Northern District of Iowa
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Guatemalan Woman Who Used a Fraudulent Social Security Card Sentenced to Jail Time and Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
A woman who had been deported, illegally returned to the United States, and then used someone else’s social security number to obtain employment was sentenced today to almost four months in federal prison.
Maria Julia Diaz-Ventura, age 34, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Cedar Falls, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 26, 2022 guilty plea to one count of unlawful use of an identification document and one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
In a plea agreement, Diaz-Ventura admitted she had previously been deported from the United States and that she illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Diaz-Ventura was deported in December 2017. Diaz-Ventura also admitted she used a fraudulent Social Security card bearing someone else’s name and Social Security number when she completed employment and tax forms in May 2018 at a business in Waterloo, Iowa. She also completed employment and tax forms businesses using the fraudulent Social Security card in New Hampton in February 2021, in Lime Springs in April 2021, and in Cedar Falls in August 2021. On each employment application, Diaz-Ventura falsely claimed to be a citizen of the United States. On April 13, 2022, Diaz-Ventura was found and arrested by immigration agents at the business in Cedar Falls where Diaz-Ventura was employed.
Diaz-Ventura was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Diaz-Ventura was sentenced to 113 days’ imprisonment. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Diaz-Ventura is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she 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-2016.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
El Salvador Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for 30 Years for Sexually Assaulting a ChildRead the Press Release
An El Salvador man residing in Sioux City who sexually assaulted a child was sentenced July 28, 2022, to 30 years in federal prison.
Juan Pablo Hernandez, age 44, originally from El Salvador but living in Sioux City, received the prison term after a March 10, 2022, guilty plea to aggravated sexual abuse of a child.
At the plea hearing, Hernandez admitted to driving from South Sioux City, Nebraska to Sioux City with a minor under the age of 12 to sexually assault the minor. Hernandez took sexually explicit photographs of the minor.
Hernandez was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Hernandez was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
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.”
Hernandez 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 was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4093.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
California Meth Dealer Pleads Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
A California man who was providing meth to dealers in Sioux City and the tri-state area pled guilty August 3, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City.
Francisco Fabian Gurrola-Garcia, age 35, from Los Angeles, California, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. At the plea hearing, Gurrola-Garcia admitted to conspiring to sell methamphetamine around Sioux City and the tri-state area.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Gurrola-Garcia remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Gurrola-Garcia faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and 5 years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons and was investigated by and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office..
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4055.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Waterloo Woman who Illegally Purchased and Possessed Firearms Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Waterloo woman who purchased and possessed firearms while being a user of marijuana was sentenced July 29, 2022, to more than a year in federal prison.
Allyssa Stovall, age 23, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 1, 2022 jury verdict finding her guilty of one count of being a drug user in possession of firearms.
Information disclosed at sentencing showed that, in July 2020, Stovall purchased two firearms. Stovall knowingly and intentionally lied about her drug use to purchase the firearms. Less than a month after purchasing the firearms, Stovall’s firearms were used in two separate shootings in Waterloo. Law enforcement seized the firearms from Stovall in July 2021, and, in September 2021, Stovall attempted to flee from law enforcement officers that were attempting to arrest her on the federal charge. She was eventually taken into custody.
Stovall was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Stovall was sentenced to 12 months’ and 1 day imprisonment. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Stovall is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Williams and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Waterloo Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-02060.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Dubuque Heroin, Fentanyl, and Meth Dealer Sentenced to over 33 Years in Federal Prison After Causing OverdoseRead the Press Release
A man who arranged a heroin and fentanyl distribution in Dubuque that led to a near‑fatal overdose was sentenced July 29, 2022, to more than 33 years in federal prison.
Derrick Darryl Trawick, age 40, from Chicago, Illinois, received the prison term after a January 27, 2022 jury verdict finding him guilty of aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin and fentanyl near a playground.
The evidence at trial showed that Trawick was a heroin dealer in Dubuque who was nicknamed “Worm” and “KG.” During the early morning hours of May 31, 2019, two of his heroin customers contacted him to purchase a $40 bag of heroin. Trawick and another man drove to meet the customers and then directed them back to Trawick’s residence on Walnut Street, which was around the corner from the playground at Jefferson Park. Trawick and the other man then returned to Trawick’s residence and went inside. A short time later, the other man exited the residence, walked to the customers’ car, and sold them the purported heroin, which actually contained both heroin and fentanyl. The customers then drove to a nearby motel and used the heroin and fentanyl. One of those customers suffered an overdose during which she lost consciousness and stopped breathing for several minutes. She regained consciousness after being given Narcan by her companions and chest compressions by a first responder. In the January 2022 trial, the jury did not find that the use of the drugs Trawick arranged to distribute caused the serious bodily injury to the customer.
Evidence presented at sentencing showed that Trawick not only sold heroin and fentanyl in Dubuque, but that he also sold large quantities of ice methamphetamine with another individual in 2018 and 2019—totaling at least 4.5 kilograms. The Court also found, under a lower standard of proof than applied at the trial, that the heroin and fentanyl that Trawick arranged to distribute to the customer had caused her overdose and injury. Information at sentencing also showed that Trawick had previously been convicted of six other felony-level crimes, including aggravated criminal sex abuse of a victim aged between 13 and 16 years old, aggravated robbery, a violation of sex offender registry requirements, domestic abuse assault causing injury, and assault with intent to commit sexual abuse.
Trawick was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Trawick was sentenced to 400 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.
Trawick 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 Dubuque Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Chatham and Jason Norwood.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-1016-CJW.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to over Eighteen Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who was responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine from out-of-state and into Iowa during 2019 was sentenced July 28, 2022, to more than eighteen years in federal prison.
Gilbert Terrell Brutley, age 42, from Dothan, Alabama, received the prison term after a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance after having been convicted of a serious felony drug offense.
At the guilty plea, Brutley admitted that, between February 2019 and September 2019, he entered into an agreement with others to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine. Brutley was previously convicted of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance in Alabama in 2017.
Brutley was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Brutley was sentenced to 219 months’ imprisonment and fined $100. He must also serve a ten-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Brutley is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Liz Dupuich and investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Manchester Police Department and the Delaware County Sherriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-cr-2046.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Illegal Pharmacy Operator Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who illegally sold thousands of doses of controlled substances and misbranded prescription drugs was sentenced today to 15 months in federal prison, fined and ordered to forfeit over $500,000 in drug proceeds.
Jon Stidham, age 57, from McClelland, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 5, 2022 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to deliver, distribute or dispense methyltestosterone, a Schedule III controlled substance, by means of the Internet without a valid prescription and without complying with federal and Iowa licensing requirements, and one count of conspiracy to introduce misbranded drugs into interstate commerce with intent to defraud or mislead and to commit mail fraud.
In a plea agreement, Stidham admitted that he operated a business called Kennel Supply, LLC. Kennel Supply provided a variety of items used for the operation of kennels and the care of farm animals at a brick-and-mortar location. On the Internet, Kennel Supply sold controlled substances and non-controlled prescription drugs that require prescriptions to lawfully dispense to the ultimate user. From 2015 through October 12, 2018, Stidham distributed and sold over 300,000 doses of methyltestosterone, a controlled substance, without valid prescriptions, profiting $324,303. During that same time-period, Stidham illegally distributed over 50 types of misbranded prescription drugs without a valid prescription or authorization, and illegally profited $203,207.
Stidham was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Stidham was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment and fined $7500. He was ordered to forfeit $527,510 of drug proceeds. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The laws regarding the labeling and dispensing of controlled substances and prescription drugs exist to protect the health and safety of our community, said Acting U.S. Attorney Timothy Duax. When those laws are violated, it endangers those who come into contact with the unprescribed or mislabeled substances. Accordingly, when individuals like Mr. Stidham try to profit by ignoring or violating controlled substance and prescription laws, they will be vigorously prosecuted and the proceeds of their illegal activities will be seized.”
“To protect the wellbeing of animals, the FDA regulates animal drugs as part of its mission to protect the public health. This ensures that prescription animal drugs are lawfully distributed and dispensed pursuant to a valid prescription, among other requirements” said Special Agent in Charge Charles L. Grinstead, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Kansas City Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who attempt to evade the law.”
Stidham 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 Patrick J. Reinert and was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Food & Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigation, and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-01036.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Convicted Drug Dealer Found with Firearm in Car Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who was found with a Taurus 709 slim 9x19mm caliber pistol and marijuana in his car was sentenced July 26, 2022, to more than three years in federal prison.
Edward Roby Jr., age 25, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 28, 2021 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon. At the guilty plea, Roby admitted that July 25, 2021, he knowingly possessed a firearm. He also admitted that he had previously been convicted of a felony, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute in Black Hawk County, Iowa, in 2018.
Roby was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Roby was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment and fined $100. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Roby 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 Lisa Williams and investigated by the Waterloo Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-cr-2057.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Waterloo Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man who was part of a conspiracy to rob two victims at gunpoint was sentenced July 25, 2022, to more than 12 years in federal prison.
Chavee E’Laun Harden, age 32, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 18, 2021 jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery.
Evidence at trial showed that, on November 4, 2020, Harden, Antione Maxwell (who was sentenced on July 25, 2022, to 30 years in prison), and another individual conspired with each other to rob Harden’s marijuana dealers at gun point of marijuana products and drug-related proceeds. Harden facilitated the armed robbery, and Maxwell and the other individual held guns to the victims’ heads and threatened to kill them. The marijuana products, money, and firearms were later located either inside or outside of Harden’s residence.
Harden was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Harden was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case 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.
Harden 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 Patrick Reinert and Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Waterloo Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-2013.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Waterloo Man Sentenced for Possessing Marijuana He Intended to DistributeRead the Press Release
A man who possessed marijuana he planned to distribute and possessed multiple firearms was sentenced today in federal court.
Jeremy Jay Smith, age 33, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the sentence after a March 15, 2022, jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
Evidence at trial showed that law enforcement officers searched Smith’s home on September 12, 2020, after Smith had posted videos of himself with marijuana and guns on social media. During the search, officers found over 600 grams of marijuana that Smith planned to distribute to others. In close proximity to the marijuana, officers also found two handguns, as well as numerous other long guns that were also in the same room as the marijuana.
Smith was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Smith was sentenced to serve a 5 year term of probation and fined $1000.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Devra Hake and Assistant United States Attorney 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-2041.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Escape from Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
A man who failed to report to a residential reentry center in Sioux City was sentenced on July 22, 2022, to more than 2 years in federal prison.
Charles Lee Cook, age 39, from Sioux City, received the prison term after a February 23, 2022, guilty plea to one count of escape from federal custody.
At the guilty plea, Cook admitted that on December 30, 2021, he signed and dated his Federal Bureau of Prison's furlough paperwork acknowledging the conditions of his furlough. On January 12, 2022, he departed the Federal Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Florence located in Florence, Colorado on furlough. According to the conditions of furlough, he was required to arrive at Dismas Charities, a residential reentry center, halfway house in Sioux City, no later than 10:30 p.m. that evening. He failed to report.
On January 13, 2022, Dismas Charities notified FCI Florence that Cook did not arrive at Dismas Charities and his whereabouts were unknown. Cook was arrested by law enforcement at 2800 West 4th Street in Sioux City on January 19, 2022.
After a federal conviction for failure to register as a sex offender, defendant was sentenced to 41 months in prison with 5 years of supervised released on August 29, 2019, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa Case Number CR19-4006.
Cook was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Cook was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Cook 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-4007.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Second Man Sentenced to Federal Prison in Paycheck Protection Program Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Virginia man who laundered over $900,000 in fraudulently obtained Paycheck Protection Program loan proceeds was sentenced on July 20, 2022, to more than three years in federal prison. Benjamin Sakyi, age 31, from Dumfries, Virginia, originally from Accra, Ghana, received the prison term after a February 8, 2022 guilty plea to one count of money laundering conspiracy.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act is a federal law enacted in late March 2020 that provided emergency financial assistance, including Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) funds, to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence at Sakyi’s sentencing and other hearings showed that Sakyi received over $900,000 in fraudulently obtained CARES Act funds at three different financial institutions in the names of two Virginia corporations, Blue Flight Logistics LLC and NKB Enterprise LLC. Sakyi then transferred the funds elsewhere. Before laundering the CARES Act funds, multiple financial institutions had closed Sakyi’s accounts over the years due to his banking activity, which included over $3.5 million in incoming and outgoing financial transactions.
Sakyi received the CARES Act funds from a Northwest Iowa man, Donald Franklin Trosin. Over 20 fraudulent PPP and EIDL loan applications were submitted to the Small Business Administration in the name of Trosin and another individual at Minnesota and Iowa financial institutions. One of the applications falsely represented that Trosin had 120 employees on his payroll and over $5 million in payroll expenses when, in truth, Trosin did not operate a business at all. Trosin then transferred much of the proceeds of the fraudulently obtained loans to Sakyi, who, as indicated, transferred the funds elsewhere.
Sakyi was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Sakyi was sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $1,093,400.00 in restitution. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Trosin received a 40-month prison sentence in July 2021 for his role in the money laundering conspiracy.
“One of our utmost priorities is to ensure that CARES Act funds get to American Citizens in need. IRS:CI is committed to investigating fraud related to CARES Act programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher of IRS Criminal Investigation. “This defendant laundered over $900,000 in CARES Act funds. IRS:CI, along with our law enforcement partners, remain committed to combat and prevent this type of pandemic-related fraud.” “Attempting to defraud any SBA program undermines the spirit and true intent of uplifting the nation’s small business community,” said SBA OIG’s Central Region Special Agent in Charge Sharon Johnson. “Our Office will remain relentless in the pursuit of fraudsters who seek to exploit SBA’s vital economic programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to seeing justice served.” After the sentencing, FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “Benjamin Sakyi used the COVID pandemic to defraud the U.S. government of more than $900,000 dollars in CARES Act funds that were intended for legitimate businesses struggling to remain operational. The FBI and our federal partners will continue to protect the integrity of federal assistance funds by identifying, investigating, and bringing to justice those who use a pandemic to fill their own pockets.” Acting United States Attorney Timothy T. Duax stated, “Sakyi and Trosin callously took advantage of emergency financial assistance that Congress intended to provide to businesses struggling to stay afloat during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The district court’s sentences serve as a stark warning and deterrent to those who would be tempted to engage in similar activity.”
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.
Sakyi 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 the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-4013. The case file number for Donald Trosin’s case is 20-CR-4066.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Mason City Man Sentence to Federal Prison for Drug Conspiracy and Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
A Mason City man who was part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin with his father, and a separate conspiracy to rob two victims at gunpoint, was sentenced July 25, 2022, to 30 years in federal prison.
Antione Deandre Maxwell, age 34, from Mason City, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 9, 2021 jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, three counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of distribution of heroin; and a November 18, 2021 jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
Evidence at his drug trial showed that Antione Maxwell and his father Charleton Maxwell (who was sentenced on February 11, 2022, to more than 17 years in prison) conspired with each other and others to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin in and around Mason City between January 2018 and October 2020. Both Charleton and Antione were caught distributing methamphetamine and heroin.
Evidence at his robbery trial showed that, on November 4, 2020, Antione Maxwell, Chavee Harden (who was sentenced on July 25, 2022, to more than 12 years in prison), and another individual conspired to rob local marijuana dealers at gun point of marijuana products and drug-related proceeds. During the armed robbery, Maxwell held a gun to one of the victim’s head and threatened to kill him.
Antione Maxwell was previously convicted in federal court on August 17, 2007, of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base, and he was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment followed by a five-year term of supervised release. He discharged that sentence on June 7, 2019.
Antione Maxwell was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Antione Maxwell was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a ten-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Antione Maxwell is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
These cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jack Lammers, Patrick Reinert, and Dillan Edwards, and investigated by the North Central Iowa Drug Task Force, the Cerro Gordo Sheriff’s Office, the Mason City Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Clear Lake Police Department, the Waterloo Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file numbers are 20-CR-3044 and 21-CR-2013.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced July 15, 2022, to 64 months’ imprisonment.
Abby Bringman, 34, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty February 4, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that from January 2021 through September 2021, Bringman and others distributed more than 20 pounds of methamphetamine. On September 29, 2021, Bringman was apprehended while retrieving a five-pound package of methamphetamine that was delivered by the US Postal Service from her source of supply in California. The package had been intercepted by the US Postal Service and was covertly delivered by agents to an address in Akron, Iowa. Bringman was found in possession of the US Postal package containing methamphetamine as well as approximately 1.5 additional pounds of methamphetamine which law enforcement later seized from Bringman’s vehicle. Agents also seized more than $22,000 from Bringman and her residence. Bringman admitted that over the previous several months she had previously received several packages from her source in California containing a total 15 to 20 pounds of methamphetamine. Bringman also admitted the money seized was drug proceeds and she planned to distribute some or all of the methamphetamine to other persons.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Bringman was sentenced to 64 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 3-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Bringman remains in custody of the United States Marshal until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4079.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty to Meth ChargesRead the Press Release
Aurelio Solorio, age 37, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty July 22, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Solorio admitted that on May 24, 2021, he was stopped for suspected OWI. A search of Solorio’s vehicle revealed 90 grams of pure methamphetamine which Solorio admitted he planned to sell to other persons. Law enforcement also seized a .380 handgun from Solorio’s storage shed. Solorio was previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance in the United States District Court for South Dakota in 2011, and as a result, Solorio was under federal supervised release at the time he committed the instant offense.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Solorio remains in custody pending sentencing. Solorio faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and at least ten years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-4001.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Illinois Man Sentenced to Nearly a Decade in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed guns was sentenced to over nine years in prison on July 21, 2022, in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Dillon D. Grundman, age 23, from Inverness, Illinois, received the sentence after a January 4, 2022 guilty plea to being an unlawful drug user in possession of multiple firearms.
In a plea agreement, Grundman admitted to traveling to Iowa and possessing four firearms. In December 2020, law enforcement investigated a shooting of a residence in Waterloo, Iowa, associated with Grundman’s ex-girlfriend’s family. Prior to the shooting, Grundman sent a “snap” of the rear of the residence from his Snapchat Account. Officers later discovered a note in Grundman’s phone with directions to the residence. After the shooting, officers located Grundman and recovered shell casings in his vehicle, which were consistent with the ones recovered inside the shot-up residence. In the plea agreement, Grundman also admitted to being an unlawful user of marijuana while in possession of the firearms.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Grundman was sentenced to serve 114 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 3‑year term of supervised release following his term of incarceration. There is no parole in the federal system. Grundman remains in the custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason D. Norwood and was 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.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21‑CR‑02040.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to over Five Years in Federal Prison for Being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A prohibited person who possessed a firearm was sentenced today to 63 months in federal prison.
Rakeem Leonard, age 31, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the sentence after a February 11, 2022 guilty plea to one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. At the plea hearing, Leonard admitted that, on July 19, 2021, he possessed a Taurus 9 mm pistol after having been convicted of two felonies and while he was subject to a no contact order.
Leonard was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Leonard was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the High Risk Unit of the Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is CR 21-53.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Iowa Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Domestic AssaultRead the Press Release
A man who punched his victim repeatedly in the head and face was sentenced today to more than 3 years in federal prison.
Kiedis Oldbear, age 29, from Tama, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 27, 2022 guilty plea to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a dating partner.
Information from the case shows that, on September 28, 2021, Oldbear was parked in a car on the Meskwaki Settlement near Tama. The victim of the assault, a woman that Oldbear was dating, was with him in the car. Oldbear assaulted the victim by punching her in the head and face repeatedly, causing substantial injuries to her. The victim was eventually able to get out of the car and run for help.
Oldbear has an extensive criminal history and has been convicted of over 15 crimes as an adult. He has prior convictions for interference with official acts, operating while intoxicated, domestic abuse causing bodily injury, child endangerment, possession of a firearm as a felon, eluding, possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, assault on a police officer, and willful injury.
Oldbear was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Oldbear was sentenced to 41 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.
Oldbear 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 Lisa Williams and 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-78.
Illinois Man Sentenced to over Five Years for Illegal Possession of Firearm and 50-Round Drum MagazineRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a firearm and a high-capacity magazine was sentenced on July 20, 2022, in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Dennis Earl Williams, Jr., age 32, from Chicago, Illinois, pled guilty on January 13, 2022, to being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm.
Evidence in the record showed that Williams was traveling through Dubuque, Iowa, with a loaded Glock, Model 19, 9mm caliber pistol along with a 50‑round drum magazine. Williams had marijuana in his system during the same time frame.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Williams was sentenced to serve 57 months’ imprisonment and must serve a three‑year term of supervised release following his term of incarceration. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and Assistant United States Attorney Jason D. Norwood and was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21‑CR‑01030.
Felon Sentenced to Prison for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
A man who unlawfully possessed a firearm was sentenced July 20, 2022, to more than five years in federal prison.
Terrence Roby, Jr., age 24, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 22, 2021, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
In a plea agreement, Roby admitted that, on March 29, 2021, he knowingly possessed a firearm, a Smith and Wesson SD40 .40 caliber pistol, as a prohibited person. Roby was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was previously convicted on February 17, 2020, of attempted burglary in the second degree in the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, a felony. On March 29, Roby was a passenger in a vehicle which led officers on a high-speed chase reaching speeds of 60 mph in a 30-mph zone in a residential area. After about 5 minutes, the driver stopped the vehicle and all the occupants fled on foot. Roby ran from the vehicle carrying the pistol which he disposed of between two homes. Roby also admitted that, on July 8, 2021, he possessed a Smith and Wesson 9x19mm caliber pistol and a Kel-Tec .40 caliber rifle. These weapons were found during the execution of a search warrant at Roby’s residence.
Roby was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Roby was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Roby 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 Lisa C. Williams and investigated by the Waterloo Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 21-CR-2058.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Spencer Man Pleads Guilty to Meth Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
Kenneth Alan Block, age 35, from Spencer, Iowa, pled guilty July 19, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Block admitted that from February 2021 through September 2021, he 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 before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Block remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Block faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Spencer, Iowa Police Department and Iowa DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-4020. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Felon Who Was Armed with a Handgun When Arrested Sentenced to Six Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A 23-year-old Sioux City man who unlawfully possessed a gun was sentenced on July 7, 2022, to six years in federal prison.
Denvy Hoffman, age 23, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 8, 2022 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Evidence in the case revealed that Hoffman possessed a gun after being convicted on felony intent to deliver marijuana. During the investigation, Hoffman was apprehended on a pending felony state arrest warrant leaving a downtown Sioux City bar. An arresting officer noted the odor of marijuana emanating from Hoffman and located a loaded pistol and marijuana on Hoffman’s person. Hoffman has history of drug convictions, resisting arrest, and failures on state probation, parole and drug treatment.
Hoffman was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Hoffman was sentenced to 72 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. Hoffman 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 21-CR-04074
Kingsley Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed firearms was sentenced on July 7, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City.
Levi Dimmitt, 35, from Kingsley, Iowa, pled guilty on December 2, 2021, to being a prohibited person in possession of multiple firearms.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Dimmitt was a user of marijuana and methamphetamine, as well as a distributor, while possessing the guns. As a user of controlled substances, Dimmitt was prohibited from possessing guns. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on April 24, 2021, at a residence of Dimmitt’s in Sibley, Iowa. Inside, law enforcement located drug paraphernalia, marijuana, methamphetamine, and guns at various locations throughout the home and garage. Upon being arrested for the federal charges, Dimmitt ran a short distance from law enforcement before being apprehended.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Dimmitt was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 2-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Dimmitt 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 Sibley Police Department, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4062. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Illinois Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine while possessing a firearm pled guilty July 8, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City.
Shawn Gaston, 32, from Peru, Illinois, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
At the plea hearing, Gaston admitted from February 2020 through October 2021, he and others distributed methamphetamine across Northern Iowa and elsewhere. In October 2021, law enforcement in Clay County, Iowa attempted to effectuate a traffic stop on a vehicle Gaston was operating. Gaston led law enforcement on a lengthy high-speed pursuit with Gaston’s vehicle ultimately crashing into a creek in Dickinson County, Iowa. Gaston exited the vehicle after the crash and disposed of a firearm and methamphetamine about 20 yards from the vehicle before being apprehended. Gaston was previously convicted of at least four felony convictions, including possession of stolen property and possession of drugs. These convictions prohibit Gaston from possessing any firearm.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Gaston remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Gaston faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ with 10 years’ imprisonment on the drug convictions plus a consecutive term of 5 years’ imprisonment on the gun conviction and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,500,000 fine, and life 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.
The case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Great Lakes Drug Task Force, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Spencer Police Department, H.E.A.T., Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force, Minnesota BCA, Worthington Police Department, Wisconsin DCI, Sauk County Wisconsin Sheriff’s Office, Iowa-Grant Wisconsin Drug Task Force, Crawford County Wisconsin Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Iowa DCI Laboratory. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4094. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Vinton Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing MethRead the Press Release
A man who distributed methamphetamine was sentenced today to more than six years in federal prison.
Chad Allen Havens, age 55, from Vinton, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 23, 2022 guilty plea to two counts of distributing methamphetamine.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that, on three occasions between May 2021 and September 2021, Havens distributed a total of approximately four ounces of ice methamphetamine.
Havens was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Havens was sentenced to 78 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.
Havens 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 Attorneys Devra T. Hake and Adam J. Vander Stoep 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; the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; and the Vinton Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-77.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Felon who Used Straw Purchaser to Buy Firearm Sentenced to over Six Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who used a straw purchaser to obtain a firearm was sentenced today to more than 6 years in federal prison.
Dejswah Shaquawn Sibley, age 27, from Chicago, Illinois, received the prison term after a November 19, 2021 guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
At the guilty plea, Sibley admitted to possessing a Glock 9mm pistol while he was prohibited due to felony convictions for theft, residential burglary, and possession of a controlled substance. At sentencing, the evidence showed that Sibley used a straw purchaser to obtain a Glock 9mm pistol. On December 2, 2020, Sibley was driving in Marion, Iowa, when he was pulled over for speeding. The vehicle smelled of marijuana and law enforcement found the pistol inside the car, loaded with a 17-round magazine. Sibley later asked the straw purchaser to claim ownership of the firearm for him. At sentencing, the judge stated that Sibley, “persuaded another person to commit a federal offense and attempted to obstruct the investigation.”
Sibley was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Sibley was sentenced to 77 months’ imprisonment and fined $100. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Sibley is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Liz Dupuich and investigated by the Marion Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-20.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Man Who Possessed Methamphetamine and Firearms Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who possessed over fifteen grams of methamphetamine was sentenced July 6, 2022, to more than five years in federal prison. Kevin Kautman, age 37, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 1, 2022 guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
In a plea agreement, Kautman admitted that in December 2020, he was living in Dubuque, Iowa. Law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant for his residence. Inside Kautman’s bedroom, police located a .45 caliber pistol, a stolen shotgun, a wide variety of ammunition, over 15 grams of methamphetamine, counterfeit money, digital scales, marijuana, and other narcotic-related items. At sentencing, the evidence showed that Kautman had a lengthy criminal history with convictions for domestic abuse, assault, harassment, and violating a no contact order. Kautman also threatened his roommate with a firearm.
Kautman was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Kautman was sentenced to 66 months’ imprisonment and fined $100. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Kautman is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Liz Dupuich and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 21-cr-1028.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Fourth Felon Who Possessed Guns Found During a Search of a House in Waterloo Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
The final person charged after five guns were found during a search in Waterloo, Iowa, was sentenced July 6, 2022, to more than three years in federal prison.
William Rashad Burt, age 28, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 22, 2022 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Evidence in this case showed that, on July 6, 2021, law enforcement officers searched a residence and located four felons, including Burt, and five firearms. Officers also found evidence of marijuana trafficking. Burt was found with a revolver and $1,272 in cash. While being arrested, Burt told officers that he would obtain more guns and threatened them. Burt was previously convicted of the felony offense of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute.
Burt’s co-defendants were sentenced on June 10, 2022. Qunshaundes Davion McNealy was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. William McNealy III was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment. Sahjit Mcyle Phillips was sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment for possessing firearms and the Court revoked Phillips’ term of supervised release for a 2017 federal conviction and imposed an additional term of 10 months’ imprisonment to run consecutively to the new case for a total of 110 months’ months imprisonment.
Burt was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Burt was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
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.
Burt is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and was investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file numbers are 21-cr-2064
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Nicaraguan Man Who Used a Fraudulent Social Security Card and Permanent Resident Card Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who used false identification documents and someone else’s social security number was sentenced today to six months in federal prison.
Fernando Moreno-Moreno, age 43, a citizen of Nicaragua illegally present in the United States and residing in Postville, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 17, 2022 jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of unlawful use of identification documents and one count of misuse of a social security number.
Evidence at trial showed that Moreno-Moreno illegally entered the United States in November 2021, and after being released by immigration authorities, traveled to Iowa looking for work. Despite being told that he could not work in the United States without authorization, Moreno-Moreno used an alias name and a Social Security number assigned to another person when completing employment paperwork in January 2022 at a business in West Union, Iowa. Specifically, Moreno-Moreno presented the company with a fraudulent Lawful Permanent Resident card, also known as a “green card,” bearing the alias name and an Alien Registration number, to prove his authorization to work in the United States. The Alien Registration number on the green card was not assigned to anyone and was invalid. He also presented a Social Security card bearing his alias name but containing the social security number assigned to another person when completing state and federal tax forms. Moreno-Moreno admitted at trial that he used the alias when employed at the company between January and March 2022 but denied knowingly using another person’s identification documents.
Moreno-Moreno was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Moreno-Moreno was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Moreno-Moreno is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and was 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-2010.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Mexican Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being Deported Three TimesRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to two months in federal prison.
Marcos Espina-Cruz, age 27, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Iowa City, Iowa, received the prison term today after a guilty plea on May 20, 2022, to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Espina-Cruz admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Espina-Cruz was first deported to Mexico by immigration officials in March 2016 following a conviction in the Western District of Texas for illegal entry into the United States. He was also deported in May 2016 after being caught at the border in California and in September 2019 following his arrest on state charges in Johnson County, Iowa. On April 22, 2022, immigration officials learned Espina-Cruz had illegally returned to the United States and found Espina-Cruz at the Linn County Jail following his arrest on state charges.
Espina-Cruz was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Espina-Cruz was sentenced to 65 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.
Espina-Cruz is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-42.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Polk Alternative Education Center Mental Health Therapist Sentenced to over a Decade in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A former mental health therapist and licensed independent social worker who was employed by Polk Alternative Education Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who pursued a romantic relationship with a fourteen-year-old student from 2019 to 2020, was sentenced today to more than eleven years in federal prison.
Miranda Breeden, age 46, from Monticello, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 13, 2021 guilty plea to one count of enticement of a minor.
At the guilty plea, Breeden admitted that between November 2019 and January 2020, she knowingly enticed a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.
At the sentencing hearing, evidence was presented that messages between Breeden and the fourteen-year-old victim began in November 2019. In December 2019, Breeden agreed to purchase a firearm for the teenager and did purchase a firearm at Theisen’s. Also in December 2019, Breeden took the victim and his minor friend to her parent’s residence in Scotch Grove, Iowa, for an overnight stay where they used a hot tub, smoked marijuana, and discharged firearms. In January 2020, Breeden checked into at least two hotel rooms with the victim and his minor friends in the Cedar Rapids area, and attempted to check into a third hotel room at the Isle of Capri casino in Davenport, Iowa. During this same time period, Breeden also rented and stayed in another hotel room with the minor’s brother, and his minor friend. The investigation revealed that Breeden had sex with the minor victim while in hotel rooms, inside her personal vehicle, and during school hours in her locked office. During the above described time period, Breeden was employed as the victim’s mental health therapist at the Polk Alternative Education Center in Cedar Rapids.
At the sentencing hearing, the judge called Breeden’s behavior “horribly egregious” and stated that providing a deadly weapon to a child was both reckless and dangerous.
Breeden was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Breeden was sentenced to 135 months’ imprisonment and fined $100. She must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison erm. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Breeden 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 Liz Dupuich and Ashley Corkery and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-65.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Montana Man Sentenced in Derecho Repair SchemeRead the Press Release
A Montana man who cheated a Cedar Rapids derecho victim out of more than $15,000 was sentenced June 30, 2022, in federal court in Iowa. William Allen Hurlbut, Jr., age 57, from Belgrade, Montana, received his sentence after a February 23, 2022 guilty plea to one count of mail fraud.
The derecho was a severe windstorm that swept through Cedar Rapids on August 10, 2020. The derecho caused widespread damage and long-term power outages. In Cedar Rapids alone, over 1,000 housing units were rendered unlivable, while hundreds of additional homes and businesses suffered damage.
In a plea agreement, and at his plea and sentencing hearings, Hurlbut admitted he came to Iowa after the derecho, professing to be a handyman and doing business as “Trinity 321.” Hurlbut lacked a required contractor license but obtained a cell phone number with a local 319 area code to conduct business. Hurlbut has 16 prior adult convictions, including a prior federal felony conviction in Idaho for destruction of government property.
In September 2020, Hurlbut promised his victim, a Cedar Rapids resident, that Hurlbut would fix damage to the victim’s residence as soon as possible if the victim advanced funds to him for that purpose. The derecho had caused more than $10,000 worth of damage to the victim’s residence, including damage to the roof and the siding, fences, and the interior of the home. Hurlbut’s victim was using a wheelchair on account of physical disabilities.
Instead of repairing the derecho damage to the victim’s residence, Hurlbut spent insurance funds advanced to Hurlbut for the repair costs on gambling and personal items and expenses. Hurlbut made false statements to his victim about the status of the project and made purchases at a home improvement store on
the false pretense that he was buying materials to complete the project. Hurlbut then returned the items for a cash refund, which he used for his own purposes. The investigation revealed that, over a two-week period in October 2020, Hurlbut spent at least $22,532.50 gambling at an Iowa casino.
On January 25, 2021, Hurlbut had a tow truck tow the victim’s vehicle from the victim’s backyard to a junkyard without purchasing it from the victim or getting his permission. In February, Hurlbut convinced his victim to loan him $1,000 for lodging and food, which Hurlbut never repaid. Through March 2021, Hurlbut performed little to no work on the project despite the fact that the victim had advanced more than $10,000 to Hurlbut for the repairs.
Hurlbut was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Hurlbut was sentenced to 14 months and 12 days imprisonment, which represented the amount of time he has spent in federal and state custody since his arrest, and up to 180 days in a halfway house upon his release. He was ordered to make $15,892.79 in restitution to his victim. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Hurlbut is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he is released to the halfway house.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and investigated by 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-16.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Fayette Drug Dealer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
A man that possessed firearms in connection with marijuana distribution was sentenced June 30, 2022, to more than five years in federal prison.
Kaleb James Huffman, age 23, from Fayette, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 28, 2021 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a drug user.
Evidence disclosed at sentencing showed that, on December 4, 2020, law enforcement searched Huffman’s residence and seized a Mossberg 715T, .22 LR caliber rifle with an obliterated serial number, a Raven Arms P-25, .25 Auto caliber pistol, and at least two pounds of marijuana, all in the same bedroom. Law enforcement also located evidence of marijuana use throughout the residence. A later search of Huffman’s social media accounts revealed pictures and videos of Huffman smoking marijuana, advertising the sale of marijuana, and possessing large sums of cash.
Huffman was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Huffman was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Huffman 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 Fayette Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-02045-CJW.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Milford Man Pleads Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Justin Haubrich, 46, from Milford, pled guilty June 28, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Haubrich admitted that from May 2018 through January 2019, he was involved in a conspiracy that distributed at least five pounds 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 guns during his drug trafficking activities.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Haubrich remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Haubrich faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by 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.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jesse Chavez, 43, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty June 28, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In 2015, Chavez was convicted of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance in Iowa District Court.
At the plea hearing, Chavez admitted that between September 2021 and December 2021, he was involved in a conspiracy that distributed over a pound of meth 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 before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Chavez remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. On Count 1, Chavez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and on Count 2, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment. Chavez faces a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $28,000,000 fine, and at least ten years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by 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.
Mexican Man Sentenced to Prison for Document FraudRead the Press Release
A man who used a false identification document and someone else’s social security number was sentenced today to ten months in federal prison.
Alvaro Ortiz-Camarillo, age 25, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Postville, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 13, 2022, guilty plea to one count of unlawful use of an identification document and one count of misuse of a social security number.
At the guilty plea, Ortiz-Camarillo admitted he used a fraudulent Social Security card bearing someone else’s name and Social Security number when he completed employment and tax forms in July 2021 at a business in Lime Springs, Iowa. On the employment application, Ortiz-Camarillo falsely claimed to be a United States citizen. However, Ortiz-Camarillo has been deported to Mexico in April 2014, January 2019, April 2020, two times in July 2020, and October 2020 and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government after each removal. Ortiz-Camarillo was also convicted in the Northern District of Iowa in April 2020 of illegal reentry into the United States after deportation and sentenced to 104 days’ imprisonment.
Ortiz-Camarillo was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Ortiz-Camarillo 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.
Ortiz-Camarillo 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 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 21-CR-2071.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Dubuque School System Administrator and Elementary School Principal Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A former private school administrator and elementary school principal, who stole over $500,000 from the school system at which he worked, was sentenced on June 28, 2022, to more than three years in federal prison.
Todd Charles Wessels, age 50, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 1, 2021 guilty plea to one count of wire fraud. In his plea agreement, and at a sentencing hearing, Wessels admitted he was the Curriculum and Technology Director for a private, religious, not-for-profit school district in Dubuque. Wessels was responsible for ensuring that the school district met the technology needs of approximately 1,800 students at its high school, middle school, and elementary schools. Before 2016, Wessels also served in a dual role as the principal of one of the elementary schools.
Beginning sometime prior to June 2011, and continuing into early 2020, Wessels devised and executed a scheme to make purchases for his own benefit with the school district’s funds. Wessels made purchases of pre-paid debit cards using the school district’s store credit cards at area businesses upon the false and fraudulent pretense that he needed funds for “apps” for students’ computers. Wessels then electronically transferred the balances of the pre-paid debit cards to another account that he controlled at PayPal, Inc., an electronic payment transfer system based in California. Wessels had, without the school district’s knowledge, falsely and fraudulent opened the PayPal account in the school district’s name but under the handle “WENWESS”. Finally, Wessels provided the school district receipts for the purchases of the pre-paid debit cards on the false and fraudulent pretense that the use of the store credit cards was for legitimate purchases. Wessels also sold the school district’s computer equipment on third-party Internet websites without its knowledge or permission.
Based on available records, Wessels admitted he stole over $500,000 as a part of his scheme. Due to a lack of a written inventory and lack of records before 2011, however, the full extent of his scheme remains unknown. The school district hired Wessels in 2001, and he was one of its highest paid employees, earning nearly $100,000 at the time the scheme was discovered. During the time that Wessels was perpetuating his scheme against the school district, the school district was experiencing financial difficulties and closing a number of schools as a result.
In July 2019, a new chief administrator at the school district began looking into Wessels’s spending practices. Wessels repeatedly lied to administrators and submitted fraudulent invoices and receipts to them in order to conceal his scheme to defraud. At meetings in January and February 2020, Wessels provided hardcopy versions of false, fraudulent, and fictitious spreadsheets purporting to show the apps he had purchased. In truth, Wessels had made hundreds of purchases for food, hotel stays and other travel-related expenses for himself and his family, tickets to off-Broadway shows, new pools each year, and expensive electronics such as a virtual reality headset, robots, and Apple televisions. When law enforcement began investigating Wessels, he repeatedly lied to law enforcement officers and hid stolen items in his house during a search.
Wessels was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Wessels was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make restitution in the amount of $503,539 and also to repay $3,927 in legal fees that his victim incurred during the course of the investigation. Wessels 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 found that Wessels’s fraud was a “systemic, calculated fleecing of the school district.” Judge Williams also observed that Wessels had not attempted to repay a cent of restitution to his victim since admitting guilt in November.
Wessels was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-1031.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Participation in Violent Marijuana RobberyRead the Press Release
A man who participated in an armed robbery during a drug robbery in which a marijuana dealer was shot was sentenced June 28, 2022, to five years in federal prison.
Cortez Riggins, age 20, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 4, 2022 guilty plea to one count of robbery affecting interstate commerce.
Evidence at a prior hearing and information at sentencing showed that in October 2020, Riggins arranged to buy marijuana from another individual, the eventual victim. Riggins then drove three coconspirators to the purported deal. One of Riggins’s coconspirators entered the victim’s apartment to conduct the drug deal, but instead produced a firearm and demanded the drugs. A shot was fired and Riggins and the other coconspirators kicked in the apartment door and entered. The victim was shot at least five times in the upper torso by Riggins’s coconspirators. While the victim was laying on the floor, bleeding and unconscious, Riggins stole a PlayStation video game system, kicked the victim in the head, and took a designer belt off the victim’s body. Despite sustaining severe injuries from the attack, the victim survived.
Riggins was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. At the sentencing, the judge commented that it was “remarkable” that the victim survived the attack. The judge also noted that Riggins’s actions in kicking the unconscious, bleeding, and likely dying victim were “callous, heartless, thoughtless, [and] cruel.” Riggins was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Riggins is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Williams.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-00058‑CJW.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man to Federal Prison for Distributing MethRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced to over 10 years in federal prison on June 24, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City.
William Thompson, 62, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty on February 8, 2022, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Thompson was previously convicted of possession of methamphetamine and unlawful user/felon in possession of a firearm in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, in 2000. Thompson was also convicted of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance as a habitual offender in the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County in 2011.
Evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that between 2019 and June 8, 2021, Thompson and others who worked at the Madonna Rose Café participated in the distribution of approximately 10 pounds methamphetamine. On four separate occasions between April and May 2021, Thompson distributed methamphetamine out of the Café to individuals cooperating with law enforcement. In June 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Café building and seized approximately one pound methamphetamine from Thompson. Thompson agreed to plead guilty to his conspiracy, but arrived for his first scheduled change of plea hearing under the influence of methamphetamine.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Thompson was sentenced to 126 months’ imprisonment and must serve a term of five years of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Thompson 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 Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4066.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Leader of Large Cedar Rapids Heroin and Fentanyl Ring Uncovered by Wiretap Pleads Guilty to Six Federal CrimesRead the Press Release
A man who led a multi-year heroin and fentanyl distribution ring pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Brian Jarell Dennis, age 32, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin, four counts of distributing controlled substances (heroin, fentanyl, and another synthetic form of fentanyl called acetyl fentanyl), and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
At the plea hearing, Dennis admitted that he conspired to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin between 2017 and June 2021. He also admitted that, in early June 2021, he possessed a firearm after he had previously been convicted of a felony. Dennis also admitted to personally distributing substances containing heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl on four occasions in December 2020 and January 2021.
Evidence presented at prior hearings showed that during the early part of 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration in Cedar Rapids initiated a wiretap investigation into Dennis’s drug distribution ring. That evidence showed that during the months of the wiretap, Dennis employed intermediaries whom he supplied with purported heroin (which almost always also contained fentanyl or another synthetic opioid) to distribute to customers. Several of those customers regularly distributed that purported heroin to other individuals.
Seven other individuals, Cody Scott Deklotz, Andrew James Lehman, Jerry Dwayne Banghart, Melinda Salvatora Werning, Thomas Nathaniel May, and Demico Demon Irvin, previously pled guilty to the heroin conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing. Ryan Rick Schlitter was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment for his role in the conspiracy. Three other individuals charged in the same indictment are still pending trial.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Dennis remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Dennis faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $14,250,000 fine, and a lifetime of supervised release following any imprisonment.
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.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Le Mars Man to Federal Prison for Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed firearms, stored them for a convicted felon, and provided a false statement to a firearms dealer was sentenced June 24, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City to more than three years in federal prison.
Jason Blau, 46, from Le Mars, Iowa, pled guilty on February 10, 2022, to being a drug user in possession of firearms and providing a false statement to a federal firearms dealer.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that Blau was a daily user of methamphetamine. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Blau’s residence in January of 2021, and seized drug user paraphernalia, methamphetamine, thousands of rounds of ammunition and 17 guns, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns. Blau had obtained guns and ammunition from Robert Hansen, and stored them for Hansen, who was a convicted felon. Blau had previously straw-purchased (with a false statement) two AR-15 rifles for Hansen. Hansen asked Blau to purchase and store guns because Hansen was prohibited from doing so due to his criminal history.
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.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Blau was sentenced to 45 months’ imprisonment and must serve a term of three years of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Blau remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Sioux County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4053.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Storm Lake Man Sentenced to 8 years in Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm and Ammunition PossessionRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a stolen firearm and ammunition was sentenced on June 23, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City.
Leonard Weimer, 46, from Storm Lake, Iowa, pled guilty on January 6, 2022, to illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. Weimer was previously convicted of multiple felony offenses including Terrorism, where Weimer shot at two police vehicles occupied by deputies. Weimer’s prior felony convictions prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
At the sentencing hearing, evidence showed that defendant possessed a total of seven guns, four of which were stolen during a felony burglary. On April 2, 2021, Storm Lake law enforcement stopped a vehicle driven by Leonard Weimer for a traffic violation. Law enforcement ultimately found a small amount of methamphetamine in Weimer’s pocket, ammunition, and a .22 rifle that was stolen from Weimer’s ex-wife. Additionally, on May 19, 2021, as part of a theft investigation, law enforcement located a stolen 12-gauge shotgun in a separate vehicle owned by Weimer. Law enforcement then searched the residence belonging to Weimer’s ex-girlfriend, where Weimer would stay at times. There, a .380 handgun was recovered that was previously given by Weimer to his then nine-year-old son. Weimer’s ex-girlfriend later located four guns and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition hidden behind a false wall in a room where Weimer kept his belongings. Those firearms and ammunition had been reported stolen from the home of another person associated with Weimer.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Weimer was sentenced to 8 years’ imprisonment and must serve a term of 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Weimer remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office, Storm Lake Police Department, Sac County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4058. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Fire/Rescue Call Leads to Sioux City Man Being Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing a Handgun as a FelonRead the Press Release
A man who was secretly armed with a loaded gun while arguing with another and falling into a window was sentenced June 22, 2022, to more than a year in federal prison.
James King, age 44, from Sioux City, received the prison term after a guilty plea to one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence in this case revealed on August 1, 2020, King was secretly armed with a loaded handgun while arguing with another. When King fell into a window and injured himself, Sioux City, Iowa Fire/Rescue responded, found King to have a severe cut to his right arm, and to be in possession of the firearm. King had been disarmed by law enforcement in 2018 as well.
King has a lengthy, but dated, criminal history including misdemeanor conviction for aggravated assault and two serious drug offenses.
King was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. King was sentenced to 16 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.
King is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the DEA and the Sioux City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-4050.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Dubuque Felon Sent Back to Federal Prison for Domestic AbuseRead the Press Release
A Dubuque man who displayed a baseball bat during an argument with his girlfriend was sentenced on June 21, 2022, to 18 months in federal prison. John Michael Gronen, age 24, received the prison term after he admitted that he repeatedly violated the terms of his supervised release from federal prison, including by committing new law violations of domestic abuse. At the time of the domestic abuse incident, Gronen was serving a three-year term of supervised release that followed his release from federal prison in 2020. Gronen had pled guilty in 2017 to making a false declaration before a grand jury and received a 27-month prison sentence. He started his three-year supervised release term in late 2020.
Evidence presented at the supervised release hearing showed that, on June 1, 2022, Dubuque Police Department officers responded to a phone call from Gronen’s girlfriend. During the call, Gronen’s girlfriend repeatedly pleaded with him to put down a baseball bat that he was holding.
After the officers arrested Gronen, he made a number of calls from local jails asking two other persons to relay messages to the victim and also to encourage the victim to change her story about the bat. During the supervised release hearing, however, Gronen admitted he displayed the bat during the argument.
Gronen was drinking hard liquor at the time of the domestic incident, which was a violation of the terms of his supervised release. He broke a window during the argument and knocked over a chair in which the victim was sitting. Previously, Gronen was also arrested for other alcohol-related offenses while on supervised release, including drunk driving and public intoxication.
Gronen was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. During the revocation hearing, the judge referred to Gronen as an “extreme danger to the community.” Gronen was sentenced to 18 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.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek with the assistance of the Dubuque Police Department. At the revocation hearing, Judge Reade commended the Dubuque Police Department’s procedures for investigating domestic violence cases.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-31-LRR.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, and Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
A woman who distributed heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, pled guilty today.
Marsha C. Dismukes, age 54, from Ford Heights, Illinois, was convicted of 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. In 2020, Dismukes set up a transaction involving heroin and fentanyl. Dismukes later distributed heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Dismukes was taken into custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Dismukes faces a possible maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $2 million, and a minimum of six years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and is being 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.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Multiple-Time Convicted Felon Sentenced to Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a Gun Found in His HomeRead the Press Release
A man who had previously been convicted of committing multiple crimes involving guns was sentenced today to two years in federal prison.
Kalon Deon Bruce, age 29, from Atlanta, Georgia, received the prison term after a December 6, 2021 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.
In June 2021, Bruce possessed a gun that was recovered by the Waterloo Police Department during a search of the home where he was living in Waterloo, Iowa. Bruce had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including two convictions for interference with official acts while in possession of a firearm, theft, trafficking in stolen weapons, and eluding.
Bruce was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Bruce was sentenced to 24 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. Bruce is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and was investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and the Cedar Falls Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-cr-2063.Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Ellsworth Man Arrested on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Bryan Ross, 25, from Ellsworth, Iowa, was arrested at his home yesterday on a federal arrest warrant by federal officials with the help of local law enforcement. Mr. Ross has been charged with five counts of child pornography offenses. The charges are contained in an Indictment filed on June 8, 2022, in United States District Court in Sioux City.
The Indictment alleges that, from about July 2019, through August 2021, Ross sexually exploited two minors, as well as received, possessed, and distributed child pornography.
If convicted on all charges, Ross faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Mr. Ross appeared in federal court in Sioux City today for an arraignment. He pleaded not guilty, and a jury trial is set to begin August 15, 2022. He is being detained until trial.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit and was investigated by Department of Homeland Security.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-3016. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Multiple Felons Sentenced to Federal Prison After All Being Caught in a House with Five GunsRead the Press Release
Three Waterloo men who were found in a house with five guns and another felon were sentenced on June 10, 2022, to federal prison. The fourth man is set to be sentenced next month.
All four individuals, Qunshaundes Davion McNealy, age 27, William McNealy III, age 22, Sahjit Mcyle Phillips, age 23, and William Rashad Burt, age 28, all from Waterloo, Iowa, each pled to being a felon in possession of at least one firearm. Evidence in this case showed that, on July 6, 2021, law enforcement officers conducted a search at a residence in Waterloo and located all four individuals along with five guns and evidence of marijuana trafficking.
Qunshaundes Davion McNealy was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. In sentencing Qunshaundes McNealy, the court found he possessed a firearm with an extended magazine, possessed at least three firearms, including a stolen firearm, and that he possessed the firearms in connection with offenses of possessing marijuana with the intent to deliver and carrying weapons. He has multiple prior convictions, including Burglary, Assault Domestic Causing Bodily Injury, Assault Causing Serious Injury, and Harassment.
William McNealy III was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. In sentencing William McNealy, the court found he possessed a firearm with an extended magazine, possessed more than three firearms, including two stolen firearms, and that he possessed the firearms in connection with the offense of carrying weapons. At the time of his arrest, he was on parole for a 2017 conviction for Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon from Black Hawk County.
Sahjit Mcyle Phillips was sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. In sentencing Phillips, the court found he possessed a firearm with an extended magazine, possessed more than three firearms, including a stolen firearm, and that he possessed the firearms in connection with the offense of carrying weapons. Phillips was on parole for a 2017 conviction for Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon from Black Hawk County and was on supervised release on a 2017 federal conviction for Theft of a Firearm from a Licensee. The court revoked Phillips’ term of supervised release in the 2017 federal conviction and imposed an additional term of 10 months’ imprisonment to run consecutively to the new case for a total of 110 months’ months imprisonment.
All three men were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. There is no parole in the federal system.
William Rashad Burt is currently set for sentencing before Judge Williams on July 6, 2022, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
All four men are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and was investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file numbers are 21-cr-2064 and 17-cr-2001.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Gary Man Sentenced to 37 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Jalen Sanders, 19 years old, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea of guilty to possessing a machinegun, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.
Sanders was sentenced to 37 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, a few days after a shooting incident, in July 2021, law enforcement discovered that Sanders had made a Snapchat video showing him displaying firearms; one appeared to be a machinegun. A subsequent search warrant of Sanders’ home revealed a Glock firearm that had been modified to be a fully automatic weapon with a conversion device known as a “Glock Switch”. The firearm was also equipped with a 50 round drum magazine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin M. Padula.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, 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.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Antwoine Johnson, 29, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty June 14, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City, to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Evidence at the plea hearing showed that on January 23, 2022, the Sioux City Police Department stopped Johnson for a traffic violation. Law enforcement detected the smell of marijuana emanating from the car. During a subsequent search of the car, Officers found a 9mm firearm in the void between the driver’s seat and console. Officers also found approximately 120 grams of marijuana in four separate baggies in the center console. Johnson was a convicted felon, previously convicted of felony burglary third degree in 2016, and was an unlawful user of marijuana, both of which prohibited him from legally possessing any firearm.
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.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Johnson remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Johnson faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Sioux City Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-4019.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.