 from Terril, Iowa, plead guilty on April 19, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Steinbeck admitted that from August 2021 through June 2022, he and others were involved in a conspiracy to distribute nearly six pounds of methamphetamine in Northwest Iowa. Evidence further showed that Steinbeck distributed methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement on three separate occasions. On June 15, 2022, law enforcement searched Steinbeck’s residence in Royal, Iowa, and seized additional methamphetamine. That same day, firearms were seized from a relative’s home which Steinbeck had moved in an attempt to conceal from law enforcement.
Steinbeck was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Steinbeck was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. Steinbeck must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Steinbeck 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 T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Spencer Police Department, O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office, Estherville Police Department, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Iowa DCI Laboratory, Clay County Attorney’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, and Iowa State Patrol Tactical Teams.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-4050. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Selling Fentanyl While on Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
A man who was selling fentanyl while he was on federal supervised release was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.
Anthony Laveal Allen, age 26, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 6, 2023 guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that, on January 12, 2023, law enforcement conducted an undercover operation and purchased pills from Allen that contained fentanyl. Allen has a prior federal conviction for possession of a firearm as a felon from 2017, and he was serving a term of supervised release when he committed the instant offense.
Allen was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Allen was sentenced to a total sentence of 39 months’ imprisonment comprised of 15 months for the new crime and a consecutive sentence of 24 months’ imprisonment for the supervised release violation. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Allen 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 numbers are 23-CR-17 and 17-CR-23.
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Waterloo Man Sentenced to over 15 Years in Federal Prison for His Role in Ice Methamphetamine RingRead the Press Release
A man who was caught with over 380 grams of ice methamphetamine and over $25,000 in drug money was sentenced November 2, 2023, to more than 15 years in federal prison.
Timothy Michael Webber, age 46, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 2, 2023 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at a prior hearing showed that Webber was intercepted over the wiretap ordering pounds of methamphetamine from the David Belton drug organization in Cedar Rapids. In his plea agreement, Webber admitted that in April 2022, state investigators searched his residence in Waterloo and seized over 380 grams of ice methamphetamine and $25,550 in cash proceeds of prior ice methamphetamine sales. Webber ran from officers who executed the search at the residence but was caught.
Eleven other individuals were charged in the same investigation, ten of whom have been 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.
Webber was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Webber was sentenced to 188 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.
Webber 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.
Spencer Man Pleads Guilty to yet Another Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
A man who possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty November 1, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City.
Todd Williams, 57, from Spencer, Iowa, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Williams had previously been convicted of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine in 2004.
Evidence at the plea hearing showed that on March 4, 2023, after receiving information that Williams was selling and possessing methamphetamine, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Williams’ residence in Spencer, Iowa, and seized approximately 2.8 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately $50,000 in cash. During the execution of the warrant, Williams was viewed by law enforcement driving by the residence. Law enforcement attempted to stop Williams, who led them on a high speed chase before being stopped and arrested.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Williams remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Williams faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and 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 the Spencer Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Estherville Police Department, the Iowa Great Lakes Drug Task Force, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Iowa DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4061. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Traffic Stop in Tipton, Iowa, Leads to Federal Guilty PleaRead the Press Release
A woman who possessed over 50 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Rebecca Ann Rose, age 36, from La Porte City, Iowa, was convicted of possessing at least 50 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.
Evidence at a prior hearing demonstrated that on December 27, 2022, Rose was driving a vehicle in Tipton, Iowa, when law enforcement officers stopped her. Officers determined that she was intoxicated and arrested her. Officers searched her car and found thousands of dollars, over 50 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine, and marijuana.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Rose remains in custody of the United States Marshal. Rose faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a $10,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by the Tipton Police Department, the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa State Patrol, and the Muscatine County Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-45.
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Tama Woman to Federal Prison for Stealing from Disabled RelativeRead the Press Release
A woman who spent her disabled relative’s entire trust fund was sentenced on November 2, 2023, to more than two years in federal prison.
Nancy Lee Johnson, age 69, from Tama, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 1, 2023 guilty plea to one count of wire fraud. Information from Johnson’s plea agreement and sentencing showed that in November 2017, Johnson petitioned the Meskwaki Tribal Court to become the guardian and conservator of her disabled relative, L.J. In doing so, she swore that she would faithfully discharge the duties of a guardian and conservator, which included protecting, preserving, and prudently investing the estate of L.J. At the time, L.J. had a trust fund valued at more than $360,000. L.J. also received per capita pay from the Meskwaki tribe and Social Security benefits. The court recognized Johnson as L.J.’s guardian and conservator in February 2018.
As early as December 2017, she began to transfer money from L.J.’s trust fund to other accounts and by November 2018, the balance of L.J.’s trust fund was $0. In March 2018, Johnson activated a debit card for an account she opened in L.J.’s name. She had the only copy of the card. Johnson used that card to make unauthorized purchases, which included the purchases of two purebred dogs and multiple pieces of jewelry. During the time that she was his guardian and conservator, L.J.’s assets totaled at least $416,043.73. In August 2019, when the Meskwaki Tribal Court terminated Johnson’s guardianship and conservatorship, L.J.’s funds had been reduced to $1,871.38.
Johnson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Johnson was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment. She was ordered to make $387,213.40 in restitution to her relative. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Johnson was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on November 27, 2023.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-0086.
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Former Crack Dealer Sent Back to Federal Prison for Derecho FraudRead the Press Release
A former crack dealer who received approximately $1,900 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) benefits after falsely claiming to have suffered damage in the 2020 derecho storm in Cedar Rapids was sentenced on November 1, 2023, to 90 days in federal prison.
Melvin McKinney, age 41, from Cedar Rapids, received the prison term after a June 15, 2023, guilty plea to one count of theft of government funds. In a plea agreement, and at the sentencing hearing, McKinney admitted that he stole $1,902.62 in FEMA benefits, specifically personal property and rental assistance. McKinney spent the stolen funds at gas stations, restaurants, and Victoria’s Secret.
In August 2020, the derecho swept through the Northern District of Iowa. The derecho caused an estimated $7.5 billion in damage within the State of Iowa and other affected states. The Northern District of Iowa, including the City of Cedar Rapids, was particularly hard-hit from the derecho, with estimated 100‑130 mph straight-line winds.
FEMA declared Disaster No. 4557 for the State of Iowa on August 17, 2020. Derecho victims could apply to FEMA for disaster relief assistance to help meet repair and replacement expenses not otherwise covered by private insurance.
In September 2020, McKinney received the FEMA funds after a false and fraudulent application for derecho benefits was filed in his name. Specifically, the application falsely stated that (1) McKinney was living in an apartment in Cedar Rapids at the time of the derecho, and (2) McKinney suffered both home and personal property damage from the derecho. In conjunction with the application, McKinney provided FEMA with the name of a fictitious landlord, “Willie Davis,” and McKinney pretended to be the same individual when FEMA attempted to verify that McKinney was entitled to derecho benefits. McKinney also lied to a FEMA investigator on the telephone, falsely stating that (1) his apartment building had lost almost half of its shingles, (2) the building’s central air conditioning units were blown over and damaged, (3) the windows to his apartment were blown out, (4) there was drywall and ceiling damage in his apartment, and (5) McKinney’s personal furnishings were damaged. All of these representations and statements were false: McKinney was not even a tenant of the apartment building, which suffered no significant damage in the derecho. When confronted by law enforcement agents, McKinney initialed lied about the theft but eventually confessed.
McKinney has a serious criminal history. In 2006, McKinney was convicted of multiple crack cocaine conspiracy and distribution charges in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa and sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment. In 2015, after his release from federal prison, McKinney was convicted of domestic abuse.
McKinney was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. McKinney was sentenced to 90 days’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $1,902.62 in restitution to FEMA. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
McKinney was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on December 4, 2023, at 10 a.m.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-38-CJW-MAR.
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Escape from Federal Custody Results in Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man who escaped from federal custody at the Waterloo Residential Reentry Center was sentenced November 1, 2023, to more than two years in federal prison.
Chaston Fox, age 30, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 18, 2023 guilty plea to escape from federal custody.
In a plea agreement, Fox admitted he was sentenced in May of 2020 to serve 47 months’ imprisonment in federal prison for possession of a firearm. In May 2022, Fox was placed in the Waterloo Residential Reentry Center to complete his federal sentence. On October 1, 2022, Fox escaped from the facility and remained a fugitive until he was arrested in December of 2022.
Fox was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Fox was sentenced to 27 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.
Fox 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 investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service and the Waterloo Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-02032.
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Cedar Rapids Man Convicted of Methamphetamine Distribution and Money Laundering CrimesRead the Press Release
A man who conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine and commit money laundering was convicted by a jury on November 2, 2023, after a four-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Albert McReynolds, age 35, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and one count of engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from a specified unlawful activity. The verdict was returned following about an hour of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that McReynolds was a methamphetamine dealer in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, area. Between September 2020 and continuing to about November 2021, McReynolds conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in Cedar Rapids. The evidence at trial showed that McReynolds had a source of supply in California who was sending packages containing methamphetamine through the United States Postal Service to several addresses in Cedar Rapids. McReynolds would have the packages sent to other individuals’ addresses to avoid having the methamphetamine delivered directly to him. Investigators intercepted and searched three packages that were mailed from California to addresses associated with McReynolds in Cedar Rapids. In each of those packages, investigators located multiple pounds of methamphetamine. In total, investigators identified 46 packages mailed from California to the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, area between September 2020 and November 2021 that all shared similar characteristics to the packages investigators intercepted and searched. These 46 packages had a combined total mailing weight of over 700 pounds.
The evidence at trial showed that, between October 2020 and continuing to November 2021, McReynolds conspired with others to commit money laundering. McReynolds and others would distribute the methamphetamine McReynolds received from California. McReynolds would vacuum-seal the money that he made from selling methamphetamine, and McReynolds and others would send packages containing cash through the United States Postal Service to multiple different addresses associated with his methamphetamine source in California. McReynolds and others would place fake names and addresses on the return labels of the packages containing methamphetamine so law enforcement would not be able to link McReynolds and his co-conspirators to those packages. On July 28, 2021, McReynolds mailed a package from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to an address associated with his source in California. Investigators intercepted and searched that package and located $56,470 in cash.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. McReynolds remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. McReynolds faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,750,000 fine, and a lifetime of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam J. Vander Stoep and Shawn S. Wehde 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-CJW.
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Strawberry Point Man Convicted of Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
A man who was found in a park after hours with a short-barreled shotgun pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Scott Wesley Timmerman, age 56, from Strawberry Point, Iowa, was convicted of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In a plea agreement, Timmerman admitted that he was in a state park after it had closed, and had a short-barreled shotgun in his vehicle. Timmerman admitted that due to a prior felony conviction he was not allowed to legally possess firearms. The vehicle was searched by law enforcement officers after Timmerman was arrested for unrelated charges.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Timmerman remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Timmerman faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Reinert and was investigated by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-02054. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Minnesota Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Minnesota man who intended to distribute pills containing fentanyl was sentenced on October 27, 2023, to more than four years in federal prison.
Khalil Petroske, age 22, from St. Paul, Minnesota, received the prison term after a June 13, 2023 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Information disclosed at sentencing showed that, on July 23, 2022, law enforcement officers stopped the vehicle Petroske was driving. During the traffic stop, officers seized a baggie of blue pills containing fentanyl from an air vent. Petroske was arrested and, while in the back of a patrol car, Petroske removed a baggie of marijuana and a baggie containing more blue pills containing fentanyl from his pants and dropped them in the back of the patrol car. In total, Petroske possessed 30.73 grams of fentanyl with the intent to distribute it.
Petroske was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Petroske was sentenced to 51 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.
Petroske 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 Vander Stoep and was investigated by the Urbana Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-00028-CJW. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Cedar Rapids Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who distributed over ten pounds of methamphetamine was sentenced October 26, 2023, to 21 years in federal prison.
Anthony McNeese, age 39, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 26, 2023 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Information disclosed at sentencing showed that, in November 2020, McNeese threw over 400 grams of ice methamphetamine out of the window of his vehicle as he fled from law enforcement. McNeese drove at a high rate of speed through residential neighborhoods and eventually escaped on foot. Later, McNeese directed his friend to go to the police station and attempt to claim ownership of the ice methamphetamine McNeese threw out of his window; however, McNeese’s scheme did not work. In late November and early December 2020, McNeese obtained at least 10 pounds of ice methamphetamine from his source of supply, which he then redistributed. At times, McNeese knowingly possessed a firearm when distributing ice methamphetamine. On December 7, 2020, law enforcement searched McNeese’s vehicle and recovered an additional 37 grams of ice methamphetamine.
McNeese was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. McNeese was sentenced to 251 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.
McNeese 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 Sixth Judicial District of Correctional Services’ High-Risk Unit 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-00039-CJW.
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Spirit Lake Man Guilty of Illegal Possession of Firearm in Spencer, IowaRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a firearm pled guilty October 25, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City.
Andrew Mitchell, 36, from Spirit Lake, Iowa, was convicted of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
Evidence shows that, on August 8, 2023, law enforcement stopped Mitchell for riding his bike on the wrong side of the road in Spencer, Iowa. Once stopped, Mitchell was recognized and identified by the stopping officer due to prior interactions. However, Mitchell provided a false name. Other officers arrived and attempted to handcuff Mitchell while his proper identity was determined. Mitchell resisted being handcuffed and was placed under arrest for interference. During a search of Mitchell upon arrest, law enforcement located a suspected THC vape pen, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, a scale with methamphetamine residue, and a loaded 9mm firearm with an obliterated serial number strapped to his chest. At the plea hearing, Mitchell admitted to being a user of controlled substances which prohibit him from possessing firearms.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Mitchell remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Mitchell faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Spencer, Iowa Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4060. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Meth ConvictionRead the Press Release
A man who possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced in federal court in Sioux City on October 24, 2023, to 144 months’ imprisonment.
Kelly Malloy, 55, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty June 13, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute and aiding and abetting another in the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that on October 26, 2022, Malloy was stopped by Le Mars Police Department. During the traffic stop law enforcement located over 76 grams of pure methamphetamine partially concealed under the seat where Malloy was seated. Further evidence showed he intended to distribute some or all of the methamphetamine to another person. Malloy has an extensive criminal history including multiple convictions for eluding, possession of controlled substances, assaults, and a prior federal conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine conviction.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Malloy was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment and will serve a 5-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Malloy 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 Le Mars Police Department and the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-4007. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Serial Kidnapper and Rapist Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who committed five sexual assaults in five years, two of which occurred during federal kidnappings, was sentenced October 24, 2023, to 40 years in federal prison.
Arjune Ahmed, age 27, of South Sioux City, Nebraska, and formerly of Ethiopia, received the prison term after a March 3, 2023, jury verdict finding him guilty of two counts of kidnapping.
Evidence at trial showed on August 21, 2019, Ahmed followed a woman from the Hard Rock Casino on Fourth Street, where he tricked her into getting close to his car. Once she was close, he grabbed her and pulled her into his car. He then sped into Nebraska from Iowa, where he sexually assaulted her. His August 21, 2019, victim testified that when he was done with her, he cursed her and pushed her out of his car at a rural location.
Trial evidence also showed that 13 months later, on October 16, 2020, Ahmed used social media to trick a woman into meeting him for breakfast. Instead of driving her to breakfast, Ahmed took her from midtown Sioux City to Bacon Creek Park where he sexually assaulted her. His October 16, 2020, victim testified that when he was done with her, he discarded her in the woods.
The jury also heard evidence that in 2015 a woman was the victim of a home-invasion and sexual assault. That crime went unsolved for nearly five years until DNA evidence discovered in the investigations of the 2019 and 2020 kidnappings was linked to Ahmed.
Additionally, at sentencing, the United States proved defendant kidnapped and sexually assaulted two additional victims. One of whom was attacked on October 31, 2017, and another on July 25, 2018. Both incidents occurred in downtown Sioux City where Ahmed lured the women into his car with promises of a ride home, but instead, took them to an isolated location where he sexually assaulted or attempted to sexually assault them. In both cases the victims were able to fight off and escape Ahmed.
Ahmed has previously been convicted of several assaults, criminal trespassing, public indecency, disturbing the peace, and obstructing a peace officer.
Ahmed was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 480 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Timothy Duax stated that, “Due the fine work of multiple local, state and federal law enforcement, a dangerous individual who preyed upon the women of our community has been brought to justice. For roughly the next forty years, the victims of Mr. Ahmed can sleep soundly knowing he can’t hurt them.”
Ahmed 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 Dakota County, Nebraska Sherriff’s Office, the South Sioux City, Nebraska Police Department, the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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 21-04087.
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Man who Tampered with a Witness Involved in his Federal Trial Sentenced to 150 Months’ in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who tampered with a witness involved in his federal trial was sentenced on October 25, 2023, to 150 months in federal prison.
Michael Lyn Ashford, age 43, from Chicago, Illinois, received the prison term after a jury found him guilty of conspiracy to tamper with a witness and tampering with a witness.
Evidence at the trial showed that Ashford, and his co-defendant, Jenise Colvin, spoke about their plan to contact the witness who had called 911 after a firearm was pointed at the witness while at a gas station in Dubuque. Ashford directed Colvin to contact the witness and told Colvin what to tell the witness. Colvin then called the witness and told the witness that they knew personal information about the witness, including the witness’s name and address. Ashford also called the witness while he was in custody and relayed similar information. In imposing its sentence, the district court found that Ashford pointed the firearm at the witness prompting the witness to call 911, tampered with the witness such that the witness did not want to testify at trial, and attempted to contact other potential witnesses in an attempt to obstruct justice.
Ashford was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Ashford was sentenced to 150 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.
Ashford is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
Jenise Colvin was previously sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emily N. Nydle and Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Dubuque Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 22-CR- 1037-01.
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Man Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm After a High-Speed Pursuit with Iowa State Trooper in Stolen VehicleRead the Press Release
Ahmed Abdullahai Khalif, 23, from Owosso, Michigan, was sentenced on October 23, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa, for illegally possessing a firearm.
Khalif pled guilty on March 30, 2023, to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Khalif was a user of marijuana and was previously convicted of Illegal Sale/Use of a Financial Transaction Device, a felony, in the Michigan District Court for Shiawassee County, on June 21, 2019. Both prohibit a person from possessing a firearm.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that on October 19, 2022, during a traffic stop, Khalif possessed a 9mm Taurus pistol and marijuana while being a felon. Prior to the traffic stop, an Iowa State Patrol trooper clocked the vehicle Khalif was driving on Interstate 35 in Franklin County, Iowa, in excess of 100 mph. After the trooper activated his emergency lights, Khalif led the trooper on a high-speed pursuit into Wright County, at times traveling toward oncoming traffic. Ultimately, Khalif intentionally rammed the trooper’s vehicle and fled on foot a short distance before being apprehended. The vehicle Khalif was driving came back as stolen out of Massachusetts. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement found the 9mm Taurus pistol and marijuana. Khalif has an extensive criminal history involving thefts of motor vehicles.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Khalif was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment and must serve a three year term of supervised release following imprisonment. His sentence was reduced by one year and five days due to time served on related state convictions. There is no parole in the federal system. Khalif remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa DCI, 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 22-3035. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.