Northern District of Iowa
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Dealer Who Distributed Heroin Resulting in Overdose Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A drug dealer who sold heroin in Dubuque, Iowa, was sentenced today to 38 months in federal prison.
John Andrew Pruitt, age 39, of Pueblo West, Colorado, received the prison sentence after a March 30, 2023 guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.
Evidence at the sentencing hearing established that Pruitt supplied heroin users in the Dubuque area with controlled substances from at least 2017 until 2022. In March 2020, Pruitt supplied an individual with purported heroin, and that individual subsequently overdosed. Despite learning about this overdose, Pruitt nonetheless continued to sell drugs in the Dubuque area.
Pruitt was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. He was sentenced to 38 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.
Pruitt is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin and Assistant United States Attorney Jason D. Norwood and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force as part of the Northern Iowa Heroin Initiative.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-1030.
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Second Marion Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
A man from Marion, Iowa, was sentenced today to more than six years in federal prison for his involvement in selling cocaine.
Cheyenne Gonzales, age 48, from Marion, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 14, 2022 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Gonzales and Kain Cortez worked together to sell cocaine in the Cedar Rapids area between April and June 2022. Law enforcement utilized a confidential source to conduct controlled buys of cocaine from Gonzales, and Cortez was present with Gonzales during some of the controlled buys. On June 1, 2022, investigators observed a meeting between Gonzales, Cortez, and two other individuals outside of Gonzales’s and Cortez’s shared residence. On that date, Gonzales and Cortez paid approximately $15,000 in cash for half a kilogram of cocaine and approximately 20 pounds of marijuana. Gonzales has a prior federal conviction from 2003 for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
Gonzales was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Gonzales was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment. Gonzales must also serve an eight-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
On July 31, 2023, Cortez was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. Cortez must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term.
Gonzales is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting 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-00054.
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Felon Who Threatened Girlfriend with a Gun Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm as a felon was sentenced yesterday to 96 months in federal prison.
Nethaniah Gordon, age 28, received the prison term after a March 16, 2023, guilty plea to one count of possessing a firearm as a felon.
During a domestic dispute, Gordon, who was convicted on January 13, 2014, of a controlled substance violation, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, and prohibited from possessing firearms, struck his girlfriend in the face and head multiple times, verbally threatened her, and pointed a gun at different parts of her body. Gordon has a history of domestic abuse.
Gordon was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Gordon was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Gordon 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 Elizabeth Dupuich and Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Independence Police Department.
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.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 23-CR-2006.
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Waterloo Man Sent to Federal Prison for Shooting at an Occupied HomeRead the Press Release
A man who discharged a gun at an occupied house was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison.
Montrell Anderson, age 20, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 3, 2023 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a drug user and possession of a stolen firearm.
Information at the sentencing hearing showed that on April 24, 2022, Anderson twice shot a stolen gun into a neighboring occupied house, nearly hitting one of the residents. At the time, he was under the influence of marijuana. Five months later, in September 2022, officers found three more guns belonging to Anderson. Two of the firearms were stolen. Anderson’s urine tested positive for marijuana metabolites, opiates, and benzodiazepines.
Anderson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Anderson was sentenced to 46 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. Anderson 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 Special Assistant United States Attorney Devra Hake, and it was investigated by the Waterloo Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-2012.
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Waterloo Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A prohibited person who possessed a firearm pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Ezekiel Menteer, age 23, of Waterloo, was convicted of one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. At the plea hearing, Menteer admitted that, in January 2022, he possessed a Kimber pistol after having been convicted of a felony and while being an unlawful drug user.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Menteer remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Menteer faces a possible maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Waterloo Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 23-2009.
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Urbana Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
A man who sexually exploited a child pled guilty on August 4, 2023, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Michael Heinitz, age 20, of Urbana, was convicted of one count of sexual exploitation of a child. At the plea hearing, Heinitz admitted that, between August and September 2022, he recorded sexually explicit videos of a four-year-old girl.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Heinitz remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Heinitz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $55,100 in special assessments, and supervised release for 5 years to life following any imprisonment.
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.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by 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 23-33.
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Second Illinois Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing over 2 Pounds of Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
A man who possessed 975.7 grams of heroin and fentanyl was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison.
Donald R. Owens, age 44, from Markham, Illinois, received the prison term after a March 15, 2023 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and aiding and abetting the same.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Owens was driving a car that the Iowa State Patrol stopped for speeding. Mathew J. Moreno was a passenger in the vehicle. Owens fled from officers, and a high-speed chase followed before Owens ultimately crashed the vehicle. During the chase, someone threw a vacuum‑sealed package out of the car which contained 975.7 grams of heroin and fentanyl. Officers also found over $17,000 in cash in Moreno’s and Owens’s possession.
Owens was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Owens was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve an 8-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
On July 10, 2023, Moreno was sentenced to 87 month’s imprisonment. Moreno must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term.
Owens 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 Jason Norwood and Special Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated by the Iowa State Patrol, the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office, 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-32.
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Sumner Woman Pleads Guilty to Bankruptcy ConcealmentRead the Press Release
A woman who hid an inheritance check from her creditors in bankruptcy court pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Debra S. Leisinger, age 58, from Sumner, Iowa, was convicted of 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 their court filings. Leisinger admitted she fraudulently concealed in her filings 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.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Leisinger remains free on bond previously set. Leisinger faces a possible maximum sentence of 5 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Office of the U.S. Trustee assisted 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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Minnesota Woman Who Defrauded Thirty Credit Unions in Eight States Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A woman who used other peoples’ personal information to obtain money from thirty credit unions and four businesses located in eight states was sentenced on August 4, 2023, to more than seven years in federal prison.
Maegen Catherine Fortin, age 40, from Otsego, Minnesota, received the prison term after a September 15, 2022 guilty plea to one count of financial institution fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Information from Fortin’s plea and sentencing showed that between March 2020 and September 2021, Fortin engaged in fraudulent conduct at credit unions and businesses located in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri, Illinois, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Fortin possessed or used the personal identifiers, such as names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth, of at least ninety different people without their permission in connection with her fraud. Fortin used fraudulent United States passports, military IDs, and state driver’s licenses containing the victims’ personal information to apply for loans, lines of credit, accounts, and/or credit or debit cards in the victims’ names. Fortin attempted to obtain at least $650,000 and successfully obtained more than $460,000 as a result of her fraudulent conduct.
Fortin was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Fortin was sentenced to 93 months’ imprisonment. She was ordered to make $463,774.59 in restitution to the credit unions and businesses. She must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Fortin is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney 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-0072.
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Dubuque Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Firearm as Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm as a felon and as a drug user pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Eric Thomas, age 48, from Dubuque, Iowa, was convicted of possessing a firearm as a prohibited person.
In a plea agreement, Thomas admitted that he possessed a loaded gun along with a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. Thomas was a daily heroin user and had six prior felony convictions, including three burglary convictions, one conviction for assault on a peace officer while displaying a dangerous weapon, one conviction for a controlled substance violation, and one conviction for manufacturing or delivering controlled substances.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Thomas remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Thomas 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 three years. If the court finds that Thomas has three previous convictions for a violent felony or a serious drug offense, or both, committed on occasions different from one another, then pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 924(e)(1), Thomas’s crime is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment without the possibility of parole and the following maximum penalties: (1) not more than life 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 five years.
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 Special Assistant United States Attorney Devra Hake and was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-1012.
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Cedar Rapids Drug User with Loaded Firearm Sent to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm as an unlawful drug user was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison.
Silas Paul Griffin, age 31, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 8, 2023 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that on January 31, 2022, law enforcement stopped a vehicle in Marion, Iowa. Griffin was in the front passenger seat. On his person, officers found hydrocodone pills (prescribed to someone else), marijuana, and a loaded magazine. Officers then searched underneath Griffin’s seat and found a loaded gun. Griffin admitted that he possessed the gun. He later gave a urine sample that tested positive for the presence of THC and benzodiazepines.
Griffin was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Griffin was sentenced to 30 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. Griffin 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 Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Marion Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-45.
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Alden Man Who Illegally Possessed a Firearm Pled Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Seth Peterson, 30, from Alden, Iowa, pled guilty on August 4, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City, to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Peterson was previously convicted of Aggravated Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Aggravated Domestic Abuse Assault with the Intent or Display a Weapon, and felony Extortion.
At the plea hearing, Peterson admitted he possessed a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number. Peterson further admitted to knowingly being a felon at the time he possessed the firearm, and being a user of methamphetamine and marijuana, all of which prohibit him from possessing a firearm.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Peterson remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Peterson faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, 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 Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-3007.
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Cedar Rapids Man Who Attempted to Receive 30 Pounds of Methamphetamine Sentenced to More Than 14 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who retrieved a vehicle that had contained approximately 30 pounds of ice methamphetamine in a hidden compartment was sentenced July 28, 2023, to more than 14 years in federal prison.
Christopher Eric Curley, age 30, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 20, 2023 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Evidence at prior hearings and information presented at sentencing showed that in October 2020 investigators with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Mexico seized approximately 30 pounds of ice methamphetamine from a hidden compartment in a vehicle being shipped to Curley in Iowa. Investigators removed the methamphetamine from the compartment and replaced it with a simulated substance, then re‑loaded the vehicle onto the car hauler and sent it to Iowa. When the vehicle arrived in Cedar Rapids, Curley received delivery of it. He attempted to open the hidden compartment electronically, but it did not open. Curley then pulled down the back seat and pulled the purported methamphetamine out of the compartment. Upon examining some of the packages inside the compartment Curley realized that they did not actually contain methamphetamine. He then threw the vehicle’s keys through the driver’s side window of the vehicle and walked away.
In late 2021 and 2022, Curley was still selling methamphetamine in eastern Iowa. During a wiretap investigation into a group of methamphetamine dealers in the Cedar Rapids area led by David Belton, Curley was intercepted discussing purchasing pounds of methamphetamine from the group, and also supplying pounds of methamphetamine to the group when they ran out of supply.
Eleven other individuals were charged in the same investigation as Curley. David Poitier Belton, Derek Michael Mims, Phillip Lanell Rogers, Robert Lee Michael Bates, Anton Tarrice Whitney, Jr., Elmer Mims, and Timothy Michael Webber are all awaiting sentencing. 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.
Curley was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Curley was sentenced to 175 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.
Curley 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 Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, 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.
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Marion Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
A man from Marion, Iowa, was sentenced today to 5 years in federal prison for his involvement in selling cocaine.
Kain Cortez, age 25, from Marion, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 3, 2022 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Cheyenne Gonzales and Cortez worked together to sell cocaine in the Cedar Rapids area between April and June 2022. Law enforcement utilized a confidential source to conduct controlled buys of cocaine from Gonzales, and Cortez was present with Gonzales during some of the controlled buys. On June 1, 2022, investigators observed a meeting between Gonzales, Cortez, and two other individuals outside of Gonzales’s and Cortez’s shared residence. On that date, Gonzales and Cortez paid approximately $15,000 in cash for half a kilogram of cocaine and approximately 20 pounds of marijuana.
Cortez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Cortez was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. Cortez must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
On November 14, 2022, Gonzales pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Gonzales is scheduled to be sentenced on August 15, 2023.
Cortez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting 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-00054.
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Dubuque Felon Sentenced for New Firearm Crime and Supervised Release ViolationRead the Press Release
A man who was on federal supervised release for a 2017 firearms crime and was later found with drugs and a gun was sentenced on July 28,2023, to more than 4 years in federal prison.
Kyle Leick, age 33, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 30, 2023, guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and an admission to violating his federal release terms.
At the guilty plea and in the supervised release revocation hearing, Leick admitted that on July 10, 2022, he was on federal supervised release from a 2017 firearms conviction when police responded to his residence and found him in possession of a loaded gun, cocaine and other drugs, along with drug dealing paraphernalia. Leick also admitted numerous other violations of supervised release including missing drug tests, using drugs, committing new crimes while on supervision and absconding from supervision.
Leick was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Leick was sentenced to a total of 52 months’ imprisonment, comprised of 34 months’ imprisonment for his new crime and an additional 18 months’ imprisonment for his violation of the terms of his supervised release. Leick must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Leick 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 Reinert and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file numbers are 22-CR-01041 and 17-CR-01051.
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Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Joshua Pedersen, 46, from Moville, Iowa, was sentenced July 28, 2023, to 11 years in federal prison for Possession of Child Pornography.
Evidence in the case established that between November 2018, and December 2019, Pedersen used Internet-based, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks “Kik” and “Skout” to knowingly receive and distribute child pornography. Pedersen also admitted he distributed child pornography to a minor to persuade the minor to create and send him child pornography. Pedersen has a prior conviction for Dissemination and Exhibition of Obscene Materials to Minors, and multiple convictions for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Pedersen was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 132 months’ imprisonment. He was also fined a total of $5,000. Pedersen must also serve a 5-year term of supervised released following 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.”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations 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 22-3017.
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Man that Previously Possessed a Firearm Illegally Sentenced to Prison After Selling a Gun to Another PersonRead the Press Release
A man who previously possessed firearms illegally was sentenced July 18, 2023, to more than two years in federal prison.
David Tyler Galloway, age 22, from Toronto, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 9, 2023 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.
At the guilty plea, Galloway admitted he unlawfully possessed a firearm in September 2019. Galloway sold the firearm to an individual after arranging to sell it and psilocybin mushrooms to the other person. Galloway was previously convicted of possessing a firearm as a felon in Cedar County, Iowa, and received a deferred judgment in July 2019.
Galloway was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Galloway was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Galloway 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 Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Cedar County Sheriff’s Department, Muscatine County Sheriff’s Department, Muscatine Police Department, Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, Clarence Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-00093.
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Cedar Rapids Man Who Transported Hundreds of Pounds of Methamphetamine from California Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who regularly transported methamphetamine from California to Iowa for a Cedar Rapids drug trafficking organization was sentenced July 25, 2023, to more than 16 years in federal prison.
Calub Joseph Storlie, age 35, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 7, 2023 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm.
Information provided at sentencing and evidence presented in a prior hearing showed that Storlie took numerous trips to California between 2017 and 2020 to obtain ice methamphetamine for David Belton. Storlie eventually recruited a relative, Albert Bailey, to join him on the trips, and each was paid about $2,000 per trip as well as expenses. On these trips, Storlie commonly drove a “trap car” with a false compartment inside to transport the drugs. That “trap car” was seized by law enforcement in 2020 with documents indicating that the insurance for the car was in Storlie’s name and 30 pounds of ice methamphetamine was found inside the false compartment.
During a wiretap investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration in Cedar Rapids in late 2021 and early 2022, Bailey was discovered to be a driver for a group of individuals who were purchasing ice methamphetamine in California and selling it in eastern Iowa. Bailey traveled to California and then drove between 30 and 60 pounds of methamphetamine back to Iowa, where other individuals sold it. In February 2022, intercepted communications over the wiretap indicated that Bailey would be transporting methamphetamine from California to Iowa. Investigators tracked Bailey’s vehicle and stopped it in York County, Nebraska. During a search of the vehicle, investigators located and seized approximately 60 pounds of ice methamphetamine. Immediately following the seizure of the methamphetamine in Nebraska, Storlie was intercepted on the wiretap speaking to other members of the conspiracy about the seizure and how to cover it up. Evidence in the case showed that Storlie had previously gone on similar trips to California for the same individuals as Bailey.
In addition to his involvement in the distribution of methamphetamine, Storlie purchased and stored at least nine firearms for Belton, who was a felon. Storlie had falsified ATF forms to purchase the firearms.
Eleven other individuals were charged in the same investigation as Storlie. David Poitier Belton, Derek Michael Mims, Phillip Lanell Rogers, Robert Lee Michael Bates, Anton Tarrice Whitney, Jr., Christopher Eric Curley, Elmer Mims, and Timothy Michael Webber are all awaiting sentencing. 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.
Storlie was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Storlie was sentenced to 200 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.
Storlie 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.
Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced for Drug and FirearmsRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a large quantity of methamphetamine and had numerous firearms was sentenced on July 26, 2023, to more than 15 years in federal prison.
Johnny Mack Hill, Jr., age 32, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 4, 2023 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams of more of methamphetamine, one count of possession of firearms during and in relation to his drug offense, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
At the guilty plea, Hill, Jr. admitted that on October 14, 2020, he was in possession of at least 500 grams of methamphetamine he intended to sell to others, and multiple firearms that he possessed in connection with his drug offense. Hill, Jr. was previously convicted of attempted murder for a shooting on October 2, 2020, in a Cedar Rapids bar.
Hill, Jr. was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Hill, Jr. was sentenced to 185 months’ imprisonment to be served consecutive to his sentence for attempted murder imposed in the Iowa District Court for Linn County. 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 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.
Hill, Jr. 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 Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-00021.
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Smoke Shop Owner Who Fled to Brazil in 2014 Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Selling K2Read the Press Release
A man who sold K2 from a smoke shop in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and who fled the country in 2014 after being charged with federal drug crimes was sentenced July 25, 2023, to 20 years in federal prison.
Mohammad Al Sharairei, age 47, previously from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 12, 2022 jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of maintaining a premises for the distribution of controlled substance analogues and one count of conspiring to distribute controlled substance analogues.
The evidence at trial showed that in 2012 and 2013, Al Sharairei and his wife owned and operated a smoke shop on First Avenue in Cedar Rapids called Puff N Stuff II. During June 2013, federal agents raided Puff N Stuff II and seized thousands of packets of K2 which were labeled as “novelty items,” “potpourri,” and “incense” and contained a warning that the products were “not for human consumption.” Some names of the “potpourri” products were Bizarro, Grave Digger, Lights Out, and Mega Kush. The substances in the packages were determined to contain synthetic cannabinoids called PB‑22 and 5F‑PB‑22. Trial evidence showed that these synthetic cannabinoid substances are far more potent than marijuana and have been associated with severe psychological and physical effects, including death. Trial evidence showed that, despite labeling the products as “not for human consumption” and having a store policy that customers could not talk about smoking the products, Al Sharairei himself smoked the “incense.”
Evidence at sentencing showed that, even after the June 2013 DEA raid of his business, Al Sharairei continued selling synthetic cannabinoids. In August 2013, Al Sharairei and his wife called the police to report a theft of synthetic cannabinoids from a vehicle at their Cedar Rapids residence. When responding police informed Al Sharairei that they would be calling DEA to seize the rest of the synthetic cannabinoid products in the vehicle, Al Sharairei declared that he did not care if they took it, and that he had already ordered another shipment that would be on the way. Trial evidence also showed that after Al Sharairei was charged and appeared in federal court, he fled the country in 2014 prior to a scheduled hearing. He remained a fugitive until he was extradited back to the United States from Brazil.
Seized store records from Puff N Stuff II showed that between January 2012 and June 26, 2013, the store had sold over $1.3 million in synthetic cannabinoid products. At sentencing, the judge found that Al Sharairei was responsible for over 78 kilograms of synthetic cannabinoids. The sentencing judge commented that Al Sharairei’s actions were “brazen” and that his business selling synthetic cannabinoids in packaging labeled “not for human consumption” was “a total scam.”
Al Sharairei was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Al Sharairei was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently. He also was ordered to forfeit $425,000 in drug proceeds. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Al Sharairei 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 Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. 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. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham and Special Assistant United States Attorney Adam Vander Stoep.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 14‑CR‑63‑LTS‑MAR.
Drug User Who Possessed Firearm Sentenced to 66 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who discharged firearms in December 2021 and May 2022 was sentenced today to more than five years in federal prison.
Romeo Kuykendall, age 20, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 22, 2023 guilty plea to possessing a firearm as a prohibited person.
Evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that, in December 2021, Kuykendall shot multiple times in the air and then at an occupied vehicle. Some of the bullets hit a neighboring occupied residence. Part of this shooting was captured on smart doorbell footage taken from the house that was hit. Then, in May 2022, Kuykendall again discharged a firearm, this time in a residence with a sleeping child. Law enforcement received a 911 call based on this incident and later stopped a vehicle that Kuykendall was in. In the vehicle, officers found two firearms that Kuykendall admitted were his. Kuykendall also admitted that he used marijuana multiple times a week and his urine tested positive for marijuana metabolites.
Kuykendall was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Kuykendall was sentenced to 66 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Kuykendall 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 Liz Dupuich and Special Assistant United States Attorney Devra Hake. It was investigated by the Waterloo Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-2046.
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Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced in Relation to February 2021 Shooting in MarionRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who shot a Marion man eight times in February 2021 was sentenced today to the maximum possible punishment, a decade in federal prison.
Anthony Fisher, age 23, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 26, 2023, jury verdict finding him guilty of possession of ammunition as a convicted felon.
The evidence at trial showed that, on February 16, 2021, Fisher and two other men broke into a Marion man’s residence with the intent of stealing money and possibly marijuana. Immediately after the three men entered the residence, Fisher shot the Marion man eight times without any apparent provocation. The three men, including Fisher, then fled the scene. Emergency personnel responded quickly and provided aid to the victim, who survived. The victim’s young child was also found near where the victim had been shot. Law enforcement never recovered the firearm Fisher used to shoot the victim; however, the jury found Fisher unlawfully possessed the eight rounds of ammunition used to shoot the victim. At the time of the shooting, Fisher was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition as he was a felon. Fisher had previously been convicted of interference with official acts – dangerous weapon, a felony offense, in state court in April 2020.
Fisher was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Fisher was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment, the highest sentence allowed by statute. 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.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dillan Edwards and Tony Morfitt and was investigated by the Marion Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-00013-LTS.
Sioux City, Iowa Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Role in Conspiracy to Possess Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
Ian Bigler, age 34, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess stolen firearms and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and drug user.
Evidence in the case revealed that on October 1, 2021, Bigler participated in a home burglary where he and a coconspirator stole 10 guns. The burglary was planned in advance, and Bigler used diversions to insure the home was empty when the burglary was committed. Afterward, Bigler took several steps to conceal the conspiracy. On October 11, 2021, Bigler, fled from police in a 2008 white Dodge Ram pickup truck that contained evidence of the burglary (including a pistol which had been stolen during the burglary). On October 15, 2021, Bigler equipped himself with a bulletproof vest and two firearms (including a Pistol, which had been stolen during the burglary) and a shortened shotgun, secreted himself from law enforcement in a home in North Sioux City, South Dakota, and held another person against his/her will. Additionally, at various times Bigler researched the internet for ways to conceal the conspiracy. The topics included: “how does the FBI track you,” “how to hide,” “how to beat drones,” and “us marshals wanted list.”
Additionally, Bigler was also held accountable for a November 15, 2020, incident where he brandished a firearm in an apparent attempt to rob or extort a local business.
Bigler has a lengthy criminal history. He was previously convicted of several felonies: burglaries, willful injury, and misdemeanor assault while displaying a firearm, amongst other crimes.
Bigler was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 180 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. 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.
Bigler is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by LeMars, Iowa Police Department, Sioux City, Iowa Police Department, and ATF, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-4022.
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Sioux City Man Who Illegally Possessed a Gun Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who called himself “Capone” was sentenced on July 21, 2023, to over 8 years in federal prison.
Randy Hall, age 39, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 13, 2023, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon and an unlawful drug user.
Evidence in the case showed when Hall was arrested on outstanding state warrants, he was in possession of a loaded 9mm semiautomatic pistol. Hall had secreted the weapon on his person and then tried to hide it in the police cruiser that was being used to transport him to jail. The firearm was discovered.
Hall has a lengthy criminal history including: assault on a police officer, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, escape, theft in the 1st degree, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, and a pervious felon in possession of a firearm among other crimes.
Hall was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 97 months’ and 22 days imprisonment (which was a sentence of 108 months adjusted for time served). He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Hall is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-04089.
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Sioux City Man Sentenced to More Than 8 Years Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm.Read the Press Release
A man who followed a couple into two separate businesses and a Sioux City home, all while confronting them with a gun, was sentenced on July 21, 2023 to more than 8 years in federal prison.
Rico Willis, age 45, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon, unlawful drug user and domestic abuse misdemeanant on March 2, 2023.
Evidence in the case showed that on August 29, 2022, Willis followed two individuals into two separate businesses, then to a Sioux City home, all while confronting them with a gun. Outside of the home, Willis struck one the individuals in the head with the gun, causing it to discharge, and knocking the individual to the ground. Willis then fled the scene. A concerned citizen recorded the incident and provided the recording to law enforcement.
Willis has a long criminal history including convictions for: felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon, 2nd degree robbery, harassment, domestic assault, and numerous drug crimes.
Willis was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 106 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.
Willis is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by Sioux City, Iowa Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-4092.
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Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced for Possessing a Firearm as a Drug UserRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm as an illegal user of a controlled substance was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.
Jacques Simpson, age 25, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 7, 2022 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a drug user and one count of wire fraud.
In a plea agreement, Simpson admitted that he knowingly possessed a firearm as a drug user. Late at night on November 9, 2021, a Cedar Rapids police officer came across a vehicle parked in a city park containing Simpson and a female. The officer smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. After exiting the vehicle, Simpson admitted he had a firearm in his sweatshirt pocket. A Glock 19 9x19mm caliber pistol was found with a loaded magazine and one round chambered. Four additional loaded magazines of various calibers were found in Simpson’s car.
On November 24, 2021, Simpson bought another gun and lied on the ATF form about being a user of marijuana. On November 25, 2021, Simpson’s vehicle was stopped by law enforcement in Illinois. Simpson smelled of marijuana and had a BAC of .086%. During a search of Simpson, officers found the firearm purchased the day before. Nine additional loaded magazines of various calibers were found in Simpson’s car.
Simpson bought two more guns and again lied on the ATF forms about being a user of marijuana. On December 8, 2021, Simpson’s vehicle was stopped by law enforcement in Cedar Rapids. The officer smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Simpson admitted being an unlawful drug user and admitted smoking marijuana earlier that day. During the traffic stop, officers recovered from Simpson’s coat pocket a loaded Glock 29 firearm with a round in the chamber, along with a loaded Glock 21 firearm with a round in the chamber near the center console in the vehicle.
Simpson also admitted in the plea agreement to defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act is a federal law enacted in late March 2020 that provides emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. One form of such financial assistance is the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through a program referred to as the Paycheck Protection Program. Simpson took out two PPP loans in March 2021 resulting in a total loss of $36,040. Simpson fraudulently claimed on the PPP loan application forms that he had viable businesses which in fact never existed, had no employees or any payroll expenses.
Simpson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Simpson was sentenced to 45 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to pay $19,790 in restitution to Capital Plus Financial, LLC, and $16, 250 in restitution to the Small Business Administration. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Simpson 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 Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-21.
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Chicago Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute fentanyl was sentenced today to more than 10 years in federal prison.
Johnathan Davis, age 30, from Chicago, Illinois, received the prison term after a January 23, 2023 guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that law enforcement utilized a confidential source or undercover officer to conduct a series of controlled buys of purported heroin from Melvin Williams. During the controlled buys, Davis provided Williams with fentanyl which Williams in turn distributed to the confidential source or undercover officer. In late March 2022, Davis distributed an amount of fentanyl to Williams, who in turn distributed it to another person, which caused the person to suffer an overdose and die. Then, in early April 2022, Williams distributed fentanyl he had received from Davis to Justin Jensen, who in turn distributed it to another person, which caused the person to suffer an overdose and crash their car on a highway in Waterloo. On May 26, 2022, law enforcement officers searched a vehicle associated with Davis and located 200.59 grams of fentanyl.
Davis was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Davis was sentenced to 130 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.
Davis 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 Special 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 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; 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-02034.
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Waukon Office Manager Pleads Guilty in Six-Year Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
An office manager who stole over $200,000 from her employer, a Northeast Iowa tax preparation business, pled guilty July 19, 2023, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Heather Leigh Migliore, age 51, from Waukon, Iowa, was convicted of one count of wire fraud.
At the plea hearing, and in a plea agreement, Migliore admitted that, from January 2015, through November 2021, she stole no less than $200,000 from her employer, a tax preparation business with offices in Waukon and Decorah, Iowa. Migliore was the business’s office manager and had responsibility for its finances, including making payroll and paying bills. Migliore used a signature stamp of the owner of the business to write and sign checks to herself. To cover up her scheme, Migliore then deleted the checks from the business’s electronic bookkeeping system. Beginning in July 2019, Migliore also made over $20,000 in fraudulent credit card charges on the business’s credit cards. Migliore used the stolen funds to pay her personal expenses.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Migliore remains free on bond. Migliore faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-1015.
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Carroll Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Darwin Robinson, Jr., age 45, from Carroll, Iowa, was convicted of illegally possessing a firearm and possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Robinson pled guilty July 20, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City.
Robinson was previously convicted of cocaine-possession and three domestic abuse assaults which prohibited him from possessing firearms.
At the plea hearing, Robinson admitted that he had these convictions and that he was a regular user of methamphetamine and possessed a .40 caliber handgun. On March 22, 2021, law enforcement stopped the vehicle Robinson was driving and officers seized two 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 the methamphetamine that was found.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Robinson remains in the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. On the firearm conviction, Robinson faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release following any imprisonment. Robinson faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and three years up to life of supervised release on the possession with intent to distribute conviction.
The case is being 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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Dubuque Heroin and Cocaine Dealer SentencedRead the Press Release
A man who sold cocaine and heroin near Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, was sentenced on July 19, 2023, to more than four years in federal prison.
Rashaun Carter, age 46, from Lynwood, Illinois, received the prison term after a November 23, 2022 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine within 1000 feet of Loras College.
At the guilty plea, Carter admitted he was involved in the distribution of heroin and cocaine out of a house located near the Loras College campus in Dubuque in 2017 and 2018. In January 2018, Dubuque Drug Task Force Officers stopped Carter and others as they returned from Chicago with over 300 grams of cocaine that was to be sold in Dubuque.
Carter was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Carter was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a six-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Carter 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 Reinert and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Dubuque Drug Task Force comprised of the Dubuque Police Department and the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-01021.
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Mason City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm While Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm while distributing methamphetamine was sentenced today to over eight years in federal prison.
Michael David Dalluge, age 28, from Mason City, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 17, 2023 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
At the plea hearing, Dalluge admitted that, on May 6, 2022, he was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by law enforcement. Both the driver and Dalluge fled the vehicle, and Dalluge was apprehended a block away. A backpack Dalluge was carrying was found to contain methamphetamine and a loaded, stolen, firearm.
Dalluge was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Dalluge was sentenced to 102 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.
Dalluge 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, Clear Lake Police Department, Mason City Police Department, Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, and the North Central Iowa Drug Task Force. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 22-CR-3021.
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Mason City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine in the Mason City area was sentenced on July 10, 2023, to 11 years in federal prison.
Felix Allen Arp, age 31, from Mason City, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 2, 2023, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
In a plea agreement, Arp admitted to conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine from 2020 to May 2022, in the Mason City area. He was receiving methamphetamine from multiple sources and distributing it. He also fronted drugs to multiple people and collected money after they were able to sell the drugs.
Arp was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Arp was sentenced to 132 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.
Arp 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, Clear Lake Police Department, Mason City Police Department, Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, and the North Central Iowa Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 22-CR-3022.
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Hampton, Iowa, Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A man who distributed methamphetamine was sentenced June 28, 2023, to 8 years in federal prison.
Santiago Ramirez, age 38, from Hampton, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 9, 2023, guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.
In a plea agreement, Ramirez admitted he distributed methamphetamine in Hampton, Iowa. Ramirez sole ounce level quantities on four separate occasions in the spring and summer of 2022.
Ramirez was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Ramirez was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 4-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Ramirez 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, Clear Lake Police Department, Mason City Police Department, Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, and the North Central Iowa Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-3031.
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Crystal Lake Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine in the Crystal Lake area was sentenced June 29, 2023, to more than 5 years in federal prison.
Ashley Dawn Henken, age 39, from Crystal Lake, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 5, 2023, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
At the plea hearing, Henken admitted that between 2020, and continuing to May 2021, she did knowingly and intentionally conspire with others to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture, and/or 50 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine, commonly called “ice” methamphetamine. Henken was stopped by law enforcement on May 10, 20221, with a pound of methamphetamine.
Henken was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Henken was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Henken is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jack Lammers and investigated by the Cerro Gordo Sheriff’s Office, Clear Lake Police Department, Mason City Police Department, Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, and the North Central Iowa Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-3032.
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Cedar Rapids Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A prohibited person who possessed a firearm pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Ethan Porter, age 33, of Cedar Rapids, was convicted of one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. At the plea hearing, Porter admitted that, in June 2022, he possessed a Taurus pistol while being an unlawful drug user and after having been convicted of three felonies and a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Porter remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Porter faces a possible maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the High Risk Unit of the Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 23-6.
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California Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Meth by MailRead the Press Release
A California man, who conspired to distribute methamphetamine by mail pled guilty June 28, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City. James Dean Sterner, age 65, from Tustin, California, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, which contained 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine.
In a plea agreement, Sterner admitted that from August 2019 to October 2019 he conspired to distribute methamphetamine in and around Sioux City, Iowa after receiving the meth via the mail from California. In October 2019, law enforcement found a package mailed to a resident in Sioux City from Sterner containing approximately 319 grams of pure methamphetamine.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Sterner remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Sterner faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and 5 years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ron Timmons and Mikala Purdy-Steenholdt, and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4088. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Anthon, Iowa Man to Federal Prison for Drug Conspiracy ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Brett Sauser, 38, from Anthon, Iowa, was sentenced on June 29, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City to 126 months’ imprisonment. Sauser pled guilty on February 10, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine within a protected location. Sauser resided within 1000 feet of Memorial Park and Anthon Elementary School in Anthon, Iowa and obtained his drugs from the Dark Web.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that from January 2019 through August 2022, Sauser participated in a conspiracy involving the distribution of more than 500 grams of methamphetamine as well as possession of more than 20 grams each of fentanyl; ketamine; and MDMA. Sauser obtained the controlled substances through the Dark Web and would receive the drugs through the U.S. Postal Service. In August of 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Sauser’s residence after Sauser accepted covert delivery of a package containing a quarter-pound of methamphetamine. The evidence seized included 3 separate baggies of methamphetamine, approximately 3.5 grams each, plus small amounts of MDMA, heroin, ketamine, LSD, marijuana, three bags of mushroom roots (for manufacture of psilocybin mushrooms) and various drug use and distribution paraphernalia.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Sauser was sentenced to 126 months’ imprisonment and must serve an 8-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Sauser 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 Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-4065. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Methamphetamine Trafficker Who Purchased Drugs from Mexico Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who purchased two pounds of methamphetamine to sell in Iowa was sentenced today to more than twelve years in federal prison.
Drew Scarborough, age 25, from Evansdale, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 28, 2022 guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Information at sentencing showed that, in 2020, Scarborough became involved in a large-scale drug trafficking organization with ties to organized crime in Mexico. Scarborough purchased two pounds of methamphetamine from a source in Mexico, but due to his failure to pay the source, he was unable to obtain additional methamphetamine. Scarborough had previously threatened to kill another member of the drug conspiracy on behalf of the source.
Scarborough was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Scarborough was sentenced to 150 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.
Scarborough is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dillan Edwards and Emily Nydle. This 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 Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, 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 number is 21-CR-02049.
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Marion Man Sentenced to Six Months in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
A felon who possessed firearms was sentenced today to six months in federal prison.
Tyler Maus, age 30, of Marion, received the sentence after a December 8, 2022 guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. At the plea hearing, Maus admitted that, on December 5, 2021, he possessed four pistols after having been convicted of four felonies.
Maus was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Maus was sentenced to six 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 Hiawatha Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Marion Police Department, 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 22-49.
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Illinois Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing over 900 Grams of Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
A man who possessed 975.7 grams of heroin and fentanyl was sentenced today to more than 7 years in federal prison.
Matthew J. Moreno, age 43, from Riverdale, Illinois, received the prison term after a February 3, 2023 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute and aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Moreno was a passenger in a car that the Iowa State Patrol stopped for speeding. The driver of the vehicle, Donald Ray Owens, fled from officers, and a high-speed chase followed before the car ultimately crashed. During the chase, someone threw a vacuum‑sealed package out of the car which contained 975.7 grams of heroin and fentanyl. Officers also found over $17,000 in cash in Moreno’s and Owens’s possession.
Moreno was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Moreno was sentenced to 87 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.
On March 15, 2023, Owens pled guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute and aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Owens is scheduled to be sentenced on August 8, 2023.
Moreno 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 Jason Norwood and Special Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated by the Iowa State Patrol, the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office, 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-32.
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Waterloo Man Charged with Being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Ezekiel Menteer, age 23, of Waterloo, has been charged with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. The charge is contained in an Indictment unsealed on February 8, 2023, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictment alleges that, in January 2022, Menteer possessed a Kimber pistol while being an unlawful drug user and after having been convicted of a felony.
If convicted, Menteer faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years on supervised release following any imprisonment.
Menteer appeared for an initial appearance today in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was held without bond. Menteer’s next appearance for trial is set for September 5, 2023.
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 Waterloo Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 23-2009.
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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 two years in federal prison.
Francisco Buenrostro-Ruiz, age 49, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 9, 2023, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Buenrostro-Ruiz admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Buenrostro-Ruiz was previously deported to Mexico in January 2012. On July 20, 2022, immigration officials learned Buenrostro-Ruiz had illegally returned to the United States and found Buenrostro-Ruiz at the Black Hawk County Jail following his arrest on state charges. Buenrostro-Ruiz was previously convicted on October 31, 2005, in State of Iowa v. Fransisco Buenrostro, in the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, No. FECR128735, for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver, an aggravated felony.
Buenrostro-Ruiz was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Buenrostro-Ruiz was sentenced to 24 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.
Buenrostro-Ruiz is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 23-CR-2010.
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Dubuque Brother and Sister Responsible for Selling Hundreds of Pounds of Methamphetamine Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A brother and sister who conspired to distribute methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a protected location pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Jacob Patrick Demaio, age 42, and Codi Lyn Demaio, age 35, both from Dubuque, Iowa, were each convicted of one count of conspiring to distribute at least 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and at least 50 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine, within 1,000 feet of a protected location.
Evidence at a prior hearing showed that Jacob Demaio sold hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine to multiple people between 2019 and 2022. He arranged for drug transactions to occur at stash houses located in Dubuque within 1,000 feet of schools and playgrounds. Drug customers dropped off hundreds of thousands of dollars at those stash houses; that money was intended for Jacob Demaio.
At a prior hearing, evidence showed that Codi Demaio also sold pounds of methamphetamine to several people in Dubuque between 2019 and 2022. On two occasions when her brother was incarcerated, she took over his drug operation and sold tens of 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 of the money.
At plea hearings, Jacob and Codi Demaio admitted that they conspired to distribute at least 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and at least 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine, within 1,000 feet of a protected location.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Jacob and Codi Demaio remain in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.
For conspiring to distribute methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a protected location, both Jacob and Codi Demaio face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and the following maximum penalties: not more than life imprisonment without the possibility of parole; a fine of not more than $20,000,000; a mandatory special assessment of $100; and a term of supervised release of at least 10 years and up to life.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Devra Hake. It 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 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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Waterloo Man Convicted of Multiple Methamphetamine CrimesRead the Press Release
A man who conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine was convicted by a jury on June 28, 2023, after a three-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Jeffery Turner, age 48, from Waterloo, Iowa, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine. The verdict was returned following about an hour and a half of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that Turner distributed methamphetamine out of his home in Waterloo. Turner worked with various other people who helped him get ice methamphetamine from various sources of supply in Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, and California. Law enforcement eventually purchased methamphetamine from Turner in two controlled buys.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Turner remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Turner faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and a lifetime of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick J. Reinert and Dillan Edwards and was investigated by the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force consisting of the Waterloo Police Department, Cedar Falls Police Department, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Department, Evansdale Police Department, Waverly Police Department, Hudson Police Department, La Porte City Police Department, and the Bremer County Sheriff’s Department; the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-02059-CJW.
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Iowa Air National Guardsman Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Kevin Swanson, 35, from Sioux City, Iowa, entered a guilty plea in federal court on May 4, 2023, to possession of child pornography.
In a plea agreement, Swanson admitted that between August 2020, and August 2021, he used an Internet-based, peer-to-peer (P2P) network to knowingly receive visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including depictions involving prepubescent minors who had not reached the age of 12. Swanson had over 1,168 images and 4 video files of child exploitation materials.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set for a later date after a presentence report is prepared. Swanson was taken into custody by the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Swanson faces a sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a fine of not more than $250,000, a mandatory special assessment of $100 and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years to life.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Sioux City Police Department, and the Nebraska State Patrol. The case 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 22-4080. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Woman to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Kailey Olson, 30, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced June 27, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City, to 29 months’ imprisonment.
At the plea hearing on January 12, 2023, Olson admitted that from December 2020 through April 2021, she and others distributed more than 12 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Sioux City area. Olson was an interstate transporter of substantial quantities of methamphetamine and thousands of dollars in a Texas based methamphetamine distribution conspiracy that included the importation of liquid (for lab-based methamphetamine conversion) plus traditional vehicle transport of drugs from Texas to Iowa and bulk transport of money to Texas in payment for the drugs.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Olson was sentenced to 29 months’ imprisonment and must serve a three-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Olson remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending transportation to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4067. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
California Women Plead Guilty to Iowa Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Two women who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty on June 16, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City.
Lauretta Payce, 61, from Fontana, California, and Andrea Romo, 41, from Gardena, California, were convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearings, each admitted their involvement in a conspiracy that distributed at least 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine from December 2019 through May 2022. Payce and Romo further admitted to assisting at least six others in the conspiracy by distributing roughly four pounds of methamphetamine and one pound of marijuana from California and Nevada and transporting the drugs, in a hidden vehicle compartment to Cherokee, Iowa, for further distribution.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after presentence reports are prepared. Payce and Romo were each taken into the custody of the United States Marshal and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Each face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, United States Postal Inspectors, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Iowa DCI Laboratory, and Cherokee Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-4066. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Dubuque Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A felon who possessed a firearm pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Rosnel Larose, age 32, of Dubuque, was convicted of 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.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Larose remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Larose faces a possible maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the 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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Cherokee Man Sentenced to over 29 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a ChildRead the Press Release
A Cherokee man who took videos while sexually abusing a minor child pled guilty on February 17, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City. James Franklin Buckingham, age 33, from Cherokee, Iowa was convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor.
In a plea agreement, Buckingham admitted that he sexually abused a minor child, under the age of 12. While sexually abusing the child, Buckingham took at least 4 videos of the abuse.
Buckingham was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 354 months’ imprisonment, he was also ordered to make a payment of $4,116.35 in restitution to the victim. Buckingham must also serve a 7-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.”
Buckingham is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by Cherokee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-04067.
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Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth ConvictionRead the Press Release
Aurelio Solorio, age 37, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced on June 13, 2023, to over 11 years’ imprisonment, in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa.
Solorio pled guilty July 22, 2022, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Solorio was previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance in the United States District Court for South Dakota in 2011.
At the hearings, evidence showed that on May 24, 2021, Solorio was stopped for suspected driving while intoxicated. A search of Solorio’s vehicle revealed 90 grams of pure methamphetamine. Separately, on July 6, 2021, during an investigation for drug activity, a search warrant was executed on a home where defendant was present. A search uncovered over 2 pounds of methamphetamine and multiple guns. Additionally, as part of the investigation, law enforcement seized a .380 handgun from Solorio’s storage shed. He was under federal supervised release at the time he committed these offenses.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Solorio was sentenced to 134 months’ imprisonment and must serve a seven-year term of supervised release. This sentence is to run consecutive to a 46 month term of imprisonment for other violations of his federal supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Solorio remains in custody of the United States Marshals Service 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 Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-4001. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.