Northern District of Iowa
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Spencer, Iowa Man, Who Twice Illegally Possessed Firearms, Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed two separate guns, on two separate occasions, was sentenced, June 3, 2022, to more than 8 years in federal prison.
Demetrius Wright, 41, from Spencer, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 19, 2021, guilty plea to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
Evidence in the case revealed Wright, on two occasions in 2021, illegally possessed two different guns, a Glock .22 Caliber semi-automatic handgun and a Smith and Wesson, M&P 15-22, .22 LR Caliber semi-automatic handgun.
This after Wright had been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence in January 2017, and while he was subject to two different protection orders, issued in Iowa and Florida. Each of these prohibitions prohibited Wright from lawfully possessing firearms.
On April 23, 2021, in Spencer, Iowa Wright possessed the Smith and Wesson, M&P 15-22, .22 LR caliber pistol after it was “straw purchased” for him by another person. Wright then used it in an attempt to threaten another person by making a threatening video with the firearm.
On or about August 1, 2021, in Sioux City, Iowa Wright possessed the Glock .22 Caliber semi-automatic handgun after another person used it to commit a shooting in an apparent effort to conceal it from law enforcement investigating the shooting.
Wright was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Wright was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve 36 months of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Wright is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Spencer, Iowa Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department, the Clay and Woodbury County Attorneys’ Offices, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Iowa Department of Public Safety: Division of Narcotics Enforcement. 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 21-4071. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Mexican Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being Twice DeportedRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced June 10, 2022 to almost three months in federal prison.
Hector Vasquez-Vasquez, age 36, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Tama County, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea on April 11, 2022, to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Vasquez-Vasquez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. In March 2005 Vasquez-Vasquez was arrested in Florida on drug charges using an alias and was convicted in June 2005 of felony possession of cocaine and marijuana. Vasquez-Vasquez was first deported to Mexico by immigration officials in October 2007. In January 2018, Vasquez-Vasquez was returned to Mexico after illegally reentering the United States. He was again formally deported to Mexico in October 2018 following his arrest by immigration officers in the United States. On March 8, 2022, immigration officers learned Vasquez-Vasquez had illegally returned to the United States and found Vasquez-Vasquez at the Tama County Jail following his arrest on state charges.
Vasquez-Vasquez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Vasquez-Vasquez was sentenced to 86 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Vasquez-Vasquez 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-24.
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Waterloo Man Sentenced to over Seven Years in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A felon who possessed a firearm was sentenced on June 9, 2022, to 87 months in federal prison.
Dewon Campbell, age 23, of Waterloo received the sentence after a November 3, 2021 guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. At the plea hearing, Campbell admitted that, on March 29, 2021, he knowingly possessed a pistol after having been convicted of a felony offense.
Campbell was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Campbell was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case 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 Lisa Williams 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.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 21-2056.
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Oelwein Man Found Guilty of Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A man who sold methamphetamine twice was convicted by a jury on June 9, 2022, after a three-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Justin Michael Buehler, age 39, from Oelwein, Iowa, was convicted of two counts of distribution of methamphetamine. The verdict was returned after about two hours of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that Buehler was distributing methamphetamine to an employee at his workplace. In January 2019, law enforcement agents coordinated with the employee to set up two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Buehler’s home. The agents surveilled the purchases and the purchases were also audio recorded. Buehler had a prior state conviction for his involvement with methamphetamine in 2007.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Buehler remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Buehler faces a possible maximum sentence of up to life in prison without the possibility of parole, a fine of up to $8,000,000, and up to a lifetime of supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Dorval Norwood and Patrick J. Reinert. The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 22-CR-2006.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to Five Years in Prison After Getting Caught with a Gun During a Traffic StopRead the Press Release
A convicted felon who was caught with marijuana and a gun during a traffic stop was sentenced June 8, 2022, to five years in federal prison.
Cameron Hatcher, age 29, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 2, 2021, guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence from the plea and sentencing hearings showed that on May 2, 2021, Hatcher was stopped by an officer from the Dubuque Police Department because Hatcher was barred from driving. A police K9 alerted to the odor of drugs coming from Hatcher’s car. Officers searched the car and found marijuana and a loaded 9mm handgun. Hatcher was prohibited from possessing guns because he was convicted of the felony offense of possessing marijuana with the intent to sell it in 2016.
After catching Hatcher with the gun in his car, law enforcement officers reviewed Hatcher’s social media posts. In two videos, Hatcher could be seen with guns. In one of the videos, Hatcher is seen with a Smith and Wesson, M&P 15, 5.56x45mm rifle and a black handgun that was different from the handgun found in his car during the traffic stop.
Hatcher was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Hatcher 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.
Hatcher is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the 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-1022.
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Waterloo Man Sentenced to over Nine Years in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A felon who possessed a firearm was sentenced today to 114 months in federal prison.
Lloyd James Allen III, age 29, of Waterloo received the sentence after a January 6, 2022 guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. At the plea hearing, Allen admitted that, on February 7, 2021, he knowingly possessed a pistol after having been convicted of three crimes punishable by more than one year of imprisonment. At the sentencing hearing, evidence was introduced that defendant possessed firearms on two other occasions in 2020 and 2021.
Allen was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Allen was sentenced to 114 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 Ashley Corkery and was investigated by the Waterloo Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is CR 21-2067.
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Man Previously Convicted of Second-Degree Murder Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Unlawful Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
A man who was previously convicted of second-degree murder in state court pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids to unlawfully possessing a gun and ammunition.
Johnny Blahnik Church, f/k/a Drew Alan Blahnik, age 35, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of possessing a firearm while being an unlawful user of methamphetamine and cocaine.
At the plea hearing, Blahnik admitted that, in February 2019, he possessed a Glock .40 caliber handgun and multiple rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. Blahnik also admitted that at the time he possessed this gun and ammunition, he was prohibited from doing so because he was a knowing user of both cocaine and methamphetamine.
In July 2021, Blahnik was convicted after a trial in the Iowa District Court for Linn County of second-degree murder, obstruction of justice, and abuse of a corpse related to the December 2018 death of Chris Bagley. In December 2021, Blahnik was sentenced to 57 years in Iowa state prison as a result of these convictions.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Blahnik remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Blahnik faces a possible maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and was investigated by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Agency.
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 19-CR-30.
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Cedar Rapids Woman Who Sold $1,000 Worth of Heroin and Fentanyl Sentenced to over Seven MonthsRead the Press Release
A woman who sold heroin and fentanyl in Cedar Rapids was sentenced today to over seven months in federal prison.
Ladonna Cynthia Givens, age 33, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 1, 2021 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
In a plea agreement, Givens admitted that she agreed with another person to distribute heroin on multiple occasions in January 2021. Givens admitted that the other person would receive orders from drug customers, but that Givens would arrive at the meeting location and distribute the drugs. She also admitted that on two occasions in January 2021, Givens sold $500 worth of purported heroin, which was later determined to contain both heroin and fentanyl.
Givens was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Givens was sentenced to seven months and fourteen 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.
Because Givens has already served seven months and fourteen days in custody pending sentencing, following her sentence she was released to the supervised release portion of her sentence.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and 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‑00033‑CJW‑MAR.
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California Man to Federal Prison for Iowa Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A California man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced June 3, 2022, to more than five years in federal prison.
Felton Fitzgerald, 52, from Orange, California, received the prison term after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine on this same date.
Evidence at the combined plea and sentencing hearings showed that Fitzgerald was involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than 22 kilograms of methamphetamine from June 2017 through August 2019. Defendant was the broker between California sources of supply and a Sioux City, Iowa drug trafficking organization led by three-time convicted federal felon, Melroy Johnson Sr. The Johnson organization obtained methamphetamine and cocaine via bulk transportation and the mail.
Fitzgerald was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Fitzgerald was sentenced to 67 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. Fitzgerald is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the United States Postal Service, and the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office, and the Cypress (CA) Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-4065. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Defendants Plead Guilty in Cedar Rapids Heroin Wiretap InvestigationRead the Press Release
Two men who conspired to distribute heroin in Cedar Rapids pled guilty on June 2, 2022, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Thomas Nathaniel May, age 27, from Iowa City, Iowa, and Demico Demon Irvin, age 30, from Chicago, Illinois, were each convicted of one count of conspiring to distribute heroin. May admitted to conspiring to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin.
Evidence at a prior hearing showed that, during an early 2021 wiretap investigation involving a large-scale heroin distributor in Cedar Rapids named Brian Dennis, May was identified as one of the top callers to Dennis’s phone. May was typically purchasing at least 3.5 grams of heroin and upwards of 10.5 grams of heroin per day from Dennis and his associates, totaling well over 100 grams in a six-week period. In April 2021, May was arrested after meeting with Dennis and found in possession of 7.39 grams of a substance containing heroin, fentanyl, and synthetic opioids acetyl fentanyl, parafluorofentanyl and metonitazene.
In a plea agreement, Irvin admitted that he conspired to distribute heroin with Dennis and others. Irvin admitted that he obtained heroin from Dennis, which he then sold to various customers for multiple months in 2020. In September 2020, Irvin’s apartment and vehicle were searched by Cedar Rapids police. Irvin was found in possession of 32 baggies of purported heroin packaged for sale. The substance was later determined to weigh 14.86 grams and found to contain fentanyl, and not heroin. Irvin admitted to selling between 80 and 100 grams of heroin for Dennis.
Four other individuals, Cody Scott Deklotz, Andrew James Lehman, Jerry Dwayne Banghart, and Melinda Salvatora Werning, 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. Four other individuals charged in the same indictment, including Dennis, are still pending trial.
Sentencings before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after presentence reports are prepared. May and Irvin remain in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. May faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $2,000,000 fine, and a lifetime term of supervised release following any imprisonment. Irvin faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and a lifetime term of imprisonment following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21‑CR‑32‑CJW.
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Guatemalan Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being DeportedRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to one year in federal prison.
Juan Raymundo-Perez, age 34, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea on February 28, 2022, to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
In a plea agreement, Raymundo-Perez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. In June 2017, Raymundo-Perez was convicted in the Northern District of Iowa of using a fraudulent permanent resident card and a fraudulent Social Security card with numbers assigned to other people to illegally obtain employment in Dubuque. Illegal aliens are not authorized to work in the United States. Raymundo-Perez was deported to Guatemala by immigration officials in July 2017. He claimed to have illegally re-entered the United States through Texas in April 2021. On November 8, 2021, immigration officials learned Raymundo-Perez had illegally returned to the United States and found Raymundo-Perez at the Dubuque County Jail following his arrest on state charges. Further investigation by immigration officials showed that Raymundo-Perez again used a fraudulent permanent resident card and a fraudulent Social Security card with numbers assigned to other people to illegally obtain employment in Dubuque using an alias in April 2021.
Raymundo-Perez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Raymundo-Perez was sentenced to imprisonment of 12 months and one day. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Raymundo-Perez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-1035.
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Man Who Sexually Abused Sleeping Woman Convicted at TrialRead the Press Release
A man who sexually abused a sleeping woman was convicted by a jury today after a two-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Robin Roberts, age 67, from the Meskwaki Settlement was convicted of sexual abuse. The verdict was returned this afternoon following about ninety minutes of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that on July 8, 2021, the victim went to Roberts’ residence and spent the night. The next day, the victim woke up to Roberts’ performing oral sex on her. The victim never consented to the sex and Roberts began the sex act while she was sleeping and not capable of consent.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Roberts remains in custody of the United States Marshal and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Roberts faces a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa C. Williams and Liz Dupuich and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Meskwaki Nation Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-0060.
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Georgia Man Who Assaulted an Airport Security Agent Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who was caught taking marijuana and over $37,000 in cash through the Eastern Iowa Airport security screening was sentenced today to two months in federal prison and fined $2,000.
Andre Burns, age 38, from Atlanta, Georgia, received the prison term after a February 1, 2022 guilty plea to interfering with airport security.
Information disclosed at sentencing showed that Burns was flying out of the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on June 16, 2019. While he was going through the airport security checkpoint, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents discovered approximately 35 grams of marijuana and an envelope containing $37,723 in cash in Burns’ luggage. Burns grabbed some of the cash from the agents and then ran from the security checkpoint. As he was running, Burns struck a TSA agent in the stomach, causing a contusion and requiring the agent to go to the hospital. Burns then ran from the airport and into a cornfield across the street. Officers from the Cedar Rapids Police Department located and arrested him in the cornfield.
Burns was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Burns was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment and fined $2,000. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Burns 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 Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Transportation Security Administration.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-80.
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Repeat Offender Sentenced to Prison Following Third Drug Related ConvictionRead the Press Release
A man with a prior federal drug conviction was sentenced May 25, 2022 to five years in federal prison.
Gary Alan Happel, age 60, from Ladora, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 15, 2021 guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
At the guilty plea, Happel admitted that, in January 2021, he was in possession of methamphetamine that he intended to distribute to others. Happel was driving a vehicle and was stopped for speeding. Officers recovered over a half pound of methamphetamine on his person. Happel has a prior federal conviction from 1997 for conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and a conviction in 2010 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in Utah.
Happel was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Happel was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment and fined $20,000. He must also serve a ten-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Happel is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Iowa State Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-cr-37.
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Oelwein Man with Extensive Criminal History Sentenced to Federal Prison for Selling DrugsRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to deal methamphetamine was sentenced May 25, 2022, to more than 15 years in federal prison.
David Alan Tafolla, age 55, from Oelwein, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 9, 2021 guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
In a plea agreement, Tafolla admitted that he was involved in drug trafficking from October 2020 to May 2021. Tafolla admitted selling methamphetamine on four occasions during April and May 2021. Law enforcement officers searched Tafolla’s home in May 2021 and recovered methamphetamine, marijuana, and $36,473 in cash that represented drug proceeds. Tafolla has previous convictions in more than twenty cases including assaults, going armed with intent, burglary, violations of no contact orders, and stalking.
Tafolla was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Tafolla was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Tafolla is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Devra Hake and Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Oelwein Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, and Iowa Division of Intelligence.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-cr-02044.
Cedar Rapids Drug Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids drug dealer with 59 prior adult convictions was sentenced May 24, 2022, to more than 13 years in federal prison.
Kyle Anthony Doolin, age 61, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 26, 2021 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance near a protected location after having previously been convicted of a felony drug offense.
Information disclosed at sentencing showed that, on July 24, 2020, officers with the Cedar Rapids Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Doolin’s vehicle. As an officer attempted to initiate the traffic stop, Doolin drove away and a car chase ensued. Doolin turned into a driveway of a house, struck a wooden fence, and then fled on foot. After a short foot pursuit, Doolin was taken into custody with the assistance of a trained law enforcement K9. In the immediate area around where Doolin was taken into custody, law enforcement recovered several baggies containing a total of over 26 grams of ice methamphetamine. Officers also recovered methamphetamine and heroin from Doolin’s person. Prior to July 24, 2020, Doolin had previously been convicted 59 times, including a prior federal conviction for a drug-related offense.
Doolin was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Doolin was sentenced to 157 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve an eight-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Doolin is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-00088.
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Man Sentenced to Statutory Maximum for Shooting that Injured Two IndividualsRead the Press Release
A man who shot at a car injuring two people was sentenced today to ten years in federal prison.
Dai’Sean Dupree Battles, age 30, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 19, 2021 guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence in the case established that Battles and his girlfriend were involved in an altercation with another individual at a home in Waterloo. That individual left the residence with two others and Battles and his girlfriend followed in their vehicle. As they drove through downtown Waterloo, Battles took a firearm and discharged at least three rounds at the vehicle striking the driver and the backseat passenger. The backseat passenger suffered serious bodily injury.
Battles was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. At the sentencing, Judge Williams commented that Battles presented an “extreme danger to the community.” Battles was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case 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.
Battles is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams 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 number is 21-CR-2034.
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Canadian Man Pleads Guilty to Pseudoephedrine Importation ChargesRead the Press Release
A Canadian man who unlawfully imported pseudoephedrine from Canada into the United States and Australia during 2011 and 2012 pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Joseph Damgajian, age 42, from Laval, Quebec, Canada, was convicted of one count of using the United States and Canadian mail systems to distribute pseudoephedrine, one count of unlawfully importing pseudoephedrine into the United States, and one count of making false customs declarations to illegally import pseudoephedrine into the United States.
In a plea agreement, Damgajian admitted that, during 2011 and 2012, he was selling pseudoephedrine on the Internet. A methamphetamine lab search in July 2011 identified Damgajian as a source for pseudoephedrine, a chemical used to manufacture methamphetamine. Damgajian sold over 3 kilograms of pseudoephedrine through an online market. He hid the pseudoephedrine in vitamin bottles that he resealed in an effort to avoid the seizure of the substances by customs officials. Agents in the United States purchased pseudoephedrine from Damgajian and coordinated with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who seized additional packages of pseudoephedrine Damgajian was illegally sending from Canada to other countries, including the United States and Australia.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Damgajian remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Damgajian faces a possible maximum sentence of 16 years’ imprisonment, a $750,000 fine, and seven years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick J. Reinert and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canadian Postal Inspectors, Canadian Border Services Agency, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of: the DEA; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 12-CR-2035.
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Man Who Possessed a 3D Printed Glock Switch Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a 3D printed Glock switch designed to convert a handgun into an automatic weapon was sentenced today to two years in federal prison.
Jose Morales-Ramirez, age 20, from Marshalltown, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 20, 2022 guilty plea to illegal possession of a machine gun.
Evidence during the case at trial showed that police responded to Morales-Ramirez’s residence after receiving reports from neighbors regarding possible gun shots. During a search, police located a Glock conversion device designed and intended solely and exclusively for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun. The Glock conversion device, also known as a Glock switch, had been printed on a 3D printer.
Morales-Ramirez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Morales-Ramirez was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
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.
Morales-Ramirez 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 Lisa C. Williams and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the Tama, Iowa, Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-0056.
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Man Who Obtained Infant Pornography on Dark Web Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who sought out and obtained depictions of child pornography, including infants and toddlers, on the dark web was sentenced today to more than seven years in federal prison.
Collin Nissen, age 21, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 14, 2021 guilty plea to one count of receipt of child pornography and three counts of possession of child pornography.
At the guilty plea, Nissen admitted that, between March of 2019 and September of 2020, he received and possessed visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct on two cell phones and an SD card. Evidence at sentencing showed that Nissen took steps in order to conceal his identity online for the purpose of obtaining child pornography. He received and possessed sexually explicit photographs and videos of babies and toddlers. He also possessed sado-masochistic depictions of children. When confronted by law enforcement, he stated that he was trying to help find missing children.
Nissen was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Nissen was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment and fined $400. He must also serve a 10-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.”
Nissen 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 Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-cr-1015.
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Three Men Sentenced for Selling Vehicles with Rolled Back OdometersRead the Press Release
Three men were sentenced today for selling vehicles on the internet after re-placing the vehicles’ odometers in order to sell the vehicles at a higher price. In an attempt to avoid detection, the vehicles would be registered in several different names and then ultimately sold to the unsuspecting public. The public would not have purchased the vehicles had they known the true mileage on the vehicles.
Jerret Schreiber, age 50, from Parkersburg, Iowa, received 6 months prison term and 6 months home confinement after he pled guilty to wire fraud. Evidence in the case proved Schreiber was involved in the sale of at least 17 vehicles. He was ordered to repay $90,832.55 in restitution to the victims of his offense. At sentencing, Schreiber made a payment of $45,000 towards his restitution obligation.
David Stangeland, age 33, from Cedar Falls, Iowa, received a one month prison term after he pled guilty to conspiracy to commit odometer fraud. Evidence in the case proved Stangeland was involved in the sale of at least 21 vehicles. He was ordered to repay $85,050 in restitution to the victims of his offense. At sentencing, Stangeland made a payment of $22,400 towards his restitution obligation.
Dustin Arends, age 36, from New Hartford, Iowa, received three years’ probation after he pled guilty to odometer tampering. Evidence in the case proved Arends was involved in the sale of at least 6 vehicles. He was ordered to repay $23,200 in restitution to the victims of his offense. At sentencing, Arends made a payment of $14,000 towards his restitution obligation.
The three men were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Schreiber was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set. Stangeland was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on June 23, 2022, at 10:00 am. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Cole and investigated by the United States Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the United States Postal Inspection, and the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-2010.
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Wiretap of Cedar Rapids Heroin and Fentanyl Distributors Lands Vinton Man in Federal Prison for Nearly Four YearsRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and other synthetic opioids was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.
Ryan Rick Schlitter, age 39, from Vinton, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 14, 2022 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin.
In a plea agreement, Schlitter admitted that he obtained distribution quantities of heroin through a group of heroin dealers based out of Cedar Rapids. During a federal wiretap investigation in 2021, investigators intercepted calls between one of the dealers and an associate of Schlitter’s. After the intercepted calls, Schlitter and his associate drove to meet with the dealer. The associate purchased over seven grams of a substance containing heroin, fentanyl, and the synthetic opioids acetyl fentanyl, para‑fluorofentanyl, and metonitazene. Officers stopped the vehicle and seized the drugs, which Schlitter admitted that he possessed and intended to distribute to others. Schlitter also admitted that, in June 2021, he sold $200 worth of a substance containing heroin, acetyl fentanyl, and fentanyl during an undercover operation in Cedar Rapids.
Schlitter was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Schlitter was sentenced to 46 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.
Schlitter 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 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 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‑00032‑10‑CJW‑MAR.
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Waterloo Shooting Results in Federal SentenceRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man who exchanged gunfire with others in Waterloo, Iowa, on July 31, 2020, was sentenced today to more than eight years in federal prison.
Tony Terrell Campbell, age 37, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 13, 2021 guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
At the guilty plea, Campbell admitted he had a firearm on July 31, 2020, and exchanged gunfire with another individual. Campbell had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses including three burglary offenses, a theft of lottery tickets, conspiracy to commit a forcible felony, and assault while participating in a felony.
Campbell was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Campbell was sentenced to 102 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case 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.
Campbell is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Reinert and was investigated 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-2050.
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Waterloo Man Who Crashed Vehicle After Police Chase and Possessed Gun Sentenced to over Eleven Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man, who possessed a gun as a felon and while under the influence of methamphetamine, was sentenced May 17, 2022, to 137 months in prison.
Willie Traymone Phillips, age 40, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison sentence following a September 10, 2021 guilty plea to possession of a firearm as a prohibited person and possession of a controlled substance after two or more prior drug convictions.
Information disclosed at sentencing and plea hearings revealed that, in August 2020, Phillips was pulled over by an Iowa State Trooper in Black Hawk County. The trooper approached the vehicle and observed Phillips digging through a bag of what appeared to be drugs. The trooper asked for Phillips’ identification, at which point Phillips sped off. Phillips led troopers on a chase. At one point, he crossed across four lanes of traffic, during the daytime, and crashed his vehicle. Phillips fled from the vehicle but was stopped by officers. There was one female passenger in Phillips’ vehicle. She suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital where she underwent surgery. Officers searched Phillips’ vehicle and located a sawed-off shotgun and baggies containing methamphetamine, cocaine, and K2. Phillips admitted he was under the influence of methamphetamine, which was confirmed through additional testing. Phillips has 10 prior criminal convictions.
Phillips was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Phillips was sentenced to 137 months’ imprisonment. Phillips was ordered to make payment of $200 to the special assessment fund. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) through a cooperative effort of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa State Patrol, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. 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 20-CR-2057.
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Drug User on Probation for Trafficking Stolen Weapons Found in Possession of .45 Caliber Pistol Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who was riding as a passenger in a vehicle which was shot at in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and found in possession of a .45 caliber pistol, was sentenced today to two years in federal prison.
Darrell Morrow, age 20, from Rock Island, Illinois, received the prison term after an October 14, 2021 guilty plea to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
At the guilty plea, Morrow admitted that on October 5, 2020, he knowingly possessed a .45 caliber Springfield pistol. At the time he possessed the pistol, he had previously been convicted of trafficking in stolen weapons in Linn County, Iowa, in 2019 and was an unlawful user of a controlled substance. At sentencing, the evidence showed that Morrow was riding in a vehicle in Cedar Rapids which was riddled with gunfire. He was transported to the hospital due to injuries and law enforcement officers found his stolen gun lying near the crashed vehicle. Morrow’s social media accounts showed a history of firearms and narcotic use.
Morrow was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Morrow was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment and fined $100. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Morrow is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Liz Dupuich and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force. The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
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-0055.
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Waterloo Man Who Stole Semi-Automatic Rifle from Friend Sentenced to over Six Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who stole a friend’s firearm and sold it to a felon was sentenced May 16, 2022, to more than six years in federal prison.
Cole McNamara, age 28, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 2, 2021 guilty plea to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
In a plea agreement, McNamara admitted he was receiving treatment at a substance abuse facility in October 2020. He left the treatment facility and entered a friend’s home in Independence, Iowa, where he stole a semi-automatic rifle, among other items. McNamara was later apprehended at the Isle of Capri casino in possession of methamphetamine, his friend’s wallet, and titles to his friend’s vehicles. McNamara is prohibited from possessing firearms because he is a convicted felon, drug user, and was previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. At sentencing, McNamara declared, “I am 100% guilty of this crime.” In reference to his previous convictions, the sentencing judge noted McNamara was a “one man crime wave.”
McNamara was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. McNamara was sentenced to 78 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.
McNamara 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 Independence Police Department in Independence, Iowa.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-cr-2069.
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Waterloo Drug Dealer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man who illegally possessed a firearm as a drug user was sentenced May 16, 2022, to more than a year in federal prison.
Kierin Craig Johnson, age 24, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 15, 2021 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a drug user.
Information disclosed at sentencing showed that, in September and October 2019, Johnson posted several videos to social media showing him smoking marijuana and possessing a gun. Johnson also posted videos advertising the sale of marijuana. On October 18, 2019, law enforcement searched Johnson’s home, which he shared with his brother, and recovered evidence of marijuana distribution throughout the residence. While officers were searching, Johnson arrived home and officers seized a loaded handgun from a vehicle associated with Johnson. After his arrest, Johnson admitted to smoking marijuana for several years, and his urine specimen tested positive for marijuana and other substances.
Johnson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Johnson was sentenced to 12 months’ and 1 day imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Johnson was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on May 31, 2022.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney 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 20-CR-02045.
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Nicaraguan Man Who Used a Fraudulent Social Security Card and Permanent Resident Card Convicted after Jury TrialRead the Press Release
A man who used false identification documents and someone else’s social security number was convicted by a jury today after a two-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Fernando Moreno-Moreno, age 42, a citizen of Nicaragua illegally present in the United States and residing in Postville, Iowa, was convicted of one count of unlawful use of identification documents and one count of misuse of a social security number. The verdict was returned this afternoon following about one hour of jury deliberations.
The 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.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Moreno-Moreno remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Moreno-Moreno faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, and six years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being 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.
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Two Years in Federal Prison for Drug User with a Loaded Handgun in Dubuque Cell Phone Store BathroomRead the Press Release
A man who was found under the influence of methamphetamine in a Dubuque cell phone store bathroom with a loaded handgun was sentenced May 12, 2022, to two years in federal prison.
Austin Matthew Oberbroeckling, age 27, from Farley, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 5, 2022 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful drug user.
In a plea agreement, Oberbroeckling admitted that, in August 2019, the Dubuque Police Department received a call of a suspicious individual at a Dubuque cell phone store. A responding officer arrived and found Oberbroeckling inside the bathroom near the sink. A .40 caliber handgun loaded with 14 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber was located on the tank of the toilet. Oberbroeckling had red and watery eyes, poor balance, and seemed to be lethargic and twitching. His Blood Alcohol Content was only .01, but later testing of his urine determined that Oberbroeckling had methamphetamine and biproducts of heroin and fentanyl in his system.
Oberbroeckling also admitted in the plea agreement that in August 2021 he was present at a hotel in Dubuque where drug paraphernalia was seen by hotel staff. When hotel staff told Oberbroeckling that the police would be called, Oberbroeckling and another occupant took some items and left the hotel. Hotel staff, and then police, found two shotguns in the room and various items of drug paraphernalia. Police found Oberbroeckling’s vehicle still parked outside the hotel the next day and obtained a search warrant for it. Inside the vehicle officers found a bag containing a shotgun with a shortened (sawed-off) barrel. Oberbroeckling admitted he possessed the sawed-off shotgun found in his vehicle.
Oberbroeckling was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Oberbroeckling was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
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.
Oberbroeckling 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 Dubuque Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and 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‑1026‑CJW‑MAR.
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Iowa City Man Sentenced to over Three Years in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A felon who possessed a firearm was sentenced May 13, 2022, to 37 months in federal prison.
Joshua Brown, age 49, of Iowa City received the sentence after a November 22, 2021 guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. At the plea hearing, Brown admitted that, on July 18, 2020, he knowingly possessed a pistol after having been convicted of two crimes punishable by more than one year of imprisonment. In a plea agreement, Brown admitted that the pistol was stolen and that its serial numbers were obliterated. Brown admitted he had prior convictions for unauthorized possession of an offensive weapon in Johnson County in 1995 and possession of a firearm by a felon in Cedar County in 1996.
Brown was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Brown was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
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.
Brown was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 21-14.
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Felon Sentenced to over Seven Years in Federal Prison for Selling Firearms and Assaulting a Police OfficerRead the Press Release
A man who sold three firearms to a confidential informant and assaulted a police officer was sentenced today to more than seven years in federal prison.
Joshua Ray Hunley, age 36, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 27, 2021 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
Information from a plea agreement showed that, in September 2020, Hunley, a convicted felon, sold two rifles and a shotgun to a confidential informant, who Hunley knew to be a felon and a methamphetamine user. About four months later, police officers saw Hunley outside a residence in Waterloo at approximately 11:30 p.m. As an officer was speaking with Hunley, the officer saw a small revolver on the ground by Hunley’s feet. The officer moved to detain Hunley, who tried to flee. During an ensuing struggle, Hunley hit the officer multiple times in the face and head before the officer managed to take Hunley into custody. Officers found $422 in cash, methamphetamine, marijuana, and ammunition on Hunley’s person.
Hunley was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Hunley was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case 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.Hunley is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by 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 the Cedar Falls Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-2025.
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Cedar Rapids Drug User Who Bought Thirty-One Firearms Sentenced to Five Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A drug user who bought thirty-one firearms, at least twenty-four of which were for other people, was sentenced on May 13, 2022, to five years in federal prison.
Chevelle Manuel Daudinot, Jr., age 27, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 9, 2021 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.
Information from a plea agreement and at sentencing showed that Daudinot purchased thirty-one firearms between August 2020 and April 2021. Daudinot falsely stated on the paperwork he filled out to buy the guns that he was not an unlawful user of marijuana. On the paperwork for twenty-four of the firearms, Daudinot falsely stated the firearms were for himself when he was really buying them for other people. When law enforcement agents searched Daudinot’s residence in May 2021, he only had three of the firearms still in his possession. Daudinot’s cell phone contained text messages regarding his firearms dealing, including messages soliciting firearms from him, negotiating prices for firearms, and setting meetings to exchange firearms. Other text messages showed that, in addition to using marijuana, Daudinot was distributing marijuana.
Four guns that Daudinot purchased were recovered during other criminal investigations. In April 2021, Chicago police officers recovered one from a car occupied by a felon and a minor. Through ballistics testing, the firearm was linked to a homicide that occurred in Chicago in March 2021 in which a victim died of three gunshot wounds.
Daudinot was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Daudinot 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.
Daudinot was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on May 27, 2022.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-51.
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Former Dubuque Woman Pleads Guilty to Distributing Heroin and Fentanyl Near a Local College and ParkRead the Press Release
A woman who distributed heroin and fentanyl in Dubuque, Iowa, plead guilty on May 12, 2022.
Nicole L. Jarvis, age 35, formerly of Dubuque, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl and distribution of heroin and fentanyl within 1,000 feet of a protected location.
In a plea agreement, Jarvis admitted to engaging in a drug-related conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl on at least five occasions in Dubuque. In the fall of 2020, Jarvis utilized Facebook messenger and other communications devices to set up a transaction involving heroin and fentanyl. Jarvis later distributed heroin and fentanyl near Loras College and Madison Park.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Jarvis remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Jarvis faces a possible maximum sentence of 60 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $2 million, and up to six years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason D. Norwood.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 21-CR-1033-CJW.
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Court Orders Washington, D.C. Man and His Two Companies to Cease and Desist from Engaging in Fraudulent N95 Mask SchemeRead the Press Release
A Washington, D.C. man and his two companies have been ordered to stop engaging in fraud and transferring fraud proceeds in an N95 mask scheme. He must also return over $2.4 million to his victims. In a civil judgment filed in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on May 12, 2022, Alex St. James Railey Cisco, also known as “Alex St. James” and “William Sir Knight Alex-St. James,” from Washington, D.C., had the judgment entered against him on an Amended Civil Complaint filed by the United States on February 16, 2021. The Amended Civil Complaint alleged that Railey Cisco and his two corporations, US FED Group, LLC (“USFG”) and Trade-Backed Equity, LLC (“TBE”), engaged in wire fraud and money laundering as part of a fraudulent 3M N95 mask scheme in 2020.
Evidence at multiple temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction hearings in 2021, as well as additional materials filed in conjunction with a motion filed in February 2022, showed that Railey Cisco controlled USFG and TBE and their bank accounts in Washington, D.C. In October 2020, a Cedar Rapids first-aid manufacturer contracted with an intermediary in Florida for the purchase of one million 3M masks, which were in high demand at that time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, by means of a purported contract the intermediary had with USFG. The intermediary represented that USFG was an authorized distributor of 3M masks, but in truth at no time was USFG an authorized 3M distributor.
Believing USFG was an authorized 3M distributor, the Cedar Rapids company wired over $2.4 million to a Florida lawyer for the purchase of the masks. The Florida lawyer in turn wired those funds to an account that Railey Cisco controlled on behalf of USFG. The Cedar Rapids company never received the masks or its money back, despite the Cedar Rapids company’s repeated demands.
Instead of returning the Cedar Rapids company’s money or providing the one million 3M masks, Railey Cisco transferred the Cedar Rapids company’s funds to an account he controlled at TBE.
The Cedar Rapids company was not Railey Cisco’s only victim. In September 2020, a California company had also agreed to wire over $250,000 to USFG’s account in Washington, D.C. in anticipation of receiving 3M masks, but the California company never received the 3M masks or its money back from Railey Cisco or USFG. The court found Railey Cisco received the money even though he knew that he, USFG, and TBE were unable and would be unable to fulfill any order for 3M masks. Railey Cisco was the sole owner of the USFG and TBE bank accounts at all relevant times.
United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams ordered the return of over $2.4 million dollars to St. James’s victims and entered a permanent injunction forbidding Railey Cisco, USFG, or TBE from engaging in fraud or transferring fraud proceeds. However, the court will retain jurisdiction over related matters including, but not limited to, enforcement of the permanent injunction order and the discovery, restraint, disgorgement, collection, and return of fraudulent and laundered funds for any victims of the scheme.
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.
The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy L. Vavricek and Matthew Gillespie and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CV-8.
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Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A Sioux City man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty May 9, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City. Jose Luis Estrada, age 37, from Sioux City, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
In a plea agreement, Estrada admitted to conspiring to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine around the tri-state area.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Estrada remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Estrada faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and 5 years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons 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 21-4075.
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Arizona Man Caught with over 5 Kilograms of Cocaine in IowaRead the Press Release
Scott Pride, 69, from Tucson, AZ, plead guilty May 5, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
At the plea hearing, evidence showed that on January 16, 2022, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop, based on a speeding violation, of a 2011 Silver Lexus IS registered to and operated by Pride. After suspecting possible drug trafficking, a police K-9 was deployed and alerted to the odor of a controlled substance within the vehicle. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and located five heat-sealed, brick-type packages containing over 5 kilograms of cocaine.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Pride remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Pride faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, and at least four 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 22-4006. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Man Who Illegally Possessed Firearm and Led Police on High Speed Chase Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who led officers on a high-speed chase while illegally possessing a firearm was sentenced today to more than two years in federal prison.
Davon Terrell Biddle, age 22, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 15, 2021 guilty plea to being a drug user in possession of a firearm.
In a plea agreement, Biddle admitted that, on March 29, 2021, he was driving a vehicle through Waterloo, Iowa. Police attempted to initiate a traffic stop of the vehicle, but Biddle refused to stop. Instead, Biddle fled from officers, reaching speeds of 60 miles per hour in a 30 mile per hour zone. Biddle eventually slowed the vehicle so that he and his passengers could flee on foot. Biddle continued to flee on foot and threw a Walther PPS 9x19mm caliber pistol as he ran from police. Police located the firearm, and DNA testing established that Biddle’s DNA was on the magazine area of the firearm. At the time he possessed the firearm, Biddle was an unlawful user of marijuana.
Biddle was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Biddle was sentenced to 27 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.
Biddle is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams 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 number is 21-CR-2059.
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Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Guns While Using and Selling MarijuanaRead the Press Release
A man who possessed firearms while being a marijuana user and dealer was sentenced today to more than four years in federal prison.
Xzavier Kristian Cummings, age 22, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 16, 2021 guilty plea to possession of a firearm while being a drug user.
At the sentencing hearing, the court found that Cummings possessed firearms in connection with marijuana trafficking and that some of the firearms Cummings possessed had high-capacity magazines attached. When he bought the guns, Cummings failed to disclose his drug use. Further evidence showed that he was using social media to distribute marijuana during 2021. The court also noted that Cummings would have received a lower sentence, but due to violations of his conditions of release while on pretrial release, the ultimate sentence was increased.
Cummings was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Cummings was sentenced to 49 months’ imprisonment. He must 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.
Cummings 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, 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.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-cr-02065.
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Iowa Man with Ties to Mexico-Based Drug Trafficking Organization Sent to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
An Iowa man who conspired to distribute over 150 pounds of ice methamphetamine was sentenced to more than 21 years in federal prison.
Jeremey Aswegan, age 44, from Van Horne, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 7, 2021, guilty plea to one-count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Evidence at sentencing showed that Aswegan was involved in a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization that delivered at least 150 pounds of ice methamphetamine to Iowa via rail car in the Summer and Fall of 2020. Aswegan then worked with others in the drug trafficking organization to distribute the methamphetamine in Iowa. Aswegan also participated in sending drug proceeds to Mexico at the request of the organization. A search warrant was conducted at Aswegan’s residence on October 30, 2020, and investigators recovered ice methamphetamine and a firearm.
Aswegan was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Aswegan was sentenced to 262 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.
Aswegan is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-02047.
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Dubuque Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
A Dubuque man that possessed a firearm while subject to a no-contact order and in connection with distributing marijuana was sentenced today to more than 2 years in federal prison.
Marcus McDaniel, age 24, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 1, 2021, guilty plea to one-count of possession of a firearm while subject to an order of protection.
Information disclosed at sentencing and prior hearings showed that, on July 8, 2020, a no-contact order was issued against McDaniel following McDaniel’s arrest for domestic abuse assault. On August 29, 2020, while still subject to the no-contact order, law enforcement recovered a loaded Glock 19X, 9x19mm caliber pistol, with an extended magazine from McDaniel’s person outside of his apartment. Inside McDaniel’s apartment, law enforcement seized at least 33 pounds of marijuana.
McDaniel was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. McDaniel was sentenced to 31 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
McDaniel 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 Dubuque Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives, and Firearms.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-01018.
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Mexican Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
A man who illegally re-entered the United States pled guilty May 4, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City.
Miguel Rodriguez-Chavez, 38, from Mexico, was convicted of illegal re-entry as an aggravated felon.
At the plea hearing, Rodriguez-Chavez admitted that on April 21, 2021, he was arrested in O’Brien County, Iowa. Further investigation conducted by law enforcement revealed Rodriguez-Chavez as a citizen of Mexico and was previously removed from the United States on five (5) occasions; May 28, 2003, April 30, 2004, January 01, 2016, October 14, 2016, and March 19, 2020. Rodriguez-Chavez further admitted at the plea hearing that, on July 17, 2006, he was convicted in the Superior Court of Arizona, Yuma County, of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon or Dangerous Instrument, an aggravated felony.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Rodriguez-Chavez remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Rodriguez-Chavez faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 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 Homeland Security Investigations and the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4043. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Fort Dodge Man Sentenced to 21 Years in Federal Prison for Meth DealingRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced on May 4, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City.
Demarcus Foy, 31, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, pled guilty on November 18, 2021, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of distribution of methamphetamine.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that between April 2015 and continuing to on or about June 2020, Foy and others distributed more than 45 kilograms of methamphetamine primarily in Fort Dodge and Mason City, Iowa areas. Also, on four separate occasions during 2019, Foy distributed a total of four ounces methamphetamine to individuals cooperating and under the supervision of law enforcement in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Foy often received from six to ten pounds of methamphetamine at a time from his source, which he further distributed.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Foy was sentenced to 252 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 5-year term of supervised release following the imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Foy remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, the Mason City Police Department, Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, and Iowa DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-3021. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
South Sioux City Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A South Sioux City man who conspired to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine was sentenced April 29, 2022, to 10 years in federal prison. Miguel Ceron, age 25, from South Sioux City, Nebraska, received the prison term after a December 6, 2021, guilty plea. Ceron admitted to conspiring to distribute approximately 2 pounds of methamphetamine in March 2021.
Ceron was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Ceron was sentenced to 120 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.
Ceron 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 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 21-4039.
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Webster City Man to Federal Prison for 15 Years for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced April 28, 2022, to more than fifteen years in federal prison.
Jose Sandoval, 39, originally from Webster City, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 5, 2013, guilty plea to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. After entering a guilty plea, Sandoval absconded from federal authorities and lived in Mexico for eight years to avoid the consequences of his criminal activity. In 2021, Sandoval turned himself in to federal law enforcement at the U.S.-Mexico border. Sandoval received an obstruction of justice sentencing enhancement for his flight from federal supervision.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that Sandoval was involved in a conspiracy distributing methamphetamine from about January 2012 through January 2013. Sandoval admitted to selling up to quarter pound quantities of methamphetamine every 1-2 weeks throughout 2012 up to January 9, 2013, throughout central Iowa. On January 9, 2013, officers executed a search warrant of Sandoval’s residence and seized various items of drug distribution paraphernalia, including digital scales and $3,000, as well as six firearms. Sandoval also admitted to purchasing the firearms with the expectation of selling them for profit.
Sandoval was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Sandoval was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment. Sandoval must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Sandoval is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Webster City Police Department, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Wright County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 13-3003. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Three Family Members Sentenced in USDA Crop Loan and Bankruptcy Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
Three Northeastern Iowa family members were sentenced recently in federal court for their respective roles in crop loan and bankruptcy fraud schemes.
Aimee Lynn Rosenbaum, formerly known as Aimee Lynn Flatjord, age 53, from Lawler, Iowa, was sentenced to 78 months of imprisonment on April 28, 2022. She was ordered to make $165,592.21 in restitution to the United States Department of Agriculture-Farm Services Agency (“USDA-FSA”) and $4,796 in restitution to a bank, to pay a $5,000 fine, and to repay $7,086.74 in attorney fees for her prior court-appointed counsel. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. Aimee Lynn Rosenbaum received the prison term after a June 14, 2021 guilty plea to one count of conversion of property pledged to a farm credit agency and one count of bankruptcy fraud.
Donald Eugene Rosenbaum, age 58, from Cresco, Iowa, was sentenced to two years of probation on May 2, 2022. He was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. Donald Eugene Rosenbaum received the probation term after a June 10, 2021 guilty plea to one count of bankruptcy fraud.
Marshal Dillion Rosenbaum, age 27, from Fredericksburg, Iowa, was sentenced to three months of imprisonment and three months of home confinement on April 25, 2022. He was also ordered to make $165,592.21 in restitution to the USDA-FSA, jointly and severally with Aimee Lynn Rosenbaum. Marshal Dillion Rosenbaum received the prison term after a June 21, 2021 guilty plea to one count of conversion of property pledged to a farm credit agency. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.
In the family members’ plea agreements, as well as through evidence at a three-day sentencing hearing for Aimee Lynn Rosenbaum, it was established that Aimee Lynn Rosenbaum (“Aimee”) and Donald Eugene Rosenbaum (“Donald”) historically farmed land in Chickasaw County, Iowa. Marshal Dillion Rosenbaum (“Marshal”) is the son of Aimee and Donald. In late 2014, Aimee directed Marshal to apply for a crop loan with the USDA-FSA for the 2015 crop year on the pretense that Marshal would be taking over the farm due to purported health problems of Aimee and Donald. After Marshal obtained over $165,000 in loan proceeds and pledged the farm’s 2015 crop to the USDA-FSA, Aimee applied for and obtained over $1.3 million in loans from a local bank on the representation that Aimee and Donald would continue to farm the land that year. The 2015 crop thus was double-pledged without the knowledge of the USDA or the bank. Aimee applied for the bank loans on Donald’s behalf using a power of attorney she had obtained from Donald.
The Rosenbaums eventually defaulted on both loans and sold the double-pledged crop with little to no repayment. After the bank started foreclosure proceedings on the Rosenbaums’ farm, Aimee and Donald filed five bankruptcy petitions in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Iowa. Aimee and Donald each filed two additional bankruptcy petitions in bad faith and on the eve of scheduled Sheriff’s sales in state court in order to frustrate and delay the bank’s attempts to obtain repayment for its loans to Aimee and Donald. During one telephonic hearing in bankruptcy court in 2019, Aimee pretended to be Donald. The district court also found that Aimee submitted false evidence and testimony to the district court at her sentencing hearing.
The Rosenbaums were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Aimee Lynn Rosenbaum and Marshal Dillion Rosenbaum were released on bonds previously set and are to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on dates yet to be set.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-2078.
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Marshalltown Man Sentenced to over 20 Years in Prison for His Role in Importing Methamphetamine Iowa from MexicoRead the Press Release
A Marshalltown man, who was involved in the importation and distribution of thousands of kilograms of methamphetamine, was sentenced today, April 29, 2022, to over 20 years in federal prison.
Genaro Aguilar Lemus, age 23, from Marshalltown, Iowa, received the prison sentence after a May 6, 2021, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that, beginning in 2017, law enforcement investigated a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking organization operating out of Mexico. The head of the organization, Mario Hernandez, was based in Mexico and worked with others, including Aguilar Lemus, to transport kilogram quantities of methamphetamine into Iowa. Aguilar Lemus was intercepted on a wiretap investigation speaking with Mario Hernandez. He was also intercepted on the wiretap investigation speaking with Travis Werkmeister, a high-ranking member of the organization based out of Waterloo, Iowa. Aguilar Lemus arranged shipments of methamphetamine into Iowa and the transport of currency back to Mexico. Aguilar Lemus would receive pound to kilogram quantities of methamphetamine at a time and would redistribute to others involved in the conspiracy, who would in turn sell to others.
Aguilar Lemus was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Aguilar Lemus was sentenced to 243 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term and pay a $100 special assessment fee. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery. This case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Mid-Iowa Task Force (Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, Tama County Sheriff’s Office, Marshalltown Police Department), Iowa National Guard and Counter Drug Program, Tri-County Task Force (Cedar Falls Police Department, Waterloo Police Department, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-2034.
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Sioux City Man Who Distributed over 90 Pounds of Methamphetamine Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Sioux City man who sold large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine around Sioux City was sentenced April 28, 2022 to more than 20 years in federal prison. Isidro Jaramillo, age 41, from Sioux City, received the prison term after a November 17, 2021, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence showed that beginning in 2019 Jaramillo started selling approximately 40 pounds of meth per month in the Siouxland area. By December 2019, he stored over two pounds of cocaine, 68 pounds of marijuana, and 28 pounds of methamphetamine in a co-conspirator’s basement and coordinated the sale of the drugs, which originated from Mexico, over the course of a few months. In March of 2021, Jaramillo sold 6 pounds of methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement officer for $10,000. During a subsequent search of Jaramillo’s residence, agents located approximately 3 pounds of methamphetamine and the $10,000 in cash used to purchase the 6 pounds of methamphetamine. Jaramillo was previously convicted in the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Jaramillo was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Jaramillo was sentenced to 250 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Jaramillo 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 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 21-04021.
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Sioux City Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute over 42 Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A Sioux City woman who distributed over 42 pounds of methamphetamine was sentenced April 19, 2022, to 7 years in federal prison. Heather Sorgdrager, age 41, from Sioux City, received the prison term after an October 18, 2021, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At a plea hearing, Sorgdrager admitted to conspiring to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine in and around Sioux City. Sorgdrager admitted to possessing methamphetamine in New Mexico that she intended to bring to Sioux City. In April 2021, law enforcement in New Mexico found Sorgdrager and another individual with over 42 pounds of methamphetamine.
Sorgdrager was sentenced in Sioux City by United States Chief District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 84 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Sorgdrager 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 Ron Timmons 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-CR-4031.
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Sioux City Man with History of Violence Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm as a felon was sentenced on April 26, 2022, to 8 years in federal prison.
Arrion Price, age 26, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 2, 2021, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
Evidence in the case revealed that on June 8, 2021, Price was a passenger in a car when he and others were subject to a traffic stop. The stopping officer smelled marijuana, ordered everyone out of the car, and began a search. Price ran from the officer. A search of the car subsequently revealed a 9mm pistol and ammunition in the storage sleeve of the car seat directly in front of where Price had been seated. The gun was loaded with one round in the chamber and 15 more rounds in the magazine. Price was eventually captured, and search of his person revealed marijuana. A search of Price’s phone revealed movies and pictures of Price with a gun that appeared identical to the gun discovered in the car.
Price has a lengthy history of violent behavior including incidents where he assaulted, robbed, and shot other persons. Price has recent criminal convictions for Robbery, Burglary and Assault With a Dangerous Weapon.
Price was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Price was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Price is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department, the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Department of Justice – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 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-4052.
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Sioux City Man Sentenced to 15 years in Prison for Third Federal Drug Conviction.Read the Press Release
A man who possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced on April 25, 2022, to 15 years in federal prison.
Kory Mammen, 52, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty on January 4, 2022, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In 2000 and 2011, Mammen was convicted in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that on March 26, 2021, Mammen was stopped by law enforcement for a traffic violation in Sioux City, Iowa. Due to suspicious behavior, law enforcement deployed a K-9 on the exterior of the car which indicated to the presence of controlled substances. A search of the car revealed a black bag under the driver’s seat which contained two syringes and 17 smaller bags containing a total of 42 grams of methamphetamine. On November 15, 2021, during Mammen’s arrest on the charges in this case, he was found with several baggies which contained approximately 65 grams of methamphetamine. Mammen admitted to law enforcement he planned to distribute some or all of the methamphetamine to others.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Mammen was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment and must serve an eight-year term of supervised release following the imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Mammen 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 21-4091. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.