Northern District of Iowa
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Cedar Rapids Man to Spend More than Seven Years in Federal Prison for COVID-19 Fraud and Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
A man who received COVID-19 relief funds that he was not entitled to and unlawfully possessed firearms was sentenced November 29, 2021, to more than seven years in federal prison.
Dannish Dontreal Robertson, age 22, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 21, 2021 guilty plea to one count of wire fraud and one count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.
Information from a plea agreement and sentencing showed that, in June 2020, fraudulent applications in Robertson’s name were submitted for loans intended to aid small businesses struggling with the economic effects of the
COVID-19 pandemic. Robertson received more than $30,000 in loan funds because of the false applications. Robertson then sent some of the money to other participants in the scheme and spent some of it himself at high-end retailers.
Robertson is a convicted felon and an unlawful drug user. He admitted to unlawfully possessing five firearms between 2018 and 2020. This included possessing a firearm during an incident on July 28, 2018, in which Robertson ran from a Cedar Rapids police officer while clutching a gun in his waistband. Robertson discarded the gun behind a house. The loaded gun was not found until August 11, 2018, when a resident found it and reported it to the police.
Robertson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Robertson was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $20,607 in restitution to a Small Business Administration lending institution and $10,000 to the Small Business Administration. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This prosecution is an example of the Department of Justice’s strong commitment to combating fraud and criminal activity related to COVID-19. 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 Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
This case was also 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.
Robertson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Small Business Administration - Office of Inspector General, as well as 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.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file numbers are 21-CR-008, 21-CR-009.
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Cedar Rapids Man Who Robbed Victim at Gunpoint Sentenced to More than Eight Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who committed a robbery and operated his car while intoxicated with a firearm in his possession was sentenced on November 29, 2021, to more than eight years in federal prison.
Rickey Bernard Wright, age 35, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 2, 2021 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
Information at sentencing showed that on November 17, 2019, Cedar Rapids police officers responded to a 911 call reporting that Wright had robbed a victim at gunpoint behind a liquor store in Cedar Rapids. The victim described Wright’s car, his clothing, and the firearm Wright used. The victim had to drive his car into the back of the liquor store to get away. Approximately a half hour later, police officers responded to a second 911 call reporting a car doing donuts on the grounds of a registered historical site. After arriving at the site, officers discovered that Wright had crashed his car through a fence. Wright was intoxicated and could not walk straight. Officers found the firearm that the victim of the robbery had described on the driver’s side floorboard in the car.
Wright was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Wright was sentenced to 104 months and 28 days’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $200 in restitution to the victim of the robbery. 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.
Wright 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 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.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-044.
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Cedar Rapids Felon Sentenced to Nearly Five Years in Prison After Shooting at a VehicleRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids, Iowa, convicted felon who shot a firearm at a vehicle was sentenced November 30, 2021, to nearly five years in federal prison.
Nicholas Campbell-Scott, age 24, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison sentence after a May 13, 2021 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that, in December 2020, Campbell-Scott fired several shots at a vehicle. While there were people nearby, no one was injured but the vehicle was damaged. Officers found Campbell-Scott a few blocks away from the shooting. He was travelling as a passenger in a vehicle. Officers found the gun used in the shooting underneath of his seat. Campbell-Scott has at least four prior felony convictions, some of which involved violence.
Campbell-Scott was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Campbell-Scott was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-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 brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) through a cooperative effort of the Waterloo Police Department, FBI Safe Streets Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. 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-2017.
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Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Nearly One-Half Pound of MethRead the Press Release
A man who possessed with intent to distribute nearly a half-pound of pure methamphetamine was sentenced November 23, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
On June 22, 2021, David Naberhaus, 57, from Deloit, Iowa, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Previously, in 2000, Naberhaus was convicted in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at the hearings showed that on November 18, 2020, Naberhaus was stopped by law enforcement for traffic violations in Woodbury County, Iowa. Due to Naberhaus’ nervous behavior, a K-9 was deployed and indicated the presence of controlled substances from within the car. Law enforcement searched the car and discovered approximately 222 grams of pure methamphetamine in 5 separate baggies, 12 grams of marijuana, 3 grams of cocaine, and $6,501. After Naberhaus was federally charged, a warrant for his arrest was issued. On February 15, 2021, while on routine patrol, Iowa State Patrol noticed a disabled vehicle registered to Naberhaus on the shoulder of Highway 20 with Naberhaus present. After arrest for the federal warrant, a search of Naberhaus’ car revealed 2.34 grams of methamphetamine in an open cigarette package, a smoking pipe, 3 bags of marijuana (total of approximately 23.95 grams), 4 bags of additional methamphetamine (total of approximately 16.68 grams of methamphetamine) and 72 empty Ziplock bags.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Naberhaus was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment and must serve a term of five years of supervised release following imprisonment. Naberhaus 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 Ida County Sheriff’s Department, Sioux City Police Department, Woodbury County Sheriff’s Department, and Iowa DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4010.
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Roland Man Sentenced to over 22 Years in Prison for His Role in Importing Methamphetamine into Iowa from MexicoRead the Press Release
A Roland, Iowa, man who was involved in the importation and distribution of nearly ten kilograms of methamphetamine was sentenced today to over 22 years in federal prison.
Bobbey Dean Robey, age 62, from Roland, Iowa, received the prison sentence after a May 14, 2021 guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that in 2018, law enforcement began investigating a large-scale methamphetamine operation operating out of Mexico. The head of the organization, Mario Hernandez, was based out of Mexico and worked with others, including Robey, to transport kilogram quantities of methamphetamine into Iowa. Investigators conducted a wiretap investigation and intercepted thousands of calls and messages between Hernandez and other members of the drug-distribution organization. Robey was intercepted discussing methamphetamine shipments with Hernandez.
In July 2020, investigators conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle just outside of Des Moines. The vehicle had travelled from Texas. In the vehicle, officers located nearly 5,000 grams of pure methamphetamine. The occupants of the vehicle admitted that the load of methamphetamine was intended for Robey. Robey had intended to redistribute the methamphetamine to people in Iowa.
Robey has a lengthy criminal history, including 14 adult criminal convictions. Eight of his adult criminal convictions are felonies. Robey was twice convicted of assaulting one other person, including a police officer.
Robey was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Robey was sentenced to 270 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 5-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, the 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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Waterloo Man Sentenced to Nearly Ten Years in Prison After Being Found with a Loaded Gun While Passed OutRead the Press Release
A Waterloo, Iowa, man, who unlawfully possessed three firearms, was sentenced on November 23, 2021, to over nine years in federal prison.
Adnan Alibegic, age 28, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison sentence after a June 22, 2021 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that in October 2020, Alibegic was found passed out in his vehicle at a gas station in Waterloo. While emergency personnel assisted him, police officers located a loaded, stolen firearm next to him. They also located a pill bottle containing methamphetamine, fentanyl, and alprazolam. Officers searched Alibegic’s home and located two additional firearms. Alibegic’s DNA was found on all three guns.
Alibegic has a lengthy criminal history. In 2018, he was convicted of intimidation with a dangerous weapon after he shot a gun at a group of individuals. One of the rounds struck a residence and passed through a living room where children were present. Alibegic also has a conviction for conspiracy to commit a forcible felony.
Alibegic was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Alibegic was sentenced to 110 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-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 brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) through a cooperative effort of the Waterloo Police Department, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. 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-2019.
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Woodbury County Man Pleads Guilty to Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
A man who possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute pled guilty on November 19, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City. Donovan Lang, 27, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted of one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Lang admitted that on August 15, 2021, in Sioux City, Iowa, he was the sole back seat passenger of a vehicle stopped for various traffic violations. During the traffic stop, Lang was found to possess a knife and roughly 100 grams of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was wrapped in purple latex gloves that were found beneath where Lang was seated. About 5-7 matching purple latex gloves and a knife were found in Lang’s pockets.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Lang remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Lang faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department and the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4077.
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Waterloo Woman Sentenced to a Decade in Prison for Her Role in a Large-Scale Meth Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
A Waterloo, Iowa, woman who was involved in the importation and distribution of over 4,000 grams of methamphetamine was sentenced today to ten years in federal prison.
Breanna Garcia, age 34, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison sentence after a May 3, 2021 guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that in 2018, investigators began investigating a large-scale drug trafficking organization operating between Mexico and Iowa. As part of the investigation, investigators conducted a wiretap investigation of a phone utilized by Travis Werkmeister, Garcia’s boyfriend. Investigators intercepted thousands of calls and text messages between Werkmeister and other members of the drug-distribution organization, including Garcia. Werkmeister worked with Mario Hernandez, the leader of the organization who was based out of Mexico, to import kilos of methamphetamine with the purpose that the methamphetamine be redistributed in Iowa. Garcia would collect money on behalf of Werkmeister and meet with other members of the organization on behalf of Werkmeister. Garcia has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2006. Since that time, she has acquired 21 criminal convictions.
Garcia was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Garcia was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. She 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, the 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 Sentenced to Federal Prison for Selling MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A Sioux City man who sold large quantities of methamphetamine around Sioux City was sentenced November 16, 2021 to more than 15 years in federal prison.
Marcus Anderson, age 43, from Sioux City, received the prison term after a June 22, 2021 guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
In a plea agreement, Anderson admitted he conspired to sell 15,000 grams of methamphetamine around the tri-state area. Anderson further admitted he traveled to Kansas City in the fall of 2018 to obtain methamphetamine for redistribution. He was stopped after picking up approximately nine pounds of ice methamphetamine for redistribution.
Anderson was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Anderson was sentenced to 183 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.
Anderson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jack Lammers 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-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office..
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4087.
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Mason City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing and Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A Mason City man who distributed large quantities of methamphetamine around the Mason City area was sentenced November 19, 2021 to 10 years in federal prison.
Jacinto Barrientes, age 56, from Mason City, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 1, 2021, guilty plea to one count of possessing methamphetamine and two counts of distributing methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Barrientes admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute and distributing large quantities of methamphetamine around the Northern District of Iowa, specifically Mason City, Iowa. Barrientes has an extensive history of criminal activity including driving while intoxicated, domestic abuse/assault, rioting, and a prior felony drug trafficking offense.
Barrientes was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Barrientes 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.
Barrientes is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jack Lammers and was investigated by the North Central Iowa Drug Task Force, the Cerro Gordo Sheriff’s Office, the Mason City 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 21-3008.
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Iowa City Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A felon who possessed a firearm pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Joshua Brown, age 49, from Iowa City was convicted of 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. 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.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Brown remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Brown faces a possible maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and is being 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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Ida Grove Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute over 5 kilograms of methamphetamine was sentenced on November 22, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Cory Mackey, 34, from Ida Grove, Iowa, pled guilty on June 17, 2021, to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.
At the hearings, evidence showed that from February 2019 through July 9, 2020, Mackey conspired to distribute over 5 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Ida County, Iowa area. On January 16, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Mackey’s home and discovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. In July 2020, law enforcement discovered a vehicle, in which Mackey was a passenger, parked in the wrong lane on a rural road in Holstein, Iowa. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 2.75 pounds of pure methamphetamine and over $18,000 in cash.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Mackey remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. Mackey was sentenced to 145 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, DCI Laboratory, and Ida County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4004. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Fort Dodge Man Pleads Guilty to Meth DealingRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty on November 18, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Demarcus Foy, 31, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of distribution of methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Foy admitted that between April 2015 and continuing to on or about June 2020, he and others distributed more than 45 kilograms of methamphetamine. Also, on four separate occasions during 2019, Foy distributed a total of over 100 grams of pure 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 before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Foy remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Foy faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster 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.
Cedar Rapids Meth Dealer Sent to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who possessed methamphetamine and a revolver was sentenced on November 19, 2021, to more than five years in federal prison.
Donald Devere White III, age 48, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 2, 2021 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Information at the sentencing hearing showed that, on October 22, 2018, officers with the Cedar Rapids Police Department conducted a traffic stop on White’s truck. During the traffic stop, officers searched White’s truck and recovered close to 35 grams of methamphetamine and a revolver. White admitted in a plea agreement that he intended to distribute some or all of that methamphetamine to another person.
White was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. White was sentenced to 63 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.
White is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and 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 19-CR-115.
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Armed Career Criminal to Federal Prison for Meth and Firearm ConvictionsRead the Press Release
A man who distributed methamphetamine while illegally possessing firearms was sentenced November 18, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Melvin Cloud, Jr. 44, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty on June 17, 2021, to one count of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Cloud, Jr. had previously been convicted of three prior drug trafficking offenses which designated him an armed career criminal.
At the hearings, evidence showed that on four separate occasions in 2020 in Sioux City, Iowa, Cloud, Jr. distributed a total of over 82 grams of methamphetamine. On February 25, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Cloud, Jr.’s residence and seized four guns, including a 12-gauge shotgun, .357 revolver, .45 caliber ACP, and a stolen .40 caliber pistol. As a drug user and felon, Cloud, Jr. was prohibited from possessing guns.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Cloud, Jr. was sentenced to 141 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 4-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. Cloud, Jr. 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 21-4018.
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Two Men Found Guilty of Waterloo Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
Two men who worked together to rob two people at gun point were convicted by a jury yesterday after a four-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Antione Maxwell, age 33, from Mason City, Iowa, and Chavee Harden, age 32, from Waterloo, Iowa, were convicted of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery. Maxwell was also convicted of one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The verdict was returned yesterday following about four hours of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that, on November 4, 2020, Maxwell and Harden worked together to rob two Waterloo residents at gun point. Testimony at trial showed that Maxwell held a firearm to one of the victim’s head and robbed them of marijuana products, money, and cell phones. The items that were stolen were later found in Harden’s house and in Maxwell’s car parked in front of Harden’s house.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Harden and Maxwell were taken into custody by the United States Marshal’s Service after the verdict was returned and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
For conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, Harden and Maxwell each face a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
For possessing a firearm as a felon, Maxwell faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
For using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, Maxwell faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dillan Edwards and Patrick Reinert and was investigated by the Waterloo Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-2013.
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Sioux City Man with Prior Drug and Burglary Convictions Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
A convicted felon who possessed a gun while also using drugs was sentenced to more than two years in federal prison.
Dexter Howard, age 33, received the prison term after a June 18, 2021, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and a drug user.
Evidence presented at the detention, change of plea, and sentencing hearings in this case revealed that defendant was a felon and a drug user. The gun he was in possession of had the manufacturer’s serial number removed. His unlawful possession of a firearm was discovered when a video emerged showing him brandishing a firearm inside his car while driving near a crime scene police were actively investigating.
Howard was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Howard was sentenced to 33 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.
Howard is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-4011.
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Sioux City Man Selling Large Quantities of Methamphetamine Pleads Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
A Sioux City man who sold large quantities of methamphetamine around Sioux City pled guilty on November 17, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Isidro Jaramillo, age 41, from Sioux City, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jaramillo sold 6 pounds of methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement officer for $10,000 in March 2021. During a subsequent search of Jaramillo’s residence, agents located approximately 3 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately $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, Case No. 09-CR-00422, of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Jaramillo remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Jaramillo faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and 10 years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney 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 21-4021.
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Drug User Who Illegally Possessed Guns Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
An unlawful drug user who possessed multiple firearms was sentenced on November 19, 2021, to more than four years in federal prison.
Joel Perea-Duenas, age 20, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 16, 2021, guilty plea to two counts of being a drug user in possession of a firearm and ammunition. At the time Perea-Duenas possessed the guns and ammunition, he knew he was an unlawful user of cocaine and marijuana.
Evidence at Perea-Duenas’s, detention, change of plea, and sentencing hearings revealed that on June 23, 2020, Perea-Duenas was asked to serve as the getaway driver for a shooting. He agreed, put on dark clothing, and joined three armed men in a waiting car. The attackers drove to the home of their intended victim, but seeing law enforcement in the area, aborted their attack. Later, at a secondary target, one of men repeatedly fired upon a Sioux City, Iowa home. Perea-Duenas admitted he knew about the intended shooting before agreeing to drive. He also admitted knowing there were people, including children, in the targeted home. Perea-Duenas wanted the shooting to occur to in retaliation against a resident of the home and his family.
Perea-Duenas was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Perea-Duenas was sentenced to 54 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $38,863.42 in restitution to the victims and an insurance company. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Perea-Duenas is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and the U.S. Department of Justice’s 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 20-4071.
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Drug User Sentenced to over Two Years in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
A South Sioux City, Nebraska, man who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced November 18, 2021, to more than two years in federal prison.
Joseph Haack, 23, from South Sioux City, Nebraska, received the prison term after a July 12, 2021, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a drug user.
Evidence presented by the United States at the detention, change of plea, and sentencing hearings revealed Haack was twice disarmed by Sioux City Police. On November 2, 2020, during a traffic stop, Haack was discovered in possession of a stolen rifle with an obliterated serial number. On November 2, 2020, he was discovered shoplifting while armed with a loaded handgun which was also stolen and had an obliterated serial number. During this time Haack was an unlawful user of methamphetamine and marijuana.
Haack was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Haack was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a two-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.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Justice – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4006.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Settles ADA Service Animal Dispute with Cedar Rapids Convenience StoreRead the Press Release
Midwest Petroleum & Convenience, Inc. (Midwest Petroleum), doing business as 7Star Liquor and Tobacco Outlet, a Cedar Rapids, Iowa, convenience store, has agreed to settle a dispute under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regarding an allegation that it refused service to an individual with disabilities because of her service animal.
“People with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal are entitled to come and go freely in the community,” said Acting United States Attorney Sean R. Berry. “We are pleased that Midwest Petroleum has agreed to take steps to ensure that people who use service animals are welcomed and accepted.”
Under the settlement agreement, Midwest Petroleum agreed to adopt a service animal non-discrimination policy, provide relevant training to its employees regarding the ADA, post signage indicating service animals are welcome, and pay $1,000 in damages to the complainant.
As part of its investigation, the United States Attorney’s Office determined that, on December 26, 2020, the complainant entered 7Star Liquor and Tobacco Outlet with her service dog. A Midwest Petroleum employee told the complainant that dogs were not allowed within the store. Even after the complainant informed the employee that the animal was a service animal, the complainant was forced to leave.
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities by public accommodations, such as convenience stores. Among other things, public accommodations must allow people with disabilities the full and equal enjoyment of their goods, services, and facilities. They must make reasonable modifications of their policies, practices, and procedures to permit people with disabilities to be accompanied by service animals.
Individuals in the Northern District of Iowa that believe their civil rights may have been violated may submit their complaints by e-mailing the United States Attorney’s Office at [email protected] or by accessing https://civilrights.justice.gov/. For more information on the ADA, or to access publications available to assist entities in complying with the ADA, visit http://www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD).
The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Gillespie and the Disabilities Rights Section of the United States Department of Justice.
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Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the Northern District of Iowa, two cities were awarded funding totaling $250,000.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
The following cities in the Northern District of Iowa received awards:
- Dysart – $125,000
- Sheldon – $125,000
“The grants awarded to Dysart and Sheldon will provide those cities the opportunity to hire officers who will further develop community oriented policing programs. Each city will be made safer by doing so,” said Acting United States Attorney Sean R. Berry.
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
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Former Cedar Rapids Pharmacist Pleads Guilty to Diverting Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
A former Cedar Rapids pharmacist who diverted controlled substances for his own use pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Brandon Lee Iacobo, age 35, from La Crosse, Wisconsin, was convicted of one count of acquiring a controlled substance by means of misrepresentation, fraud, deception, and subterfuge.
In a plea agreement, Iacobo admitted that, from January 2020 through November 2020, he was the pharmacist-in-charge or pharmacy manager at a Cedar Rapids pharmacy and diverted hundreds of controlled substances from the pharmacy to his own personal use. To cover up his thefts, Iacobo falsified controlled substance “cycle counts” in the pharmacy’s inventory and shorted customers’ tablets from their prescriptions when filling them. In December 2016, a California administrative law judge determined Iacobo lacked the “continued ability to perform the duties of a licensed pharmacist, in a manner consistent with public health, safety, and welfare, even on a probationary basis,” and found his pharmacy license should be revoked.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Iacobo remains free on bond pending sentencing. Iacobo faces a possible maximum sentence of four years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-71.
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Marion Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Making over $250,000 in Phony PostageRead the Press Release
A Corridor e-Bayer, who forged and counterfeited over $250,000 in postage and made false statements on international customs forms, was sentenced on November 12, 2021, to three years in federal prison.
Bradley Jon Matheny, age 43, from Marion, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 2, 2021 verdict finding him guilty of seven counts of postage meter stamp forgery and counterfeiting and three counts of export violations. The verdict and sentencing followed a day-long trial that was held in February.
The evidence at the trial and the sentencing hearing showed that Matheny operated an eBay business known as “Mathenys” from his residence in Marion. Through “Mathenys,” Matheny sold retail goods to individuals all over the United States and around the world. Matheny used the United States Postal Service (USPS) to ship these goods to his customers. In 2015, for example, Matheny shipped over 28,000 packages with the USPS. Postage posed a significant financial cost to Matheny’s business. To reduce his costs, and increase his profit, Matheny possessed and used forged and counterfeited postage meter stamps on many of the packages he sent to his customers between 2013 and 2017.
In 2015, USPS personnel at the Cedar Rapids Main Post Office became suspicious of Matheny’s mailing practices after he kept dropping off his packages at the post office late in the evening at the dock. USPS eventually alerted federal law enforcement, specifically the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), that Matheny might be falsifying postage in connection with his eBay business. A review of Matheny’s packages in late 2015 revealed that most of Matheny’s packages had either insufficient postage or a forged or counterfeited postage meter stamp. Similar reviews in 2016 and 2017 yielded similar results.
In 2017, law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at Matheny’s residence, a single-family house in Marion. During the search, the USPIS seized a large number of unusual paper clippings of partial Priority Mail and First Class postage meter stamps as well as a handwritten list of crossed-out Priority Mail tracking numbers. Law enforcement also imaged Matheny’s electronic devices and, on his computer, found a number of the unaltered electronic versions of the forged postage meter stamps in question. Later, working with representatives of eBay, law enforcement learned that Matheny was taking advantage of vulnerabilities in the USPS’s electronic postage payment systems to receive Priority Mail treatment for his packages even though he had only paid the First Class rate. At Matheny’s sentencing, a USPIS inspector testified that the face value of the counterfeited and forged postage that Matheny manufactured between 2013 and 2017 exceeded $380,000.
Some of Matheny’s customers lived overseas, including in Russia, Israel, New Zealand, and South Africa. The USPS required Matheny to make truthful declarations on these exports to other countries. Specifically, Matheny was required to truthfully declare whether the package contained merchandise or a gift and also the value of the contents of the package. Matheny falsely certified on these forms that his packages each contained a “gift” that was worth a nominal sum such as “$1.90,” when in truth Matheny knew the contents of his packages were not gifts and worth more than what he listed on the forms. This allowed Matheny’s packages to clear foreign customs more rapidly and possibly avoid foreign customs taxes.
Matheny was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Matheny was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment and fined $10,000. He was also ordered to make $256,441.78 in restitution to the USPS. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Matheny was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-50.
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Cedar Rapids Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Drug User in Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
A drug user who possessed firearms and ammunition pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Douglas Studer, age 62, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of being a drug user in possession of firearms and ammunition. At the plea hearing, Studer admitted that, on May 17, 2019, he knowingly possessed two pistols and 932 rounds of ammunition while being a user of methamphetamine.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Studer remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Studer faces a possible maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Dubuque Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 21-1027.
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Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Meth Possession in IowaRead the Press Release
A man who possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty November 3, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Arturo Flores, 23, from Eagle Pass, Texas, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, evidence showed that on June 16, 2021, in Sioux City, Iowa, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle Flores was driving. Flores had no identification, but did have a female passenger, her baby, and an 11-year old in the car with him. After a K-9 (drug dog) alerted on the vehicle, law enforcement located and seized over 4 pounds of methamphetamine, wrapped in duct tape, inside a drink cooler on the floor in front of the front passenger’s seat, over $2,000 cash in the passenger’s purse, and a small rock of methamphetamine found in the driver’s side door pocket. Flores admitted that he had acquired the methamphetamine in South Texas and was bringing it to Iowa for further distribution.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Flores remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Flores faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by 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 21-4061. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth and Firearm ConvictionsRead the Press Release
A man that conspired to distribute methamphetamine and illegally possessed firearms was sentenced November 10, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Diego Ayala, 31, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty on July 15, 2021, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of a prohibited person in possession of firearms.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that from between September 2020 and continuing to on or about January 7, 2021, Ayala and others conspired to distribute more than 15 pounds of methamphetamine. Over the course of several weeks, in four separate transactions, one out-of-state source transported and sold more than ten pounds of methamphetamine to Ayala in Sioux City for further distribution. Another out-of-state source transported and sold more than five pounds of methamphetamine to Ayala for further distribution. On January 7, 2021, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of one pound of methamphetamine from Ayala. Subsequently, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Ayala’s residence and seized four more pounds of methamphetamine and two guns, an unloaded 9mm handgun and a loaded MP-15, assault style rifle. Law enforcement also seized 68 rounds of .380 caliber ammunition, 84 rounds of 9mm caliber ammunition, and 120 rounds of 5.56 ammunition from several different locations in Ayala’s residence. Ayala admitted he planned on distributing the methamphetamine seized to other persons. Ayala also admitted to being an unlawful user of methamphetamine while in possession of firearms.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Ayala was sentenced to 90 months’ imprisonment and must serve three years of supervised release following the imprisonment. Ayala remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City Nebraska Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4002. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Des Moines Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison for His Role in Bringing Methamphetamine from Mexico to IowaRead the Press Release
A Des Moines man, who was involved in the importation and distribution of multiple kilograms of methamphetamine was sentenced today to 16 years in federal prison.
Rogelio Lemus Hernandez, age 21, from Des Moines, 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, in 2017, law enforcement began investigating a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking ring operating out of Mexico. The head of the organization, Mario Hernandez, was based in Mexico and worked with others, included Lemus Hernandez, to transport kilogram quantities of methamphetamine into Iowa. Lemus Hernandez was intercepted on a wiretap investigation speaking with Mario Hernandez. The two arranged for the transportation of methamphetamine into Iowa. In June 2020, law enforcement stopped a car occupied by Lemus Hernandez. The stop took place outside of Des Moines, Iowa. The car had travelled to Iowa from Texas. Inside the car, officers found nearly 5,000 grams of pure “ice” methamphetamine. Lemus Hernandez and an associate picked up the methamphetamine in Texas and drove it back to Iowa for the purpose that it be redistributed. In total, Lemus Hernandez’s role in the group involved over 43,000 grams of methamphetamine.
Lemus Hernandez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Lemus Hernandez was sentenced to 192 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.
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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Oelwein Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
David Alan Tafolla, age 54, from Oelwein, Iowa, pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
At the plea hearing, Tafolla admitted that he conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine. In a plea agreement, Tafolla also acknowledged that he purchased pounds of methamphetamine. He further admitted that during a search of his home, law enforcement discovered more than 400 grams of methamphetamine, three grams of marijuana, and approximately $36,000 in cash. In the plea agreement, Tafolla admitted that, in addition to the methamphetamine found in his home, he distributed another 265 grams of methamphetamine.
Sentencing before United States District Court C. J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Tafolla remains in custody of the United States Marshal. Tafolla faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a $10,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release of up to life.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by the Oelwein Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information is at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-2044.
Guatemalan Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm and Being in the United States IllegallyRead the Press Release
A Guatemalan man who was illegally in the United States while possessing a firearm was sentenced November 8, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
On June 16, 2021, Sergio Mendez-Perez, 26, from Guatemala, pled guilty to illegal reentry and alien in possession of a firearm.
Evidence at the hearings showed that on March 17, 2021, Mendez-Perez was arrested in Woodbury County, Iowa after pointing a gun at the home of a former employer in a threatening manner, and then fleeing from law enforcement both in his vehicle and on foot. Mendez-Perez, who was determined to be intoxicated, also resisted arrest. On March 18, 2021, ICE determined that Mendez-Perez was a citizen of Guatemala, and had been removed from the United States on one occasion after a conviction for presenting a false document to officials.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Mendez-Perez remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. Mendez-Perez was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment for both counts to be served concurrently and must serve 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment. He must also pay a mandatory special assessment of $200.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Sioux City Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4026.
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Former Sioux City Council Member Sentenced in Federal Court for Environmental CrimesRead the Press Release
A man who unlawfully stored and transported hazardous waste was sentenced on November 8, 2021, in federal court.
Aaron Rochester, 47, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty on March 19, 2021, to one count of unlawful storage of hazardous waste and one count of transportation of hazardous waste.
At various court hearings, evidence showed that from June 2015 through about January 2017, Rochester, as owner and operator of Recycletronics, knowingly and unlawfully stored and transported hazardous waste, namely CRTs (cathode ray tubes) and leaded glass from televisions and computers at various facilities in and around Sioux City, Iowa.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Rochester was sentenced to three years’ probation, fined $4,055,978.64, and must serve a term of three years of supervised release.
“Rochester’s disregard for the laws governing proper hazardous waste transportation and storage posed significant risks to nearby communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Lance Ehrig of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Iowa. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates that EPA and our law enforcement partners are committed to enforcing laws designed to protect human health and the environment.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-4073. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Drug User Sent to Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
A drug user who possessed marijuana and a firearm was sentenced November 8, 2021, to federal prison.
Anthony Jon Chan-Vance, age 43, from Marion, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 5, 2021 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a drug user.
In a plea agreement, Chan-Vance admitted he possessed a gun while he was an unlawful user of marijuana. He also admitted that he provided marijuana to his friends. Evidence at various hearings in the case showed that law enforcement officers searched Chan-Vance’s home in 2019. During the search, officers found a .40 caliber handgun. Officers also found a distribution quantity of marijuana in the home. At sentencing, the court found that Chan-Vance possessed the gun in connection with his possession of marijuana that he intended to distribute.
Chan-Vance was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Chan-Vance was sentenced to 6 months’ imprisonment and fined $10,000. 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.
Chan-Vance 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 Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Marion Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-cr-86.
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Methamphetamine Dealer Who Possessed Two Firearms Sentenced to More than Seven Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who possessed two firearms and admitted to buying over a pound of methamphetamine was sentenced on November 5, 2021, to more than seven years in federal prison.
Todd Fritz Groom, age 33, from Boscobel, Wisconsin, received the prison term after a May 3, 2021 guilty plea to possession of firearms by a prohibited person.
Information from Groom’s guilty plea and sentencing hearings showed that on September 24, 2020, deputies from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant for stolen property at a residence in Clermont, Iowa. After discovering that there were drugs in the house, the deputies obtained and executed a second search warrant for drugs and drug-related items. They found two firearms in a backpack with other items belonging to Groom. Groom was previously convicted of four felony offenses and was a methamphetamine user. Groom later admitted to a deputy that, a couple weeks before the search, he had bought 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine for redistribution and that one of the subjects he dealt with was involved with a drug cartel.
Groom was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Groom was sentenced to 86 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.
Groom 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.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Geocaris and Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 21-CR-2015.
Man Who Illegally Possessed a Gun Sent to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed three firearms was sentenced to over three years in federal prison.
Jonathon Sotres-De La O, age 20, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 19, 2021, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful drug user and one count of receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment. At the time Sotres-De La O possessed the firearms and ammunition he knew he was an unlawful user of controlled substances.
Evidence at Sotres-De La O’s detention, change of plea, and sentencing hearings revealed that despite his young age Sotres-De La O was already a recidivist. In May of 2019, he received a deferred judgment in the Iowa District Court for Harrison County, but was unable to successfully complete the relatively short term of probation. In June of 2020, during an investigation of a shooting perpetrated by roommates and friends, Sotres-De La O was found in possession of a rifle, ammunition, illegal drugs, and drug use paraphernalia. He was charged federally with this crime, and he was released on pre-trial supervision to await trial. While on release, on March 6, 2021, Sotres-De La O was stopped by police while driving his car. Sotres-De La O was searched, and two boxes of ammunition were found in the glove box. A white backpack was also located in the car and it was searched. Two stolen handguns, marijuana, cocaine, and other items were found inside the bag.
Sotres-De La O was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Sotres-De La O was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 6-month term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Sotres-De La O is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4079.
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Gladbrook Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Federal Prison for Being a Prohibited Person in Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
A felon and convicted domestic abuser who possessed firearms was sentenced November 5, 2021, to 27 months in federal prison.
Jason Drew, age 38, of Gladbrook, Iowa, received the sentence after a May 11, 2021 guilty plea to one count of being a prohibited person in possession of firearms. At the plea hearing, Drew admitted that, on February 26, 2020, he knowingly possessed two revolvers after having been convicted of two crimes punishable by more than one year of imprisonment and after having been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. The record at the sentencing hearing established that Drew also was a drug user.
Drew was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Drew 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.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Tama County Sheriff’s Office, the Cedar Rapids 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 20-74.
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Felon Who Absconded While Awaiting Sentencing on a Gun Offense Sentenced to over 5 Years’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm as a felon was sentenced on November 3, 2021, to more than 5 years in federal prison.
Joel Dawdy, age 31, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 21, 2020, guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence at his change of plea, detention, and sentencing hearings revealed that on January 28, 2020, officers attempted to stop a vehicle in which Dawdy was a passenger. Dawdy exited the car, ran, and during the pursuit jettisoned a loaded gun. After pleading guilty to his crime, he violated the conditions of his supervised release, absconded from supervision, and had to be found and arrested by the United States Marshal Service.
Dawdy was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Dawdy was sentenced to 63 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.
Dawdy is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, and the 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 20-CR-4030.
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Humboldt Iowa Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for being a Felon in Possession of a Stolen Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
A Humboldt, Iowa man who possessed a gun and ammunition as a felon was sentenced November 4, 2021 to more than 2 years in federal prison.
DJ McMillan, age 31, from Humboldt, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 9, 2021, guilty plea to possession of a stolen firearm and ammunition by a felon. In a plea agreement, McMillan admitted he was convicted of burglary 3rd in 2014, and knew he was prohibited from possessing guns and ammunition. McMillan possessed a stolen gun while shoplifting from Target on November 25, 2020. McMillan also possessed ammunition when he shoplifted from Menard’s earlier that same day.
McMillan was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. McMillan was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 2-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. McMillan is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ron Timmons and Mikala Purdy-Steenholdt, and investigated by the Webster County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-3004.
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Drug User Who Possessed Thirteen Firearms Sentenced to a Decade in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A drug user who unlawfully possessed multiple firearms was sentenced today to ten years in federal prison.
Chandrique Day, age 21, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 14, 2021 guilty plea to possessing a firearm as a drug user.
Evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that Day possessed multiple handguns, some of which were equipped with an extended magazine. In addition, Day possessed an AR-15 rifle equipped with a high-capacity magazine.
Day was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Day 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.
Day 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-2007.
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Cedar Rapids Man Charged with Being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Clyde Bell, age 40, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been charged with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. The charge is contained in an Indictment unsealed on October 29, 2021, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictment alleges that, in October 2020, Bell possessed a pistol while being a prohibited person. The Indictment alleges that Bell previously was convicted of two felonies, that he previously was convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, and that he was an unlawful user of marijuana, cocaine, and MDMA.
If convicted, Bell faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years on supervised release following any imprisonment.
Bell appeared for a detention hearing today in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was released on bond. Bell’s next appearance for trial is set for January 3, 2022.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and is being investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 21-46.
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Posing on Social Media with Guns and Drugs Leads Waterloo Man to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who made several social media posts posing with guns and marijuana was sentenced today to nearly three years in federal prison.
Joshua Adam Rode, age 24, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 30, 2021 guilty plea to one count of being a drug user in possession of a firearm.
In a plea agreement, Rode admitted he had made several social media posts depicting himself with marijuana and firearms. Waterloo police officers then located Rode sitting in his car in a residential neighborhood in Waterloo. Officers approached Rode’s car, smelled the odor of marijuana, and asked him to step out of the car. Rode then retrieved an item from under the driver’s seat and attempted to run through responding officers. The officers stopped Rode and arrested him, finding a loaded handgun, with a round chambered, underneath Rode on the ground. Officers then found marijuana inside Rode’s car.
Rode was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Rode was sentenced to 33 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.
Rode 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 Waterloo Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Gillespie and Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21‑CR‑02036-CJW‑MAR.
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Mexico Man Sentenced in Federal Court for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
A man who was illegally in the United States was sentenced November 1, 2021, to 57 days imprisonment.
Gabriel Grima-Sanchez, 47, from Mexico, received the prison term after an August 18, 2021, guilty plea to illegally re-entering the United States.
At the guilty plea and sentencing hearing, evidence showed that Grima-Sanchez was arrested on March 28, 2016, in Sioux City, Iowa for Domestic Abuse Assault and was released on March 30, 2016, from custody on a state bond. Subsequent investigation revealed Grima-Sanchez was an alien who had been ordered removed from the United States and was most recently removed on May 11, 2005. On April 30, 2016, a federal indictment and arrest warrant were issued against Grima-Sanchez for illegal re-entry. On June 23, 2021, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Grima-Sanchez. Defendant was then taken into custody on the federal warrant.
Grima-Sanchez was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Grima-Sanchez was sentenced to time served of 57 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release, pay a fine of $1,000, and pay a special assessment of $100. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and investigated by Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 16-4044.
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Former Dubuque School Principal Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
A former curriculum and technology director and principal who stole at least $250,000 from the private school system in which he worked pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Todd Charles Wessels, age 49, from Dubuque, Iowa, was convicted of one count of wire fraud. In a plea agreement, Wessels admitted he was the Curriculum and Technology Director for a private, religious, not-for-profit school district in Dubuque. Wessels was responsible for ensuring that the school district met the technology needs of approximately 1,800 students at its high school, middle school, and elementary schools. Before 2016, Wessels also served in a dual role as the principal of one of the elementary schools.
Beginning on an unknown date but no later than June 2011, Wessels devised and executed a scheme to make purchases for his own benefit with the school district’s funds. Wessels made purchases of pre-paid debit cards using the school district’s store credit cards at area businesses upon the false and fraudulent pretense that he needed funds for “apps” for students’ computers. Wessels then electronically transferred the balances of the pre-paid debit cards to another account that he controlled at PayPal, Inc., an electronic payment transfer system based in California. Wessels had, without the school district’s knowledge, falsely and fraudulent opened the PayPal account in the school district’s name but under the handle “WENWESS”. Finally, Wessels provided the school district receipts for the purchases of the pre-paid debit cards on the false and fraudulent pretense that the use of the store credit cards was for legitimate purchases. Wessels also sold the school district’s computer equipment on third-party Internet websites without its knowledge or permission.
In July 2019, a new chief administrator at the school district began looking into Wessels’s spending practices. Wessels repeatedly lied to administrators and submitted fraudulent invoices and receipts to them in order to conceal his scheme to defraud. At meetings in January and February 2020, Wessels provided hardcopy versions of false, fraudulent, and fictitious spreadsheets purporting to show the apps he had purchased.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Wessels remains free on bond pending sentencing. Wessels faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by the Dubuque Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-1031.
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Cedar Rapids Woman Who Sold $1,000 Worth of Heroin and Fentanyl Pleads Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A woman who sold fentanyl in Cedar Rapids pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Ladonna Cynthia Givens, age 32, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of 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.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Givens was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the guilty plea and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Givens faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and a lifetime of supervised release 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‑00033‑CJW‑MAR.
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Iowa Man with Prior Federal Drug Conviction Pleads Guilty to Heroin and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Steven Springer, 54, from Hampton, Iowa, pled guilty on October 21, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City, to conspiracy to distribute heroin while possessing a firearm in furtherance of that crime.
Springer was previously convicted on May 22, 2002, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, of the manufacture of methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Springer admitted that between December 2020 and February 2021, he was involved in a conspiracy that distributed heroin and methamphetamine. Springer admitted to being paid to receive packages of meth and heroin from sources in Mexico, to redistribute those drugs to other persons as directed, and to wire drug proceeds back to the source in Mexico. On February 4, 2021, Springer ultimately received over 920 grams of heroin, hidden inside footwear, sent from Mexico to Iowa through the United States Postal Service. At the time of his arrest, Springer was also in possession of more than 14 grams of pure methamphetamine, a .380 caliber handgun, with loaded magazine, a small quantity of marijuana, and a quantity of psilocybin (mushrooms). Springer possessed the firearm for protection while distributing drugs. About one month previous to his receipt of the heroin, Springer had received approximately ½ pound of methamphetamine, from the same source in Mexico, which he redistributed in central Iowa.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Springer remains in custody of the United States Marshal and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Springer faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $8,000,000 fine, and eight years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Wright and Franklin County Sheriff’s Offices, and Iowa DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-3013. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Iowa Man with Prior Federal Drug Conviction Pleads Guilty to Another Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty October 21, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Dustin Joe Martinez, 33, from Sutherland, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Martinez was previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on June 3, 2016, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa.
At the plea hearing, evidence showed that from 2019 to approximately March 2021, Martinez and others distributed at least 250 grams of methamphetamine mixture and 100 grams of pure methamphetamine. On two separate occasions, in March of 2020 and March of 2021, Martinez was found in possession of approximately one ounce of methamphetamine which he intended to distribute to another person or persons.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Martinez remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Martinez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $8,000,000 fine, and at least 8 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Spencer Police Department, O’Brien 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 21-4032. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Chicago Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fraudulent Concert SchemeRead the Press Release
A man who fraudulently solicited artist booking deposits and other expenses for concerts that never occurred was sentenced on October 20, 2021, to more than six years in federal prison. Romel Murphy, age 43, from Chicago, Illinois, received the prison term after a January 8, 2021 guilty plea to one count of wire fraud.
Information from a plea agreement and at sentencing showed that Murphy operated a talent booking agency that ostensibly booked artists for performances at concert venues around the United States. From about November 2017 through March 2019, Murphy used his business to induce potential clients to send him funds to secure artists’ performances at concerts. For instance, Murphy sent signed contracts to victims that appeared to have come from the artists. In fact, Murphy had drafted and signed the contracts himself. The victim would sign the contracts and wire deposit funds to Murphy. Murphy did not send the money to the artists and converted the funds to his own use, including gambling. As the concert dates approached and the victims had advertised the concerts, the victims would discover that the artists had not received any funds, frequently through communications from the artists’ actual representatives. In total, Murphy defrauded his victims out of more than $410,000. Murphy had three prior convictions for federal fraud-related offenses. He committed two of those offenses while on federal supervised release.
Murphy was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Murphy was sentenced to 77 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $414,433.23 in restitution to the victims of his offense. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Murphy was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-0006.
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Sioux City Woman Pleads to Conspiracy to Distribute over 42 Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A Sioux City woman who conspired to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine pled guilty on October 18, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Heather Sorgdrager, age 41, from Sioux City was convicted of 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 said 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.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Sorgdrager remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Sorgdrager 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 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 21-4031.
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Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty October 18, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Daniel Dickey, 34, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Dickey admitted that between December 2020 and continuing to April 2021, he and others conspired to distribute over 26 pounds of methamphetamine in the Sioux City area. Dickey was recruited by a Texas-based meth organization to assist in the receipt of multiple shipments of liquid methamphetamine (for lab-based meth conversion), plus traditional vehicle transport of methamphetamine from Mexico to Texas to Iowa to South Dakota. Evidence further showed that in March and April of 2021, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled drug/money transactions with Dickey in Sioux City, Iowa. These transactions resulted in the seizure of more than one pound of methamphetamine, a sizable amount of liquid ready for chemical conversion into methamphetamine by a coconspirator, and about $40,000 in drug proceeds from Dickey.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Dickey remains in custody of the United States Marshal and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Dickey faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by 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 21-4042. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Eagle Grove Man Pleads Guilty to Meth ChargesRead the Press Release
A man who possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty October 12, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Celestin Loux, 64, from Eagle Grove, Iowa, was convicted of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Loux admitted that on November 10, 2020, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Loux after receiving a report of a vehicle theft. Law enforcement seized seven bags from Loux’s person totaling 14.39 grams of methamphetamine. Evidence further showed that from December 2019 through February 2020, during three controlled drug-buy operations with law enforcement, Loux sold a total of 51.54 grams of methamphetamine.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Loux remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Loux 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 the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, Wright County Sheriff’s Office, and Iowa DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-3024. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Cherokee County Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed firearms pled guilty October 18, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Reese Hageman, 36, from Marcus, Iowa, an unlawful user of methamphetamine, was convicted of possession of firearms by a prohibited person.
At the plea hearing, Hageman admitted that on April 18, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the farm residence of Hageman’s father and seized nearly two pounds of methamphetamine and several guns. During the search warrant execution, law enforcement seized four guns, including an AR-style rifle, a small quantity of methamphetamine and drug -user paraphernalia, all attributable to Reese Hageman. Reese Hageman further admitted that he was a regular methamphetamine user, and had been in possession over three rifles and a 410 shotgun. Federal law prohibits those using illegal drugs from possessing guns.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Hageman remains free on bond previously set. Hageman faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, 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 21-4047. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.