Northern District of Iowa
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Waterloo Man Sentenced to over Seven Years in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing Four GunsRead the Press Release
An unlawful user of drugs who possessed four guns was sentenced today to more than seven years in federal prison.
Shamar Robertson, age 20, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 18, 2022 guilty plea to one count of being an unlawful user of drugs in possession of firearms.
Information at the sentencing showed that, between April 2020 and February 2021, Robertson posted dozens of videos on social media showing him with what appeared to be guns and marijuana. On February 26, 2021, law enforcement officers searched the home where Robertson lived in Waterloo. During the search, the officers found four guns that had Robertson’s DNA on them. The guns consisted of three handguns, two of which had partially obliterated serial numbers, and one semiautomatic rifle. Three of the guns were loaded. Officers also found a distribution quantity of marijuana in Robertson’s bedroom.
Robertson was charged in federal court and was scheduled to appear for a court hearing on April 13, 2022. However, he did not appear for the hearing. Robertson remained on the lam until he was arrested on June 21, 2022. At the time of his arrest, Robertson was in a car with other individuals. Officers found a gun in the car and Robertson was in possession of marijuana. Because of his failure to appear and having his whereabouts unknown for over two months, the District Court found Robertson had obstructed justice, which increased his sentence.
Robertson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda Reade. Robertson was sentenced to 87 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.
Robertson 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 Lisa Williams and Anthony Morfitt and investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-cr-2054.
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Sioux City Felon Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
A man who attempted to evade police on foot and resisted arrest was sentenced on December 20, 2022, to 5 years in federal prison.
Malik Rimmer, 26, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 21, 2022, guilty plea to one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
Evidence in the case showed on or about April 3, 2022, a Sioux City Police Officer observed a vehicle with a license plate that expired in January 2022. The officer initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle, driven by Rimmer, refused to yield.
Rimmer took off at a high rate of speed and struck a curb in his attempt to flee, disabling his vehicle. Rimmer exited the vehicle and fled on foot. An officer drove his police vehicle in an attempt to cut off Rimmer, and could see Rimmer was holding a black object in his hand. Rimmer, still on foot, turned around and ran back toward his vehicle. The officer exited his police vehicle and gave Rimmer multiple commands to get on the ground. Rimmer refused to obey these orders and fought with officers. He was ultimately taken into custody.
Officers observed a black Taurus G3 pistol laying in the grass on the path Rimmer had fled. The firearm was listed as stolen at the time.
Rimmer was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 60 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. Rimmer is being held in the custody of the United States Marshal’s until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-04035.
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Riverside Man Caught with over 10 Grams of Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogues Sentenced to Two Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute heroin was sentenced on January 10, 2023, to two years in federal prison.
Taylor James Leyden, age 30, from Riverside, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 5, 2022 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin.
At the guilty plea, Leyden admitted he conspired with others to distribute heroin. Evidence at prior hearings and information presented at the sentencing hearing showed that, in 2021, the Cedar Rapids DEA conducted a wiretap investigation of several heroin and fentanyl traffickers in the Cedar Rapids area. In March 2021, based on intercepted communications from the wiretap, the vehicle in which Leyden was riding was stopped by police. During a search of the vehicle, Leyden was found in possession of over 10 grams of a mixture containing heroin, fentanyl, and synthetic opioids acetyl fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl, and metonitazene. About two months later, Leyden was again stopped by law enforcement and found in possession of approximately 3.5 grams of a substance that contained heroin, fentanyl, and metonitazene.
Seven other individuals, Cody Scott Deklotz, Andrew James Lehman, Ryan Rick Schlitter, Melinda Salvatora Werning, Jerry Dwayne Banghart, Thomas Nathaniel May, and Demeco Demon Irvin previously pled guilty to the heroin conspiracy and have been sentenced. Ryan Rick Schlitter was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment. Andrew James Lehman was sentenced to 10 months and 16 days’ imprisonment. Cody Scott Deklotz was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment. Melinda Salvatora Werning was sentenced to 12 months’ and one day imprisonment. Jerry Dwayne Banghart was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment. Thomas Nathaniel May was sentenced to 31 months’ imprisonment. Demeco Demon Irvin was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment. Two other individuals charged in the same indictment, including Brian Jarrell Dennis, have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
Leyden was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Leyden 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.
Leyden 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 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 and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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 21‑CR‑32‑CJW.
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Mexican Woman Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being DeportedRead the Press Release
A woman who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced January 11, 2023, to more than two months in federal prison.
Lourdes Tetzoyotl-Quiahua, age 33, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Ridgeway, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 17, 2022, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Tetzoyotl-Quiahua admitted she had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Tetzoyotl-Quiahua was previously deported in November 2009 following her conviction in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona for illegal entry into the United States, a misdemeanor. She had also been returned to Mexico by immigration officials in September and October 2009. Employment records show that by early January 2010, Tetzoyotl-Quiahua was illegally working in Iowa. On October 20, 2022, immigration officials learned Tetzoyotl-Quiahua had illegally returned to the United States and found her at her residence in Ridgeway.
Tetzoyotl-Quiahua was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Tetzoyotl-Quiahua was sentenced to 79 days’ imprisonment. She must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Tetzoyotl-Quiahua, having completed her sentence, was released to begin serving her term of supervised release.
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 22-CR-2061.
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Wiretap Investigation Leads to Another Waterloo Man Involved in Mexico-Based Drug Trafficking Organization Being Sent to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man involved in a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization was sentenced on January 6, 2023, to 29 years in federal prison.
Anthony Howard Amundson, age 40, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 3, 2022 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Evidence at sentencing showed that, from 2017 to January 2020, Amundson was a member of a Mexico‑based drug trafficking organization that was distributing methamphetamine in the Waterloo, Iowa area. Amundson was in and out of state custody during that time period; however, when in the community, Amundson distributed several kilograms of methamphetamine imported from Mexico. Amundson was intercepted on a wiretap communicating directly with the Mexico‑based source of supply. Amundson exercised a leadership role over another member of the drug trafficking organization.
Amundson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Amundson was sentenced to 348 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Amundson 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 Ashley Corkery and Dillan Edwards. 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 Mid-Iowa Task Force (Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, Tama County Sheriff’s Office, Marshalltown Police Department), Iowa National Guard and Counter Drug Program, Tri-County Task Force (Cedar Falls Police Department, Waterloo Police Department, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-02034.
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Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Escape from Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
A man who walked out of a residential reentry center in Sioux City was sentenced on January 6, 2023, to more than one year in federal prison.
Paul Marvin Cooper, age 25, from Sioux City, received the prison term after an October 14, 2022, guilty plea to one count of escape from federal custody.
In a plea agreement, Cooper admitted that he knowingly escaped from custody of Dismas Charities Residential Reentry Center in Sioux City, Iowa, where he was lawfully confined by virtue of a conviction for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance in the District of South Dakota.
On July 7, 2022, Cooper signed out of Dismas Charities to attend a treatment program in downtown Sioux City. At approximately 6:20 p.m. on July 7th, Dismas was alerted of a tampering alarm on Cooper’s GPS device along with its location. Dismas staff tried contacting Cooper’s personal phone several times but there was no answer. The GPS was later located in the trash at a retail store on Floyd Boulevard in Sioux City and appeared to have been cut off. Cooper’s whereabouts were unknown until he was arrested on July 12, 2022, by the United States Marshals Service at a retail store located on Pierce Street in Sioux City.
Cooper was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Cook was sentenced to 12 months’ and one-day imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Cooper 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 Kevin C. Fletcher and investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 22-CR-4056.
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Oelwein Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Distributing Methamphetamine and Obstructing JusticeRead the Press Release
A man who distributed methamphetamine out of his residence, conspired to have a government witness assaulted, and sexually abused multiple women was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
Justin Michael Buehler, age 39, from Oelwein, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 9, 2022 jury verdict finding him guilty of two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
The evidence at trial showed that Buehler distributed methamphetamine to an employee at his workplace. In January 2019, law enforcement agents coordinated with the employee to set up two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Buehler’s home. The agents surveilled both purchases.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. At sentencing, the Court found Buehler obstructed justice by conspiring with his cell mates to have one of the government’s witnesses physically assaulted before trial. The Court also found that two witnesses credibly testified that Buehler convinced them to come to his residence, provided substances to them, and sexually assaulted them multiple times.
The Court credited Buehler with at least 15 adult criminal convictions and found he qualified as a career offender under the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
Buehler was sentenced to serve 360 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 6-year term of supervised release following his term of incarceration. There is no parole in the federal system. Buehler remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Dorval Norwood and Pat Reinert. The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-2006.
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Cedar Rapids Nurse Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Stealing Narcotics from Three Corridor HospitalsRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids nurse who diverted narcotics to her own use at four major Eastern Iowa health care providers, including three hospitals, in less than two years, was sentenced today to five years in federal prison. Sarah Jean Moses, age 43, received the prison term after pleading guilty in 2021 and 2022 in three separate federal criminal cases to five felonies, namely, one count of tampering with a consumer product, one count of false statements relating to health care matters, one count of violating the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), one count of obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge, and one count of theft of government funds.
In a plea agreement, and at other hearings in the three cases, the evidence showed that, in 2006, the State of Iowa issued a registered nursing license to Moses. Between 2017 and 2019, Moses acquired various controlled substances from her employers, including opioids such as hydromorphone (also known by the trade name “Dilaudid”), morphine, and oxycodone. To do so, Moses secretly tampered with the vials of the controlled substances, replacing the pain medication with saline and restocking the tampered-with vials into a secure drug dispensing machine that the hospital’s doctors and nurses used. To find out which of her employers’ patients were supposed to receive the pain medication, Moses engaged in an illegal practice known as “patient combing,” in which Moses used her access to her employers’ computers to examine private patient records. Moses also made false and fictitious statements to her employers and in patient records to cover up her scheme.
Specifically, in September 2017, during her first month working in the emergency room of a Cedar Rapids hospital, Moses accessed a secure drug dispensing machine that contained hydromorphone vials. The hydromorphone was intended for emergency room patients who were suffering pain. Moses also viewed 7 patient records without lawful authority at the Cedar Rapids hospital. After the hospital discovered six tampered-with vials in the machine, the hospital terminated Moses’s employment and reported her conduct to the Iowa Board of Nursing (IBON).
In March 2018, during her first month working for a major local home health care company, Moses was assigned to care for an elderly resident of a Marion assisted living facility. A doctor had prescribed the resident oxycodone for leg pain. Without the knowledge of her employer, and against the employer’s policies, Moses offered to pick up the resident’s oxycodone from a nearby major grocery store pharmacy chain. Moses picked up the pain medication from the pharmacy but, instead of delivering the oxycodone to the patient, Moses diverted 56 oxycodone pills to herself and made a false entry in the patient’s medical record. The home health care company immediately suspended Moses’s employment and reported her conduct to IBON. Moses never returned to work at the home health care company. As a result of Moses’s conduct, the pharmacy changed its policy regarding verifying the identity of persons who pick up prescription medications for others.
Between September 2018 and November 2018, Moses worked at an Iowa City hospital. Moses continued her scheme to tamper and divert controlled substances at the Iowa City hospital and, in doing so, illegally accessed 64 patient files. Just as she had done at the Cedar Rapids hospital in September 2017, Moses removed the caps from vials of hydromorphone and then carefully punctured the vials with the needles and drew out the hydromorphone. Moses then refilled the vials with saline to make the vials appear as if they still contained hydromorphone. Moses also carefully replaced the caps of the vials to make it appear as if the vials were undisturbed, when, in truth, these consumer products no longer contained their declared values of hydromorphone. In this way, Moses made it appear as if the vials remained new, unopened, and filled with the controlled substance on their respective labels, that is, hydromorphone, when, in, truth, Moses had diverted some or all of the hydromorphone in the vials to herself. Moses then placed the tampered vials back in the dispensing machine. Moses admitted that she acted with reckless disregard for the risk that another person would be placed in danger of bodily injury and under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to such risk. In November 2018, the Iowa City hospital terminated Moses’s employment and reported her to IBON.
Between January and March 2019, Moses worked as a nurse for another hospital in Iowa City. Moses continued her scheme to tamper and divert at this hospital and, during the entire term of her employment there, stole hydromorphone, morphine, and oxycodone. Moses illegally accessed 17 patient files at this hospital, which determined Moses was “patient combing.” In March 2019, this third hospital terminated Moses’s employment.
Moses later found a job working as a paraprofessional for a child. Between April and August 2020, Moses stole over $6,000 in fraudulent unemployment benefits from the State of Iowa by underreporting her wages from the employment. The federal government had appropriated the unemployment funds under the CARES Act of 2020 on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moses was detained before her sentencing after a U.S. Magistrate Judge found that she repeatedly violated the terms of her pretrial release conditions. While on pretrial release, Moses used methamphetamine, failed to participate in drug testing and treatment, and possessed an assault rifle. Between August and October 2021, while on pretrial release, Moses was caught shoplifting at the same Cedar Rapids big-box department store chain on six separate occasions. Moses fled from the courthouse in a car after her probation officer informed her there was a warrant outstanding for her arrest for her pretrial release violations. A deputy U.S. Marshal ultimately gave chase and apprehended Moses not far from the federal courthouse in Cedar Rapids. Moses has prior convictions in state court for shoplifting and drunk driving.
Moses was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Moses was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. She was ordered to make over $6,000 in restitution to the State of Iowa. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. At the sentencing hearing, Judge Williams observed that Moses’s case was one of the worst cases of narcotics theft by a health care professional he had seen and characterized Moses’s conduct on pretrial release as “abysmal.”
United States Attorney Timothy T. Duax stated, “Sarah Moses’s conduct was egregious. She placed the patients of three of Eastern Iowa’s major hospitals and a home health care provider at serious risk of harm when she replaced needed pain medications with saline. Her sentence is well-deserved and hopefully will deter others who would be tempted to steal narcotics from their employers and patients.”
“Patients rely on the knowledge that they will receive FDA-approved medications to manage their conditions,” said Special Agent in Charge Charles L. Grinstead, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Kansas City Field Office. “When health care professionals tamper with those needed medications, we will pursue and bring them to justice.”
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department's response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice's National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Moses is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy L. Vavricek and Jason Norwood, Assistant United States Attorney Clifford Cronk of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa, and investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, the Iowa Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file numbers are 21-CR-19, 21-CR-47, and 22-CR-56.
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Sioux City Man to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jesse Chavez, 43, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced on January 4, 2023, in federal court in Sioux City, to 180 months’ imprisonment.
Chavez pled guilty June 28, 2022, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In 2015, Chavez was convicted of possession with intent to deliver drugs in Iowa District Court for Woodbury County.
At the hearings, evidence showed that between September 2021 and December 2021, Chavez was involved in a conspiracy that distributed at least 500 grams of mixed methamphetamine and 150 grams of pure methamphetamine in the Sioux City area. On December 14, 2021, Sioux City Police officers observed suspicious conduct by Chavez in the Walgreens parking lot and inside the store. Officers confronted Chavez, obtained consent to search his vehicle, and seized three ounces of methamphetamine. Chavez would obtain multiple ounce quantities of methamphetamine from his sources of supply and then sell lesser quantities of the methamphetamine to others.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Chavez was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 10-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Chavez 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 22-4009. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Cedar Rapids Man to Federal Prison a Second Time for Selling Fentanyl and HeroinRead the Press Release
A man who was involved in the distribution of heroin was sentenced January 4, 2023, to more than a year in federal prison.
Albert McReynolds, age 34, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 18, 2022 guilty plea to two counts of distribution of a controlled substance after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense and one count of distribution of and aiding and abetting the distribution of a controlled substance after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense.
Evidence at plea and sentencing hearings showed that on three different occasions between October and December 2020, McReynolds arranged for the distribution of heroin in Cedar Rapids. On two of those occasions, McReynolds personally distributed the heroin, and on one occasion, another individual distributed the heroin on his behalf. Fentanyl was detected along with the heroin involved in the first two occasions. McReynolds has a prior federal conviction for heroin trafficking, and he was serving a term of supervised release when he committed the instant offense.
McReynolds was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. McReynolds was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a six-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
McReynolds 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 Vander Stoep and Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham and 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 21-CR-73.
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Illegal Alien Sentenced to Prison for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A Guatemalan man who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced today to ten months in federal prison.
Pablo Perez-Chavez, age 22, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 25, 2022, guilty plea to one count of Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Alien.
In a plea agreement, Perez-Chavez admitted that he unlawfully possessed a firearm in April 2022 while being illegally present in the United States. On April 30, 2022, Perez-Chavez was arrested by Cedar Rapids police officers after the officers were called to Perez-Chavez’s location by a 911 call. During the course of the investigation, officers found two .380 caliber bullets in Perez-Chavez’s pocket and a Walther PK380, .380 Auto caliber pistol on the ground where they first spotted Perez-Chavez that morning. Perez-Chavez admitted that he knowingly possessed the firearm.
Perez-Chavez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Perez-Chavez was sentenced to ten 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.
Perez-Chavez 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 Cedar Rapids Police Department and 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 22-CR-46.
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Honduran Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being Deported Four TimesRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to four months in federal prison.
Elder Moises Ramirez-Melgar, age 30, a citizen of Honduras illegally present in the United States and residing in Postville, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 1, 2022, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Ramirez-Melgar admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Ramirez-Melgar was previously deported in September 2014 and March 2016. In February 2017, Ramirez-Melgar was convicted in Arizona of illegal entry into the United States and again deported in March 2017. In March 2020, Ramirez-Melgar was again convicted in Arizona of illegal entry into the United States and again deported in May 2020. On October 3, 2022, immigration officials learned Ramirez-Melgar had illegally returned to the United States and found Ramirez-Melgar at the Allamakee County Jail following his arrest on state charges.
Ramirez-Melgar was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Ramirez-Melgar was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Ramirez-Melgar 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 22-CR-1038.
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Guatemalan Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being DeportedRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to six months in federal prison.
Miguel Jose Lopez-Garcia, age 23, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Postville, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 1, 2022, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Lopez-Garcia admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Lopez-Garcia was previously deported in March 2020. On June 13, 2022, immigration officials learned Lopez-Garcia had illegally returned to the United States and found Lopez-Garcia at the Allamakee County Jail following his arrest on state charges. On September 14, 2022, Lopez-Garcia went into federal custody following his conviction in Iowa District Court for Sexual Abuse, Third Degree, and Operating While Intoxicated, First Offense.
Lopez-Garcia was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Lopez-Garcia was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Lopez-Garcia 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 22-CR-1032.
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Distributing Methamphetamine and Possessing Firearms Results in Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
A man who sold methamphetamine, possessed firearms, and manufactured homemade explosives was sentenced on December 21, 2022, to five years in federal prison.
Cody Robert Winters, age 34, from Charles City, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 28, 2022 guilty plea to one count of being an unlawful drug user in possession of firearms and one count of distribution of five grams or more of pure methamphetamine.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Winters distributed pure methamphetamine on several occasions from the spring of 2020 through the fall of 2020. During this time, Winters taught another individual how to manufacture explosive devices. In November 2020, a search of Winters’s house resulted in the seizure of firearms and explosive materials. Winters was a drug user and unlawfully possessed the guns.
Winters was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Winters was sentenced to 60 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.
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.
Winters is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick J. Reinert and investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-02015.
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Iowa Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a firearm pled guilty on December 19, 2022, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Lavell Andre Barnes, Jr., age 27, from Iowa City, Iowa, was convicted of possession of a firearm by a felon.
At the plea hearing, Barnes admitted that he illegally possessed a firearm after being previously convicted of two felony convictions in Cook County, Illinois. Barnes was previously convicted of a controlled substance offense involving heroin and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Barnes remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Barnes faces a possible maximum sentence of not more than 10 years’ imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a fine of not more than $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release following any term of 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 Jason Dorval Norwood and was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department’s Street Crimes Action Team. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 22-CR-84.
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Cedar Rapids Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to over a Decade in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who worked with others to distribute over 9 kilograms of cocaine was sentenced December 20, 2022, to more than 12 years in federal prison.
Paris Martell Cullar, age 26, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 12, 2022 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Information disclosed at sentencing showed that from November 2017 through July 2021, Cullar worked with others to distribute over 9 kilograms of cocaine and several grams of crack cocaine in the Cedar Rapids area. Cullar obtained his supply of cocaine from individuals in California and Chicago, Illinois. After Cullar was arrested, he intimidated or attempted to intimidate a witness while at the Linn County Correctional Center.
Cullar was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Cullar was sentenced to 149 months’ and 28 days’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a 5‑year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Cullar 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 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; the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-00009.
Sex Offender Who Lived in Iowa for More than a Year Without Registering Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who moved to Iowa from Texas and failed to comply with his requirement to register as a sex offender was sentenced on December 13, 2022, to more than two years in federal prison.
Robert Lee Metz, age 61, formerly of Austin, Texas, and last living in Cedar Falls, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 20, 2022 guilty plea to one count of failure to register as a sex offender.
Information at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Metz moved to Iowa from Texas in April 2021. Metz was required to register as a sex offender because he had previously been convicted of two sex offenses that each required him to register: indecency with a child-contact in 1993 in Texas state court and possession of visual depictions of sexual activities by minors in 2012 in a federal court in Texas. Between April 2021 and May 2022, which was when he was indicted by a grand jury, Metz never registered as a sex offender living in Iowa.
Metz was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Metz was sentenced to 30 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. Metz 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 the United States Marshal’s Service and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-2030.
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Waterloo Woman Who Abused a Power of Attorney to Steal from a Victim Suffering from Dementia Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A woman who abused her position as an elderly victim’s power of attorney was sentenced on December 9, 2022, to more than three years in federal prison.
Shanan Smith, age 56, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 30, 2022 guilty plea to one count of wire fraud.
Information from the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Smith became the victim’s power of attorney after the victim began to suffer from dementia. Smith eventually began to steal the victim’s money and use it for her own purposes. This included gambling with the victim’s money. Smith’s misspending of the victim’s money caused the victim’s nursing home bill to become thousands of dollars in arrears. Smith eventually sold the victim’s house to bring the nursing home bill current. Smith then spent the remainder of the proceeds from the sale of the house on her own expenses. Smith has three prior felony convictions and fourteen theft convictions.
Smith was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Smith was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment. She was ordered to make $51,000 in restitution to relatives of the victim. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Smith was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-2014.
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Cedar Rapids Meth Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who worked with others to distribute over four pounds of methamphetamine was sentenced December 13, 2022, to more than 14 years in federal prison.
Mathew Shepherd, age 37, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 31, 2022, guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Information disclosed at sentencing showed that, in May 2020, Shepherd was paroled from state custody related to a 2018 state conviction for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine. Almost immediately after he was paroled, Shepherd began working with others to distribute methamphetamine in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, area. On September 11, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Shepherd’s residence and recovered over 62 grams of methamphetamine, $273 in cash, a digital scale, and a drug ledger. Law enforcement also executed a search warrant on Shepherd’s cell phone, which revealed numerous messages related to Shepherd’s distribution of methamphetamine. At the time of sentencing, Shepherd had been convicted 29 times as an adult, including two arson convictions and several assault‑related convictions.
Shepherd was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Shepherd was sentenced to 176 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a 5‑year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Shepherd is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-00030.
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Man Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Federal Prison in Cedar Rapids Heroin and Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who distributed large quantities of heroin and fentanyl was sentenced on December 7, 2022, to nearly four years federal prison.
Demeco Demon Irvin, age 31, from Minneapolis, Minnesota, received the prison term after a June 2, 2022 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin.
In a plea agreement, Irvin admitted he sold between 80 and 100 grams of heroin for Brian Dennis during 2020. During a search of Irvin’s residence and vehicle in September 2020, officers found 32 baggies containing a total of 14.86 grams of fentanyl, which Irvin intended to distribute.
Six other individuals, Cody Scott Deklotz, Andrew James Lehman, Ryan Rick Schlitter, Melinda Salvatora Werning, Jerry Dwayne Banghart, and Thomas Nathaniel May previously pled guilty to the heroin conspiracy and have been sentenced. Ryan Rick Schlitter was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment. Andrew James Lehman was sentenced to 10 months and 16 days’ imprisonment. Cody Scott Deklotz was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment. Melinda Salvatora Werning was sentenced to 12 months’ and one day imprisonment. Jerry Dwayne Banghart was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment. Thomas Nathaniel May was sentenced to 31 months’ imprisonment. Three other individuals charged in the same indictment, including Dennis, have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
Irvin was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Irvin was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Irvin 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 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 and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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 21‑CR‑32‑CJW.
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Jury Finds Sioux City Man Guilty of Meth ChargesRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine and possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine was convicted by a jury on December 13, 2022, after a two-day trial in federal court in Sioux City.
Kenneth John David Schneiders, 34, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine all within 1,000 feet of a protected location, namely the Sioux City Alternative School and Opportunities School, each located in the Boys and Girls Home in Sioux City, Iowa.
The evidence at trial showed that Schneiders was communicating with others for the sale of methamphetamine on December 2, 2019. Law enforcement was made aware of the discussions through a confidential source, and ultimately located Schneiders at the Boys and Girls Home parking lot with approximately 2 ounces of methamphetamine.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Schneiders was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the verdict was returned and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Schneiders faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 80 years’ imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least eight years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4032.
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Eagle Grove Man Off to Federal Prison for Meth and Firearm ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Russell Spencer, age 40, from Eagle Grove, Iowa, was sentenced on December 8, 2022, to ten years in federal prison in Sioux City, Iowa.
On August 4, 2022, Spencer pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana; three counts of distribution of methamphetamine; and one count of possession of firearms by a prohibited person.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that between 2021 and January 20, 2022, Spencer and others involved in the conspiracy, participated in the distribution of at least 1.5 kilograms of mixed methamphetamine. Spencer was a mid-level methamphetamine dealer in Central Iowa, with both Iowa and California sources of supply. Spencer made several trips to California, to acquire and transport back to Iowa, multiple pounds of methamphetamine for further distribution in the Central Iowa area. Spencer also utilized package delivery by the US Postal Service for delivery of methamphetamine from California to Iowa, for further distribution. In late 2021 and early 2022, law enforcement made three controlled methamphetamine buys from Spencer, for a total of more than 110 grams of actual/pure methamphetamine. On January 20, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Spencer’s residence, seizing 172.88 grams actual methamphetamine, 427.5 grams of marijuana, and two handguns, an unloaded Ruger 9 mm in a shed and a loaded .22 caliber revolver, in kitchen.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Spencer was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment with terms on all counts served concurrently and must serve a 5-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Spencer 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 Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Wright County Sheriff’s Office, and Iowa DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-3004. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man Who Attacked an Occupied Home Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Sioux City, Iowa man who fired upon a home – with adults and children inside – was sentenced on December 9, 2022, to 6 years in federal prison.
Alvaro Vite, 26, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 4, 2022, guilty plea to being a drug user in possession of a firearm and ammunition. At the time, Vite possessed the firearms and ammunition he was an unlawful user of cocaine.
Evidence in the case revealed that on June 23, 2020, Vite came to Joel Perea-Duenas’s residence and said he was going to “shoot up” the residence of a rival and needed a driver who could operate a “stick shift” vehicle. Perea-Duenas agreed to help, changed into dark clothing, left the residence with Vite, and joined
Esai Lopez and Alexander Laurel-Olea who were already in the car.
Three of the four men were armed with handguns. Laurel-Olea was in possession of a Taurus pistol, Vite had a Ruger pistol, and Lopez had a .45 caliber firearm.
The men drove to the home of their intended victim, but seeing law enforcement in the area, abandoned the initial attack. Later, the men decided upon a secondary target. At approximately 11:15 pm, Vite repeatedly fired upon a Sioux City, Iowa home. A mother, father and their five minor children were in the home. Eight bullet holes were found in the house.
The subsequent investigation revealed all the men knew the shooting was going to happen, knew there were people, including children, in the house, and wanted the shooting to occur in retaliation against a resident of the home and the family. Also, during the investigation, an additional man Jonathon Sotres-De La O was found to be an associate of the shooting party and to have also illegally possessed a firearm on a different occasion.
Vite was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 72 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to pay $38,863.42 in restitution to victims and the insurance company. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Joel Perea-Duenas was sentenced to 54 months imprisonment on November 19, 2021. Alexander Laurel-Olea was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment on November 18, 2021. Esai Lopez was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment on April 7, 2022. Jonathon Sotres-De La O was sentenced to 46 months imprisonment on November 4, 2021.
Vite is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4071. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Lisbon Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A woman who distributed methamphetamine out of her home was sentenced on December 12, 2022, to more than 10 years in federal prison.
Alberta Lynnette Batchelder, age 44, from Lisbon, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 20, 2022 guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that, between January 2021 and June 2021, Batchelder conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine. Specifically, Batchelder was distributing at least an ounce of methamphetamine every week from her home between March 2021 and to June 2021. In addition, on June 9, 2021, during a search of Batchelder’s home, officers found approximately 428.22 grams of ice methamphetamine.
Batchelder was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Batchelder was sentenced to 127 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Batchelder is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Adam J. Vander Stoep and Devra Hake 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, and the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-30.
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Cedar Rapids Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Buying Gun for BoyfriendRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids woman who purchased a gun for her boyfriend and purchased at least four other guns was sentenced today to nearly three years in federal prison.
Lisa Marie Good, age 42, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison sentence after a July 7, 2022 guilty plea to making false statement during the purchase of a firearm.
Information disclosed at sentencing and at her plea hearing showed that between November 2020 and August 2021, Good purchased at least five firearms from businesses in the Cedar Rapids area. During at least one purchase, Good lied on the ATF Form 4473 and represented that the firearm was for her when in fact the firearm she was buying the gun for her boyfriend. Good’s boyfriend was a felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. Good knew this at the time she purchased the gun for him. Another firearm that Good purchased during this time was recovered from another individual, also a felon. Officers searched Good’s residence and located a firearm, over 90 ecstasy pills, cash, and a digital scale. Good admitted that she not only used the ecstasy pills, but also sold them. To date, officers have not recovered two of the firearms Good purchased.
Good was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Good was sentenced to 34 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Good will have to pay $100 to the special assessment fund.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & 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-11.
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Cedar Rapids Man Caught on Wiretap Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine pled guilty on December 7, 2022, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Calub Joseph Storlie, age 35, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at a prior hearing showed that in October 2020 a car being transported from Arizona to Iowa on a car hauler was searched by law enforcement in New Mexico. During the search, officers found an after‑market compartment behind the back seat of the car. The compartment contained approximately 30 pounds of ice methamphetamine. Paperwork inside the car showed that the insurance was in Storlie’s name.
During a wiretap investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration in Cedar Rapids in late 2021 and early 2022, Albert 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 would sell 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 at the prior hearing showed that Storlie had previously gone on similar trips to California for the same individuals as Bailey.
In other intercepted conversations, another individual discussed Storlie bringing him firearms and ammunition. During a search of Storlie’s residence on March 8, 2022, investigators found and seized a Glock 9mm pistol and an AR‑15‑style rifle. At the plea hearing, Storlie admitted that he was an unlawful user of marijuana and THC at the time he possessed the firearms found in his house.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Storlie remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Storlie faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,250,000 fine, and a lifetime of supervised release following any imprisonment. Nine other individuals charged along with Storlie are pending trial.
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 is being 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‑7.
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Marion Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
A felon who possessed firearms pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Tyler Maus, age 30, from Marion, was convicted of 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.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Maus remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Maus 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 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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Dubuque Couple Plead Guilty to Federal Fentanyl and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
A man and woman who sold fentanyl in the Dubuque, Iowa area, pled guilty on November 30, 2022, and December 6, 2022, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Fallon Christina Murphy, age 25, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and Jose Soto-Guzman, age 47, pled guilty to distribution of a controlled substance near a protected location and possession of a firearm by a felon. In a plea agreement, Soto-Guzman admitted that between March and June 2022, he supplied heroin users in the Dubuque, Iowa area with fentanyl. Soto-Guzman admitted that during the conspiracy, he regularly traveled to La Crosse, Wisconsin, to purchase at least 4 grams of fentanyl from his source, which he then sold with Murphy in Dubuque. Between March and June 2022, investigators conducted five controlled purchases from Soto‑Guzman and Murphy. The drugs purchased contained fentanyl, but some of the fentanyl was mixed with heroin and some with methamphetamine. During one of the controlled buys in late June 2022, Soto-Guzman indicated to the undercover officer purchasing the drugs from him that he had customers who had overdosed.
Two days after that controlled buy, officers searched the Dubuque residence where Murphy and Soto‑Guzman had been staying. During the search, officers found a 9x19mm pistol that belonged to Soto‑Guzman. Soto‑Guzman has multiple prior felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Soto‑Guzman was taken into federal custody at the time of the search.
Evidence in a prior hearing showed that after Soto‑Guzman’s arrest, Murphy continued to obtain fentanyl from the La Crosse source for distribution in Dubuque. In late July 2022, Murphy traveled to La Crosse to purchase drugs, and upon her return to Dubuque, officers stopped the vehicle in which she was riding. When the police stopped her vehicle, Murphy concealed the drugs inside her body to avoid detection. Officers later recovered the drugs, which were determined to be nearly 10 grams of fentanyl.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Both defendants will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Murphy faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life following any imprisonment. Soto-Guzman faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 1 year’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 60 years’ imprisonment, a $4,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release of at least 6 years and up to life following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin and Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham and was 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-1022.
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Central American Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being DeportedRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced yesterday to over two months in federal prison.
Rigoberto Batz-Tinio, age 45, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Postville, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 17, 2022 guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Batz-Tinio admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Batz-Tinio was previously deported in March 2004. On September 16, 2022, immigration officials learned Batz-Tinio had illegally returned to the United States and found Batz-Tinio at the Allamakee County Jail following his conviction for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
Batz-Tinio was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Batz-Tinio was sentenced to 76 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Batz-Tinio is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-1033.
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Spencer Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Meth Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
Kenneth Alan Block, age 35, from Spencer, Iowa, was sentenced on December 6, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City, to 8 years in federal prison.
On July 19, 2022, Block pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that from February 2021 through September 2021, Block and others distributed at least 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Spencer area. In addition, on September 29, 2021, Block was found with approximately 170 grams of ice methamphetamine after giving consent to search his car.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Block was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 4 year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Block remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Spencer, Iowa Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Great Lakes Task Force, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and Iowa DCI Laboratory.
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The case file number is 22-4020. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sex Offender Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Failing to Register in IowaRead the Press Release
A convicted sex offender who lived and worked in Iowa without registering was sentenced today to more than a year in federal prison.
Vincent Mack, age 57, from Byron, Georgia, received the prison term after a May 25, 2022 guilty plea to failing to register as a sex offender.
Information from the sentencing hearing showed that Mack was required to register as a sex offender because he was previously convicted of child molestation in Georgia. While still under supervision for that conviction in December 2021, Mack cutoff his GPS ankle monitor and moved to Iowa with a friend. Approximately three weeks later, law enforcement officers became aware of Mack and determined that he was living and working in Iowa. During the time he was in Iowa, Mack did not register as a sex offender as he was required to do.
Mack was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Mack was sentenced to 24 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. Mack 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 Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service and the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 22-CR-33.
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Mexican Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being Twice DeportedRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to two months in federal prison.
Odon Mora-Maldonado, age 25,a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Howard County, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 17, 2022 guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Mora-Maldonado admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Mora-Maldonado was deported in December 2017 after being found in Atlanta, Georgia, by law enforcement officers. He was also deported in April 2019 following his convictions in Georgia for driving under the influence in November 2018 and for battery-family violence,obstructing/hindering an emergency telephone call, and cruelty to a child less than 18 years of age in February 2019. On September 29, 2022, immigration officials learned Mora-Maldonado had illegally returned to the United States and found Mora-Maldonado at the Howard County, Iowa, jail following his arrest on state charges.
Mora-Maldonado was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Mora-Maldonado was sentenced to 61 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Mora-Maldonado is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-2056.
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Guatemalan Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being DeportedRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to over two months in federal prison.
Gaspar Cedillo-Cobo, age 23, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Galena, Illinois, received the prison term after an October 11, 2022 guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Cedillo-Cobo admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Cedillo-Cobo was deported in March 2018 following his conviction in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas for illegal entry into the United States. On September 8, 2022, immigration officials learned Cedillo-Cobo had illegally returned to the United States and found Cedillo-Cobo at the Jones County, Iowa, jail following his arrest on state charges.
Cedillo-Cobo was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Cedillo-Cobo was sentenced to 75 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Cedillo-Cobo is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-79.
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Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Prison for His Role in Selling HeroinRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who was involved in the distribution of heroin was sentenced today to more than 6 years in federal prison.
Sammie Truman Williams, age 37, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 22, 2022 guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that in 2017 and 2018, Williams and other individuals worked together to sell heroin in the Cedar Rapids area. In January 2018, investigators conducted a wiretap investigation of a phone operated by Williams. Multiple people called the phone to arrange heroin deals. Williams would set up the deal, but an accomplice would deliver the heroin. In total, Williams was responsible for the distribution of over 100 grams of heroin.
Williams was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Williams was sentenced to 77 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.
Williams 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 Ashley Corkery and Special Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Drug Enforcement Administration Cedar Rapids Resident Office, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-06.
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Former Executive Director of the Jesse Cosby Neighborhood Center Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who fleeced a non-profit for thousands of dollars over the years was sentenced December 1, 2022, to 3 months in federal prison.
Jesse Clinton Henderson, age 66, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 9, 2022 guilty plea to one count of wire fraud.
In a plea agreement, Henderson admitted he was employed by the Jesse Cosby Neighborhood Center (JCNC) starting in 2007. He became Executive Director in 2014. As Executive Director, Henderson was tasked with managing the day-to-day operation of the center including overseeing staff members, grant writing, fundraising, and controlling finances and expenditures.
Henderson possessed debit and credit cards associated with the JCNC’s bank accounts. He was not authorized to use the cards or any of the funds in the JCNC bank accounts for his own personal benefit. From approximately 2018 through 2021, Henderson used and misappropriated or gambled approximately $71,483.15 of the non-profit’s funds for his own benefit. Henderson made unauthorized cash withdrawals, debit card withdrawals and charges, and credit card purchases and transactions from JCNC’s bank accounts.
Henderson was able to conceal his scheme from the JCNC and their Board of Directors by intentionally failing to disclose monthly financial reports or bank statements where his unauthorized expenditures and withdrawals would be exposed. Therefore, JCNC and the Board did not know about the unauthorized withdrawals and expenditures.
In July 2021, Henderson admitted to law enforcement that he used the bank cards of the JCNC to for an unauthorized purpose and for his own benefit, for at least couple of years. He further admitted to intentionally failing to make financial records and expenditures available to the JCNC and its Board.
“The Jesse Cosby Neighborhood Center, a non-profit organization in Waterloo, provides senior services with an adult day center, meals on wheels, and a youth summer feeding program. In short, it serves young and old in the Waterloo Community. For roughly three years, Jesse Henderson repeatedly and selfishly took money from this organization, lied to the people of the organization, and undermined the charitable works of the organization” said United States Attorney Timothy T. Duax. “This sentence shows that those who embezzle and steal, putting greed and self-interest above all else, will be held accountable.”
“Henderson stole and gambled away tens of thousands of dollars meant to help those in need. Now, he will be held accountable for his actions. The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General is committed to rooting out fraudsters that seek to use federal funds for personal gain,” said William J. Hannah Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Chicago Field Office.
Henderson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Henderson was sentenced to 3 months’ imprisonment and fined $ 100. He was ordered to pay restitution to the JCNC. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Henderson is to surrender to the United States Marshal on December 27, 2022.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Liz Dupuich and investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the United States Department of Justice - Office of the Inspector General.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-cr-2032-CJW.
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Woman Sentenced to Nearly Four Years for Conspiring to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, and Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
A woman who distributed heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was sentenced today to 46 months’ imprisonment in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Marsha C. Dismukes, age 54, from Ford Heights, Illinois, received the sentence after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base.
In a plea agreement, Dismukes admitted to engaging in a drug-related conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine in Cedar Rapids. Information at the sentencing hearing showed that Dismukes was involved in the distribution of approximately 900 grams of heroin.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Dismukes was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment and must serve a three-year term of supervised release following her term of incarceration. There is no parole in the federal system. Dismukes remains in the custody of the United States Marshal until she can be transported to federal prison.
This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Dorval Norwood.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 21-CR-00068-CJW.
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Wiretap Investigation Leads to Another Iowa Man Being Sent to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Webster City man who ordered a pound ice methamphetamine from a man he met in state prison was sentenced November 29, 2022, to more than 15 years in federal prison.
Gabriel Allen Pelz, age 44, from Webster City, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 18, 2022 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of use of a communication facility to commit a felony drug crime.
Information disclosed at sentencing showed that Pelz met Andrew Surprenant while they were both incarcerated in state prison. Pelz was released from state custody in December 2021, and, in early January 2022, Pelz contacted Surprenant and arranged to acquire a pound of ice methamphetamine from him. At the time, law enforcement was monitoring a wiretap on Surprenant’s phone and intercepted the conversations between Pelz and Surprenant. Law enforcement conducted surveillance of Surprenant’s residence and watched Pelz arrive at there. After Pelz left, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of him and recovered a pound of ice methamphetamine from Pelz. Pelz later admitted that he acquired the ice methamphetamine from Surprenant and intended to distribute it to others in the Webster City area.
Pelz was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Pelz was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a six-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Andrew Surprenant previously pled guilty to his involvement with a Mexico‑based drug trafficking organization. On October 21, 2022, Surprenant was sentenced to 396 months’ imprisonment.
Pelz 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 was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force consisting of the Waterloo Police Department, Cedar Falls Police Department, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Department, Evansdale Police Department, Waverly Police Department, Hudson Police Department, La Porte City Police Department, and the Bremer County Sheriff’s Department; the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the United States Postal Inspection Service; and Homeland Security Investigations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-02017.
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Wiretap Investigation Leads to Another Iowa Man Being Sent to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Webster City man who ordered a pound ice methamphetamine from a man he met in state prison was sentenced November 29, 2022, to more than 15 years in federal prison.
Gabriel Allen Pelz, age 44, from Webster City, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 18, 2022 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of use of a communication facility to commit a felony drug crime.
Information disclosed at sentencing showed that Pelz met Andrew Surprenant while they were both incarcerated in state prison. Pelz was released from state custody in December 2021, and, in early January 2022, Pelz contacted Surprenant and arranged to acquire a pound of ice methamphetamine from him. At the time, law enforcement was monitoring a wiretap on Surprenant’s phone and intercepted the conversations between Pelz and Surprenant. Law enforcement conducted surveillance of Surprenant’s residence and watched Pelz arrive at there. After Pelz left, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of him and recovered a pound of ice methamphetamine from Pelz. Pelz later admitted that he acquired the ice methamphetamine from Surprenant and intended to distribute it to others in the Webster City area.
Pelz was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Pelz was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a six-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Andrew Surprenant previously pled guilty to his involvement with a Mexico‑based drug trafficking organization. On October 21, 2022, Surprenant was sentenced to 396 months’ imprisonment.
Pelz 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 was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force consisting of the Waterloo Police Department, Cedar Falls Police Department, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Department, Evansdale Police Department, Waverly Police Department, Hudson Police Department, La Porte City Police Department, and the Bremer County Sheriff’s Department; the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the United States Postal Inspection Service; and Homeland Security Investigations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-02017.
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Man Who Sexually Abused Sleeping Woman Sentenced to More than Fifteen Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who sexually abused a sleeping woman was sentenced today to more than fifteen years in federal prison.
Robin Roberts, age 67, from the Meskwaki Settlement, received the prison term after a June 1, 2022 jury verdict finding him guilty of sexual abuse.
The evidence at trial showed that on July 8, 2021, the victim went to Roberts’ residence. During her time at the residence, Roberts sexually abused the victim while she was sleeping.
Roberts was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Roberts was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay a $5,000 special assessment pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Roberts 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 Lisa C. Williams and Liz Dupuich and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Meskwaki Nation Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-0060.
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Milford Man to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
On November 22, 2022, Justin Haubrich, 46, from Milford, Iowa, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison.
Haubrich pled guilty June 28, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that from May 2018 through January 2019, Haubrich was involved in a conspiracy that distributed at least 2500 grams of methamphetamine. Haubrich was supplied methamphetamine from sources in Denison and Council Bluffs, Iowa for further distribution in Northwest Iowa. During a traffic stop in January 2019, Haubrich was found in possession of a .45 caliber handgun and was known to keep and store firearms during his drug trafficking activities.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Haubrich was sentenced to 108 months’ imprisonment and must serve a term of three years supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Haubrich remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office, the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office, the Okoboji, Iowa Police Department, and the Iowa DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4097.
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Cedar Rapids Man Who Was Found with over $135,000 in Drug Money Pleads Guilty to Possessing Meth with Intent to Distribute and Possessing Firearm as a Drug UserRead the Press Release
A man who possessed methamphetamine with intent to distribute it and who possessed a firearm as an unlawful drug user, pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Joshua Ryan Gorrell, age 37, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it within 1,000 feet of a protected location, and one count of possession of a firearm as an unlawful drug user.
In a plea agreement, Gorrell admitted that, on July 22, 2022, he made a 911 call regarding an overdose that occurred at his home in Cedar Rapids. When first responders arrived, they found a deceased overdose victim. Officers searched Gorrell’s home and found $123,038 in U.S. Currency and over two pounds of actual (pure) methamphetamine, 43 grams of fentanyl, 56 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, 68 grams of marijuana, and 238 grams of THC wax. Officers found some of the drugs and cash in ductwork inside of Gorrell’s home.
Gorrell also admitted in a plea agreement that on August 22, 2022, law enforcement officers searched his home again and found a firearm, $15,253 in U.S. Currency, approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine, and approximately 252 grams of marijuana. Later that day, Gorrell’s urine tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Gorrell remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.
For possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute it within 1,000 feet of a protected location, Gorrell faces 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. For possessing a firearm as a drug user, Gorrell faces the following maximum penalties: not more than 15 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 not more than 3 years.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Devra Hake and Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham. It 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 Cedar Rapids Police Department, United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Marion Police Department, and Linn County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is also 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-59.
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Mason City Man Found Guilty of Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A Mason City, Iowa man who possessed large amounts of child pornography was convicted by a jury on November 17, 2022, after a 4-day trial in federal court in Sioux City.
Brandon Manning, age 41, from Mason City, Iowa, was convicted of two counts of possession of child pornography. The verdict was returned following more than four hours of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that Manning possessed thousands of images and videos of child pornography, including pornography of children under the age of 12 years old, on an SD card in a cellphone he attempted to destroy when being served with a search warrant on March 12, 2022, and on an internal hard drive for a laptop that was found in his home, hidden in his bedroom.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Manning remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Manning faces, for each count, a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years up to life of supervised release 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.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons and was investigated by the Mason City Police Department and the State of Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-3002.
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Iowa Nurse Pleads Guilty to Stealing Fentanyl from Elderly PatientsRead the Press Release
An Iowa nurse who stole fentanyl from elderly patients pled guilty on November 21, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City. Ryan William Thornton, age 27, from Clear Lake, Iowa, was convicted of acquiring fentanyl by misrepresentation, fraud, deception, and subterfuge.
In a plea agreement, Thornton admitted that he diverted liquid fentanyl, that was supposed to be dispensed to patients, for his own personal use by removing fentanyl from the patients’ IV pumps with a syringe.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Thornton remains free on bond pending sentencing. Thornton faces a possible maximum sentence of 4 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 1 year of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons and was investigated by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals Investigations Division Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-3034.
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California Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Send Meth Through the MailRead the Press Release
A California man was sentenced November 17, 2022, to 10 years in federal prison. Wesley Wood, age 43, from San Marcos, California, received the prison term after a May 26, 2022, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
In a plea agreement, Wood admitted he conspired to distribute multiple pounds of methamphetamine to Sheldon, Iowa in the U.S. Postal Service.
Wood was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Wood was sentenced to 120 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.
Wood 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 Ron Timmons and investigated by United States Postal Inspection Service and the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4056.
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Waterloo Felon Sent Back to Federal Prison for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man who possessed a firearm less than a year after he was released from federal prison for possessing a firearm illegally was sentenced today to more than two additional years in federal prison. Dereon Equwan Davenport, also known as Dereon Galloway, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 18, 2022 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
At Davenport’s guilty plea hearing and other hearings in his cases, Davenport admitted that he was convicted in U.S. District Court of possession of a firearm by a drug user in 2019. The district court sentenced Davenport to 21 months’ imprisonment for that crime, and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons released Davenport from custody in December 2020. In July 2021, while Davenport was on supervised release with the U.S. Probation Office for his 2019 firearms crime, Davenport was arrested during a traffic stop in Waterloo and a loaded, chambered firearm was found in a pocket in his pants. In November 2021, Davenport was arrested in Cedar Falls and later convicted of harassing a public official and driving while under suspension. While on supervised release, Davenport also used controlled substances multiple times, failed to undergo required drug testing and treatment, failed to maintain employment, and did not notify the probation office of his whereabouts.
Davenport was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Davenport was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment, which consists of 21 months of imprisonment for the new firearms conviction and a consecutive 12 months of imprisonment for violating the terms of his supervised release in his 2019 firearms case. Davenport must also serve a new three-year term of supervised release after the prison term imposed in the new case. There is no parole in the federal system.
Davenport is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and investigated by the 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 numbers are 22-CR-2005 and 18-CR-2055.
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Honduran Man Sentenced to Prison for Document FraudRead the Press Release
A man who used a false identification document and a false social security number was sentenced today to more than two months in federal prison.
Jose Lindolfo Henriquez-Arriaga, age 39, a citizen of Honduras illegally present in the United States and residing in Charles City, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 26, 2022, guilty plea to one count of unlawful use of identification documents and one count of misuse of a social security number.
At the guilty plea, Henriquez-Arriaga admitted he used a fraudulent Social Security card and a fraudulent Permanent Resident Card, also known as a “green card,” both bearing his name, to prove his authorization to work in the United States when he completed employment and tax forms in June 2021 at a business in Alden, Iowa. The number on the Social Security card was unassigned and the number on the Permanent Resident Card was assigned to a Korean female.
Henriquez-Arriaga was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Henriquez-Arriaga was sentenced to 77 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Henriquez-Arriaga is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by 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 22-CR-68.
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Illinois Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Heroin and Fentanyl Near a Local College and ParkRead the Press Release
A man who distributed heroin and fentanyl in Dubuque, Iowa, plead guilty on November 18, 2022, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Menelaeus C. Watson, age 35, from Chicago, Illinois, was convicted of distribution of heroin and fentanyl within 1,000 feet of a protected location.
In a plea agreement, Watson admitted to engaging in two transactions to distribute heroin and fentanyl in Dubuque. The transactions took place within 1,000 feet of a local college and two parks.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Watson remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Watson faces a possible maximum sentence of 60 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $4 million, and up to six years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jason D. Norwood and Patrick J. Reinert.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-1033-CJW.
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Ellsworth Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Bryan Ross, 26, from Ellsworth, Iowa, plead guilty November 4, 2022, in federal court to Producing and Distributing Child Pornography.
In a plea agreement, Ross admitted that between July 2019, and February 2022, he knowingly harassed and coerced minors online via Facebook and Snapchat to take sexually explicit photos and videos of themselves to send to him. Ross further admitted that he received and attempted to receive visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and distributed them to others online.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set for a later date after a presentence report is prepared. Ross was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the guilty plea and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Ross faces a mandatory sentence of 15 years imprisonment with the maximum of not more than 30 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 5 years to life.
The case was investigated by Department of Homeland Security and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-3016.
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Carrol, Iowa Man Pleads Guilty to Possession Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Wyant Unruh, 37, from Carrol, Iowa, plead guilty November 7, 2022, in federal court to Possession of Child Pornography.
In a plea agreement, Unruh admitted that between November 2019, and July 2021, he used the messaging app Kik to knowingly receive and attempt to receive visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He further admitted to using the app to share child pornography with others.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set for a later date after a presentence report is prepared. Unruh was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the guilty plea and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Unruh 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 with the potential of life.
The case was investigated by Department of Homeland Security and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-3016.
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Sergeant Bluff Business Owner Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
The owner of a Sergeant Bluff, Iowa construction firm pleaded guilty November 16, 2022, to tax evasion for evading payment of his company’s employment taxes.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Kevin Alexander, 62, of Sioux City, owned K&L Construction, Inc., a landscaping and construction company. As the sole shareholder and president of K&L Construction, Alexander was responsible for filing quarterly employment tax returns and collecting and paying over to the IRS payroll taxes withheld from employees’ wages. From the second quarter of 2014 through the first quarter of 2017, K&L Construction paid approximately $3.8 million in wages to its employees and withheld approximately $1 million in payroll taxes, but the company did not pay over any of these withholdings to the IRS.
During IRS collection proceedings, Alexander accepted responsibility for paying K&L Construction’s outstanding tax balance. Alexander, however, submitted a false form to the IRS that concealed some of his assets. As part of his plea agreement, Alexander admitted that he submitted the false form for the purpose of concealing assets and evading payment of K&L Construction’s outstanding payroll tax liability.
Alexander will be sentenced at a later date before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Alexander remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. He faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison. Alexander also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. Judge Strand will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Timothy T. Duax of the Northern District of Iowa made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Timmons of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa and Trial Attorney Meredith Havekost of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4092.
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