Northern District of Iowa
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Man Who “Systematically Groomed” a Child for Sexual Gratification Sentenced to over Twenty-Eight Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who took photographs of a child performing a sex act was sentenced today to more than twenty-eight years in federal prison.
Terrance Sullivan, age 63, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 8, 2021 guilty plea to the sexual exploitation of a child.
At the guilty plea, Sullivan admitted that in September of 2019, he photographed a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a Nikon digital camera. At sentencing, the judge noted that Sullivan “systematically groomed” the child to “obtain her trust” for his own sexual gratification. Sullivan’s actions required thoughtful planning, as he locked the door behind him in order to orchestrate taking photographs of the child, which he admitted he knew he should not be doing but thought it was fun.
Sullivan was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Sullivan was sentenced to 346 months’ imprisonment and fined $100. He was also assessed additional assessments of $5,000. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Sullivan is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Dupuich and investigated by the Waterloo Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-2021.
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Dubuque Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who distributed methamphetamine in the Dubuque, Iowa, area was sentenced on July 14, 2021, to more than 15 years in federal prison.
Larry Osa Scott, age 44, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 6, 2021 guilty plea to two counts of distribution of a controlled substance near a protected location and two counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Evidence at sentencing showed that Scott began selling methamphetamine in June 2015. Between June 2015 and January 2016, Scott obtained over 1,000 grams of methamphetamine. On January 6, 2016, and October 25, 2019, Scott sold methamphetamine to another person within 1,000 feet of a park in Dubuque. On October 29, November 4, and November 21, 2019, Scott sold methamphetamine to an undercover officer. On November 30, 2019, law enforcement was watching Scott’s home because Scott had a warrant for his arrest. After officers saw Scott arrived home, they approached Scott, who slammed the driver’s door of his truck shut and appeared as if he was going to flee. Officers eventually took Scott into custody and recovered $740 in cash from his person and close to 14 grams of methamphetamine from his truck.
Scott was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Scott was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 6-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Scott is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-01007.
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Cedar Rapids Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A felon who possessed a firearm pled guilty on July 19, 2021, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Leon Sheley, age 23, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. At the plea hearing, Sheley admitted that, on May 20, 2020, he knowingly possessed a pistol after having been convicted of three crimes punishable by more than one year of imprisonment. Sheley admitted he had prior convictions for theft in the second degree in 2016, theft in the first degree in 2016, and escape from custody in 2017.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Sheley remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Sheley 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 Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 21-17.
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Woman Involved in Northwest Iowa Meth Conspiracy to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced July 15, 2021, to more than 5 years in federal prison.
Ruby Blankenship, 45, from Brandon, South Dakota, received the prison term after a November 3, 2020, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that from about November 2019 through March 2020, Blankenship and others conspired to distribute more than 22 pounds of methamphetamine. Blankenship allowed others to store methamphetamine at her residence in the Iowa Lakes area. Co-conspirators traveled to California, obtained 20 pounds of methamphetamine, which was brought back to Iowa, hidden in the gas tank of the vehicle for later distribution. The meth was ultimately unloaded by co-conspirators in a detached building/garage at Blankenship’s residence. In March 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Blankenship’s residence, including a detached building/garage, and seized a total of 20 pounds of methamphetamine from the property and vehicles leaving the property.
Blankenship was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Blankenship was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Blankenship is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4051.
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Webster County Man to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced July 14, 2021, to more than 17 years in federal prison.
Russell Gentry, 32, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 7, 2021, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. On January 8, 2018, Gentry was convicted in the Iowa District Court for Marshall County, of Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine) with Intent to Deliver.
Evidence at the hearings showed that between January 2020 and continuing to on or about July 27, 2020, Gentry and others distributed more than 25 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Webster County, Iowa area. In July 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Gentry’s residence. During the search, officers seized 15 pounds of methamphetamine, $3,700 cash and two ounces of marijuana. Each pound of methamphetamine was individually wrapped. Officers also seized drug trafficking paraphernalia including, packaging material, a digital scale and numerous cell phones. Gentry admitted he intended to distribute some or all of the methamphetamine seized by law enforcement.
Gentry was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Gentry was sentenced to 210 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. Gentry is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Dodge Police Department, and Iowa DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-3025.
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Waterloo Man Sentenced to over 28 Years in Prison for His Role in Importing Methamphetamine from Mexico to IowaRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man, who was involved in the importation and distribution of thousands of kilograms of methamphetamine was sentenced today, July 19, 2021, to nearly 29 years in federal prison.
Travis Charles Werkmeister, age 34, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison sentence after a February 8, 2021, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing showed that in 2018, investigators conducted controlled buys of ounce-quantities of methamphetamine from Werkmeister. The transactions took place at Werkmeister’s Waterloo residence. In 2019, investigators conducted a wiretap investigation wherein they intercepted thousands of calls and messages between Werkmeister and other members of the drug-distribution organization. Werkmeister was intercepted discussing methamphetamine shipments with co-conspirators, including the head out of the organization, who was based out of Mexico. Werkmeister would receive pound to kilogram quantities of methamphetamine at a time and would redistribute to multiple people in the Waterloo, Iowa, area, who would in turn sell to others. Werkmeister has a lengthy criminal history, dating back to 2005. He has at least three felony convictions and three convictions wherein he assaulted one other person.
Werkmeister was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Werkmeister was sentenced to 346 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, 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 Pleads Guilty to Meth and Firearm ConvictionsRead the Press Release
A man that conspired to distribute methamphetamine and illegally possessed firearms pled guilty July 15, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Diego Ayala, 31, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of prohibited person in possession of firearms.
At the plea hearing, Ayala admitted that between September 2020 and continuing to on or about January 7, 2021, he and others conspired to distribute at least 1500 grams of methamphetamine. Over the course of several weeks, in four separate transactions, Ayala received 10-12 pounds of meth for further distribution in the Sioux City area. 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 about four more pounds of methamphetamine, an unloaded 9mm handgun and a loaded AR-15 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 to other persons. Ayala also admitted to being an unlawful user of methamphetamine while in possession of firearms.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Ayala remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. On the conspiracy conviction, Ayala 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. On the distribution conviction, Ayala faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release of at least four years. On the firearm conviction, Ayala faces maximum penalties of not more than 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release of not more than three years.
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 21-4002.
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Sioux City Couple to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Sioux City couple who conspired to distribute methamphetamine were sentenced July 13, and 14, 2021, to federal prison.
Desiree Fredrickson, 36, and Shawn Hofer, 41, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison terms after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at the combined plea and sentencing hearings showed that Fredrickson and Hofer were involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than 6.5 kilograms of methamphetamine from June 2017 through August 2018. The couple received pounds of meth via the mail from a local meth dealer. Later they were receivers/distributors of several 5 pound packages of methamphetamine, plus some cocaine and marijuana in a drugs by mail scheme led locally with California source of supply.
Fredrickson and Hofer were sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Fredrickson was sentenced to 28 months’ imprisonment. Hofer was sentenced to 35 months’ imprisonment. Each must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Each are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the United States Postal Service, and the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-4065.
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Jury Finds Sioux City Man Guilty of Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Sioux City man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was found guilty by a jury on July 9, 2021, after a four-day jury trial in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa.
Melroy Johnson, Sr., 66, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The verdict was returned last Friday morning following about 2 ½ hours of jury deliberations.
Evidence at the trial showed, that over the course of months in 2017-2018, Johnson, Sr. had two co-conspirators travel to California to obtain pounds of methamphetamine from a source and return with it to Sioux City, Iowa for further distribution. Evidence at trial also showed that Johnson, Sr., over the course of about one year, from 2017 through 2018 had multiple pounds of meth repeatedly mailed from a source of supply in California to co-conspirators in Sioux City for further distribution. The packages contained from 2-5 pounds of methamphetamine as well as cocaine and marijuana.
Sentencing before United States Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Johnson, Sr. was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the verdict was returned and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Johnson, Sr. faces a sentencing enhancement based on his prior federal felony drug trafficking conviction in 2002. On his conspiracy conviction, Johnson, Sr. faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and at least 10 years of supervised release following any imprisonment. On the possession conviction, Johnson, Sr. faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $8,000,000 fine, and at least 8 years of supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the United States Postal Service, and the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-4065.
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Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
A methamphetamine dealer was sentenced on July 13, 2021, to more than seven years in federal prison. Jason Wayne Persons, age 42, from Quimby, Iowa received the prison term after a guilty plea to distribution of a controlled substance.
Persons distributed methamphetamine in and around Sioux City, Iowa in August of 2020. On August 17, 2020, Sioux City police officers executed a search warrant on Persons’ residence. Officers recovered methamphetamine in his bedroom. In a police interview, he admitted to selling methamphetamine to support his addiction to methamphetamine. Persons was convicted in federal court in 2003 of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine.
Persons was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Persons was sentenced to 90 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.
Persons is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons and investigated by 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 20-4077.
Convicted Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
A convicted sex offender pled guilty July 15, 2021, to failure to register as a sex offender in federal court in Sioux City.
Duane Levering, age 36, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, was convicted of failure to register as a sex offender.
At the plea hearing, Levering admitted to being convicted of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor in the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska on April 25, 2005. Levering knew he was required to register and continue to update his residence as a sex offender. Levering moved from Nebraska to Sioux City, then again to Fort Dodge, Iowa where he was caught living in the attic of a home from Spring 2020 to the time of his arrest on December 9, 2020. At no time during that period did Levering update his sex offender registration.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Levering in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Levering faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons and was investigated by the United States Marshal Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-3011.
Iowa City Man Charged with Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Joshua Brown, age 49, of Iowa City, Iowa, has been charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. The charges are contained in an Indictment unsealed on July 9, 2021, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictment alleges that, in July 2020, Brown possessed a pistol after having been convicted of unauthorized possession of an offensive weapon in Johnson County in 1995 and possession of a firearm by a felon in Cedar County in 1996. The Indictment also alleges that the pistol was stolen and had an obliterated serial number.
If convicted, Brown faces a possible maximum sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment, a $750,000 fine, and three years on supervised release following any imprisonment.
Brown appeared for a detention hearing on July 14, 2021, in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was released on bond. Brown’s next appearance for trial is set for September 7, 2021.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 21-14.
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Felon Sentenced to over Four Years in Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a Gun and Leading Police on a Car ChaseRead the Press Release
A convicted felon who unlawfully possessed a gun and led the police on a car chase was sentenced today to more than four years in federal prison.
Dennis Lawson, age 23, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 23, 2020 guilty plea to one count of being felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that, on February 23, 2020, Lawson was the driver of a car parked in a parking lot in Cedar Rapids. A woman was in the car with him. Both were seen using a needle to ingest drugs. Officers approached Lawson’s car and he took off out of the parking lot. Officers chased Lawson, who eventually crashed his car into two trees. During the chase, Lawson forced his passenger to throw a gun out the window, which officers immediately recovered. After the crash, Lawson tried to run, but slipped and fell.
Lawson has multiple prior felony convictions, including a conviction for burglary and two prior convictions in state court for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Additional evidence showed that, on May 16, 2021, Lawson was incarcerated in the Bremer County jail while awaiting sentencing. On that day, Lawson used a sock with a bar of soap in it to assault another inmate. Lawson also insulted and shoved a jail employee who was attempting to stop the assault. As a result of this conduct, Lawson lost credit for accepting responsibility and received an increased sentence.
Lawson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Lawson was sentenced to 51 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.
Lawson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force. The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Marion Police Department, 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-63.
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Illinois Felon Convicted in Iowa After Possessing a Gun and Drugs Inside a Cedar Rapids Wal-MartRead the Press Release
A convicted felon, who possessed drugs he intended to distribute and a gun inside a Wal-Mart, was convicted by a jury on July 13, 2021, after a two-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Sylvester Cunningham, age 41, from Blue Island, Illinois, was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing crack and powder cocaine with the intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The verdict was returned following about six hours of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that at about 11:00 A.M. on August 7, 2020, Cunningham, who was in a wheelchair, entered the vestibule of a Wal-Mart store in Cedar Rapids. Cunningham moved from his wheelchair into a Wal-Mart electric shopping cart. A short time later, while helping Cunningham look for a lost cellphone, a Wal-Mart employee lifted the cushion of Cunningham’s wheelchair and saw a .357 caliber revolver.
The employee alerted an off-duty Cedar Rapids Police Department officer who was providing security for the store. The officer retrieved the gun. After finding out that Cunningham was on federal supervised release for a prior gun charge, police officers arrested him. While searching him as part of the arrest, officers located thirteen individual baggies of crack and powder cocaine concealed in Cunningham’s clothing.
Prior to August 7, 2020, Cunningham had received two felony convictions. First, in 2004, Cunningham was convicted of felony operating while intoxicated in Illinois. Second, in 2012, Cunningham was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm in the federal district court for the Northern District of Iowa. In the 2012 case, Cunningham was found in possession of a rifle after he crashed the car he was driving in Cedar County, Iowa.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Cunningham was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the verdict was returned and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Cunningham faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $1,500,000 fine, and up to life on supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and Special Assistant United States Attorney Devra Hake and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force. The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Marion Police Department, 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-104.
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Mental Health Therapist Pleads Guilty to Enticing MinorRead the Press Release
A Monticello woman, who enticed a minor to engage in sexual activity, pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Miranda Breeden, age 46, pled guilty to one count of enticement of a minor. At the plea hearing, Breeden admitted that between November 2019 and January 2020, she used a cell phone to entice an individual under the age of 18 years old to engage in an illegal sex act. Breeden admitted that based on the sexual activity that occurred, she could have been charged with sexual abuse in the third degree in Iowa state court.
A criminal complaint filed in August 2020 alleged that Breeden was a mental health therapist for a school in the Cedar Rapids area in the fall of 2019 through at least January 2020. During that time, Breeden counseled a 14-year old male and the two engaged in a sexual relationship. Investigators located multiple Facebook messages between Breeden and the 14-year old, wherein Breeden arranged to meet the child for sex. In December 2019, investigators determined that Breeden went to Theisen’s in Cedar Rapids and purchased a firearm for the 14-year old.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Breeden remains in custody of the United States Marshal. Breeden faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life, a $250,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Dupuich and Ashley Corkery and was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Unit, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-65. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Father and Son Drug Dealers Found Guilty of Distribution of Methamphetamine and HeroinRead the Press Release
A father and son duo dealing methamphetamine and heroin around Mason City were convicted by a jury on July 9, 2021 after a three-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Charlton Maxwell, age 60, and his son, Antione Maxwell, age 33, from Mason City, Iowa were convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. Antoine Maxwell was also convicted of three counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of distribution of heroin. In addition to the conspiracy conviction, Charleton Maxwell was convicted of two counts of distribution of heroin, and one count of distribution of heroin and methamphetamine. The verdict was returned Friday, July 9, 2021.
The evidence at trial showed that Antione and Charleton Maxwell conspired to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin in and around Mason City between January 2018 and October 2020. Both Charleton and Antione were caught distributing methamphetamine and heroin. Testimony at trial showed that both defendants were involved in a long-term conspiracy involving numerous others to distribute pounds of methamphetamine as well as heroin in the Mason City area.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Antione and Charlton Maxwell both remain in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.
For conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, Antione Maxwell faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and 10 years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment.
For the two counts of distribution of 5 grams or more of pure methamphetamine, Antione Maxwell faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and 8 years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment for each count.
For distribution of 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine, Antione Maxwell faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and ten years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment.
For distribution of heroin, Antione Maxwell faces a possible maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a $2,000,000 fine, and three years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment.
For conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, Charleton Maxwell faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, and four years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment.
For distribution of three counts of distributing heroin, Charleton Maxwell faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and three years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment, for each count.
The case is being 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, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Clear Lake Police department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-3044.
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Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Possessing Mechanically Shortened WeaponRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man was sentenced July 12, 2021, to two years in federal prison for possessing a mechanically shortened weapon.
Philip Maccani, age 50, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to possessing an unregistered National Firearms Act firearm, specifically a weapon made from a shotgun with an overall length of less than 26 inches. Evidence at sentencing demonstrated that the stock had been altered to shorten the weapon’s overall length.
The judge noted that weapons like the one Maccani possessed were more dangerous than other weapons because they are both easier to conceal and more difficult to aim and control. The judge also noted the bravery of one of the deputies from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, who tried to de-escalate a dangerous situation by giving his rifle to another officer before approaching Maccani without knowing whether Maccani was then armed.
Maccani was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Maccani was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Maccani 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 prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jake Schunk and investigated by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-00090-CJW-MAR.
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Chicago Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Derecho FraudRead the Press Release
A Chicago felon who pretended to be a victim of the August 2020 derecho disaster in order to fraudulently obtain over $5,000 in FEMA disaster benefits was sentenced today to more than a year in federal prison. Tavonte Donnell Stewart, age 23, from Chicago, Illinois, received the prison term after a March 9, 2021, guilty plea to one count of Derecho Benefits Fraud.
On August 10, 2020, a severe storm, commonly known as a derecho, suddenly struck multiple counties in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. The derecho had long-duration winds over 100 miles per hour and caused an estimated total of $7.5 billion in damages across the affected states. The derecho caused long-lasting power outages and millions of acres of crops were destroyed. Cedar Rapids, Iowa, within the Northern District of Iowa, was particularly hard-hit from the derecho storm. In response, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared a disaster, which allowed victims of the derecho storm to apply for and receive disaster benefits for losses not covered by insurance.
In a plea agreement, and at the sentencing hearing, Stewart admitted that, in October 2020, he applied for $5,927.40 in FEMA derecho disaster benefits on the false pretense that he was living in a Cedar Rapids residence at the time of the derecho storm. FEMA paid Stewart these benefits for alleged personal property damage and rental assistance. Stewart spent the funds on jewelry for his girlfriend and to purchase a duplicate identification card for himself from the Illinois Secretary of State.
Stewart also admitted that, around the same time, he had filed a similar fraudulent application for benefits intended victims of a disaster in California. Stewart was not a resident of either Iowa or California, but instead was at all times a resident of Chicago, Illinois. In fact, Stewart was on federal supervised release in the Northern District of Illinois following his conviction for Uttering Counterfeit Obligations or Securities and had notified his federal probation officer of his residences in the Chicago area around the time of the derecho storm.
Stewart was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Stewart was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $5,927.40 in restitution to FEMA. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Stewart is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-114.
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Armstrong Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Defrauding the United States Out of More than $1 Million in Paycheck Protection Program Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
An Armstrong man who participated in a scheme to defraud the United States out of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funds, and conspired to launder over $1.3 million in fraud proceeds, was sentenced yesterday to more than three years in federal prison.
Donald Franklin Trosin, age 57, from Armstrong, Iowa, formerly of Champlin, Minnesota, received the prison term after a February 16, 2021 guilty plea to one count of Major Fraud Against the United States and one count of Money Laundering Conspiracy.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act is a federal law enacted in late March 2020 that provides emergency financial assistance, including PPP and EIDL loans, to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence presented at Trosin’s guilty plea and sentencing hearings established that Trosin participated in a scheme to defraud the United States out of PPP and EIDL loan funds after more than 20 applications were submitted to the Small Business Administration (SBA) in the name of Trosin and another person. The applications falsely represented that Trosin had 120 employees on his payroll and over $5 million in payroll expenses when, in truth, Trosin did not operate a business at all. Trosin also admitted that, after receiving the funds through banks in Minnesota and Northwest Iowa, he transferred or attempted to transfer the proceeds from the scheme to other individuals in other states and countries, including China.
Trosin was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Trosin was sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make over $1.3 million in restitution to the Small Business Administration and the lender of the PPP loan. Trosin must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID- 19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Trosin 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-4066.
Dubuque Man Sentenced to Twelve Years in Prison for Attempting to Tamper with WitnessesRead the Press Release
A man who attempted to tamper with witnesses after he was facing charges related to an incident with a firearm was sentenced on July 2, 2021, to twelve years in federal prison.
Stephan Wayne Toliver, age 35, from Davenport, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 13, 2021 guilty plea to attempted witness tampering.
In a plea agreement, Toliver admitted that he struck a woman with a gun, knocking her unconscious. Toliver also admitted to making false accusations against family members of the victim resulting in an investigation by DHS and the Dubuque Police Department that ultimately showed no wrongdoing by them. Toliver also admitted that he sent a letter to the victim falsely telling her that if she or her family testified against him, DHS would use that information against her family.
Toliver was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Toliver was sentenced to 144 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.
Toliver is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-cr-1033.
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Dickinson County Man Pleads Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Dickinson County man who conspired to distribute meth pled guilty July 7, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Jared Wolthuis, 32, from Milford, Iowa, was convicted of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Wolthuis admitted his involvement in a conspiracy that distributed more than three pounds of pure methamphetamine from July, 2018, through approximately March of 2020 in the Dickinson County, Iowa area. On March 17, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a co-conspirators residence and seized 20 pounds of methamphetamine from the residence. During the course of the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement stopped Wolthuis leaving the residence in a vehicle. Upon a search of the vehicle, law enforcement seized 3 pounds of pure meth that Wolthuis admitted he planned to distribute to other persons.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Wolthuis remains free on bond previously set. Wolthuis faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and 5 years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4050. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Iowa Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for his Role in COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance FraudRead the Press Release
A man who used his credit union account to receive unemployment insurance money from the State of Washington to which he was not entitled was sentenced July 1, 2021, to federal prison.
Jerry D. Johnson, age 54, from Webster City, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 28, 2021, guilty plea to one count of mail fraud.
Information at Johnson’s plea and sentencing hearings showed that, in May 2020, Johnson’s credit union account received over $31,000 in unemployment funds from the State of Washington in the names of others. He then withdrew the benefits in cash and mailed the cash through the United States Postal Service to others involved in the scheme. Later, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts attempted to deposit over $20,000 in fraudulent unemployment benefits into Johnson’s account. The credit union recognized the transaction as fraudulent and returned the money.
Johnson was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Johnson was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $31,062 in restitution to the State of Washington. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Johnson was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prison on a date yet to be set.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Morfitt and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-3027.
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Illinois Felon Who Possessed Loaded Firearm in Iowa Sentenced to over Three Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a loaded Glock .380 pistol and attempted to flee from law enforcement was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.
Anthony Redman, age 30, from Chicago, Illinois, received the prison term after a December 18, 2020 guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In a plea agreement, Redman admitted that on November 26, 2019, he was a passenger in a vehicle located at a motel in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Law enforcement responded to the location based on a 9-1-1 call reporting shots fired. When officers asked Redman to remain in the area, he attempted to flee to a hotel room. He was stopped and a loaded Glock .380 semiautomatic firearm was located in his coat pocket. Redman was previously convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm in Cook County, Illinois, in 2007.
Redman was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Redman was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment and fined $100. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Redman is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Dupuich and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-0039.
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Belle Plaine Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Accessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who accessed child pornography was sentenced on June 29, 2021, to ten years in federal prison.
Jared Daily, age 35, of Belle Plaine, Iowa, received the sentence after a January 11, 2021 guilty plea to one count of accessing child pornography. At the plea hearing, Daily admitted that, between January and June 2020, he used a cell phone to access child pornography, including depictions of prepubescent children.
Daily was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Daily was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to make $5,000 in restitution to a victim depicted in child pornography he accessed. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term, and he must comply with all sex offender registration and public notification requirements.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 20-73.
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West Union Methamphetamine Dealer Who Sexually Assaulted a Woman Sentenced to More Than Sixteen Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who sexually assaulted a woman after he distributed methamphetamine to her was sentenced on June 25, 2021, to more than sixteen years in federal prison.
Herman Lee Ronnfeldt, age 56, from West Union, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 15, 2021 guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Information from sentencing showed that Ronnfeldt, a convicted sex offender, was living in West Union, Iowa, in late 2018. In December 2018, law enforcement officers searched his apartment and located more than eighty grams of methamphetamine. Witnesses testified at sentencing that Ronnfeldt regularly distributed methamphetamine to people at his apartment. On one such occasion, Ronnfeldt distributed methamphetamine to a woman that caused her to feel ill. He then sexually assaulted her.
Ronnfeldt was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. In sentencing Ronnfeldt, Judge Williams noted that Ronnfeldt’s criminal conduct had not slowed down with age, and that Ronnfeldt had continued to distribute dangerous drugs and commit sexual assaults. Judge Williams found that the appropriate sentence was 224 months’ imprisonment. Judge Williams adjusted the sentence to account for time Ronnfeldt had spent in custody for related offenses to 194 months and 20 days’ imprisonment. Ronnfeldt must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Ronnfeldt 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 Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the West Union Police Department, and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-2026.
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Traffic Stop Leads to Man Pleading Guilty to Meth ChargesRead the Press Release
A man who possessed nearly a half-pound of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute pled guilty June 22, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
David Naberhaus, 57, Deloit, Iowa, was convicted of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In 2000, Naberhaus was convicted in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, evidence 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 then searched the car and discovered 222 grams (nearly a half-pound) of pure methamphetamine in 5 separate baggies, 12 grams of marijuana, 3 grams of cocaine, and $6,501 in 4 bundles. On February 15, 2021, while on routine patrol, Iowa State Patrol noticed a disabled vehicle on the shoulder of Highway 20. A check of the license of the registered owner revealed the owner to be Naberhaus, who had a federal warrant for his arrest. A later search of Naberhaus’ car revealed bags of meth, bags of marijuana, lidocaine patches, a pipe a lighter, and Ziploc baggies.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Naberhaus remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Naberhaus faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by 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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Sioux City Man Sentenced to More than Five Years in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing and Firing a GunRead the Press Release
A convicted felon who unlawfully possessed a firearm was sentenced June 22, 2021 to more than five years in federal prison.
Brandon Miller, age 35, from Sioux City, Iowa received the prison term after a February 16, 2021, guilty plea to a one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. Miller was previously convicted of robbery in Jefferson County, Colorado and forgery, eluding and assault with weapon on a peace office in Woodbury County, Iowa.
Evidence at Miller’s detention, change of plea, and sentencing hearings revealed Miller was with two groups of people who met at an apartment complex in Sioux City, and after a short time, several gunshot were exchanged between the two groups. A person in Miller’s group was struck twice by gunfire. Miller can be seen on a video returning fire towards the initial shooter as that person drove away.
Miller was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Miller was sentenced to 70 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.
Miller 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 is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department, and the U.S. Department of Justice – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4069.
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Possessing Five Grams of Fentanyl Near Playgrounds Sends Dubuque Man to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who was found in possession of more than five grams of fentanyl that he intended to distribute was sentenced June 28, 2021, to more than a year in federal prison. Jonathan Matthew Duffey, age 42, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 11, 2021 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
In a plea agreement, Duffey admitted that during early 2020 he sold heroin and fentanyl in the Dubuque area. In February 2020, Duffey was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Dubuque police. During the traffic stop, Duffey swallowed three or four baggies of heroin that also contained fentanyl. The next day, law enforcement searched Duffey’s home. During the search, officers seized digital scales, vials of naloxone, drug packaging, and a little over five grams of a substance that tested positive for heroin and fentanyl. Duffey’s residence was within 1,000 feet of Orange Park and Madison Park in Dubuque.
Duffey was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Duffey was sentenced to 12 months’ and one day imprisonment. He must also serve a six-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Duffey is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force and 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 20-CR-1030-CJW-MAR.
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Man who Escaped from Halfway House Sent to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who signed out to go to work from a residential correctional facility in Waterloo, Iowa, and never returned was sentenced today to two years in federal prison.
Michael Jon Rohrick, age 35, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 1, 2021 guilty plea to escape from custody.
At the guilty plea, Rohrick admitted he left the halfway house on April 10, 2020, without authorization. He was on the loose for several months until he was apprehended in Waterloo as a result of a high-speed chase months later.
Rohrick was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Rohrick was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment and fined $100. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Rohrick is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Dupuich and investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Waterloo Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-2039.
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Man Who Stole Firearm and Transported it to Wisconsin Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who met an acquaintance at her home in Dubuque, Iowa, and stole a .380 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver from her was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.
Michael Coates, age 28, from Cassville, Wisconsin, received the prison term after a January 20, 2021 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.
At the guilty plea, Coates admitted he possessed the stolen revolver on November 30, 2019, and took it to Wisconsin. Coates was previously convicted of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine in Dubuque County, Iowa, in 2014.
Coates was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Coates was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment and fined $100. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Coates is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Dupuich and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department and the Department 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-1025.
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Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth and Firearm ConvictionsRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine while possessing a firearm was sentenced in federal court on June 28, 2021.
Jeremy Werneburg, age 41, from Carroll, Iowa, pled guilty on January 19, 2021, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of firearm by a prohibited person. Werneburg was previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in November 2007, in the United States District Court for Northern District of Iowa. This conviction precluded Werneburg from legally possessing guns.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that from November 2017 and continuing to on or about December 2018, Werneburg and others distributed more than 150 grams of pure methamphetamine. On October 7, 2018, law enforcement, utilizing a confidential informant, conducted a controlled buy of over 27 grams of pure methamphetamine from Werneburg. On November 9, 2018, law enforcement received a tip that Werneburg’s vehicle contained drugs. On this same date, a search warrant was executed on the vehicle and law enforcement seized approximately one ounce of methamphetamine (pre-packaged in smaller quantities) and a handgun, from Werneburg’s vehicle. The methamphetamine and gun were located in two separate hidden compartments in the vehicle.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Werneburg was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 6 year term of supervised release. Werneburg remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-3017.
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Lake City Man to Federal Prison for Firearm ConvictionRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced on June 28, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Jeffrey Carothers, 52, from Lake City, Iowa, pled guilty on January 19, 2021, to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Carothers was previously convicted of a crime which prohibited him from possessing guns, namely, receiving stolen property, in the Superior Court for the State of California in and for the county of Plumas, on or about November 17, 1995.
At the hearings, Carothers admitted that around April or May 2019, Carothers possessed a stolen 9mm pistol and sold it to another person he knew to be prohibited from possessing a firearm. Carothers further admitted he was an illegal user of methamphetamine and that on approximately 6 occasions he traded methamphetamine and marijuana for guns over the last 1-2 years, using his home as a “clearing house” of stolen property.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Carothers was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 2-year term of supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Lake City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-3018.
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Iowa Man Sent Back to Federal Prison for the Third Time Following his Second Escape from CustodyRead the Press Release
A man who escaped from federal custody twice in just over two years was sentenced today to nearly three years in federal prison.
Gabriel Mangum, age 45, from Iowa City, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 31, 2020 guilty plea to one count of escape from custody.
Evidence from Mangum’s plea and sentencing hearings showed that he was previously convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm in federal court in 2009 and sentenced to seven years in prison. In June 2017, Mangum escaped from federal custody while in a halfway house. He was arrested approximately one month later and sentenced to another 18 months’ imprisonment.
Beginning on July 12, 2019, Mangum was in custody and under supervision at the halfway house again. On July 31, 2019, Mangum left the halfway house without permission and escaped from custody for the second time. Mangum remained on the loose and his whereabouts were unknown until October 25, 2020, when he was arrested by law enforcement.
Mangum has a long criminal history. This is his third federal conviction. He was first convicted of robbery in state court and sentenced to 25 years in prison when he was 18. He also has convictions involving drugs, thefts, forgery, and disorderly conduct.
Mangum was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Mangum was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment, consisting of 18 months in prison for violating his supervised release conditions and 15 months in prison for his most recent escape. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Mangum is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file numbers are 20-CR-97, 17-CR-56, and 09-CR-2008.
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Fort Dodge Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced June 25, 2021, to more than 8 years in federal prison.
Joshua Minich, 43, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 22, 2021, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the guilty plea, Minich admitted his involvement from August 2017 through February 2018 in a conspiracy that distributed more than 50 grams of pure methamphetamine in the Fort Dodge area. Evidence showed that on three occasions in 2017 and 2018, Minich distributed meth to individuals cooperating with law enforcement. Evidence further showed that Minich possessed various firearms at various times in 2017 and 2018, including during the time period of his participation in the methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.
Minich was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Minich was sentenced to 105 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 4-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Minich is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by Iowa Division Narcotics Enforcement, Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, and Iowa DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-3034.
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Fort Dodge Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm on two occasions while he was prohibited was sentenced on June 24, 2021, to more than 4 years in federal prison.
Kwane Demarchel Wheat, age 27, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 22, 2021, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and one count of possession of a firearm by a drug user.
At the guilty plea, Wheat admitted that on May 30, 2020, he was in possession of a firearm despite being prohibited under a June 6, 2019, protection order in Webster County. At that time, law enforcement also found marijuana in Wheat’s vehicle. During an April 27, 2019, traffic stop, Wheat was found in possession of a gun, two plastic baggies of marijuana, and cocaine.
Wheat was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Wheat was sentenced to 52 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.
Wheat 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 Mikala Steenholdt and investigated by the Fort Dodge Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-3031.
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Clay County Man to Federal Prison for Possessing Stolen GunsRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed stolen firearms was sentenced June 23, 2021, to almost 6 years in federal prison.
Travis Grote, 43, from Webb, Iowa, pled guilty January 22, 2021, to possessing stolen firearms and possessing firearms as a prohibited person.
Evidence at the hearings, showed that on June 25, 2019, Grote was involved in a transaction to sell multiple stolen firearms to an undercover law enforcement officer. Grote also admitted that he knew he had previously been convicted of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, on or about December 19, 2001, and therefore was a felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.
Grote was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Grote was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, DCI Crime Laboratory, and Spencer Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4014.
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Waterloo Woman Pleads Guilty to Falsifying ATF FormRead the Press Release
A woman who falsely claimed that she was purchasing a firearm for herself pled guilty on June 25, 2021, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Jamie Marie Graham, age 23, from Waterloo, Iowa, was convicted of one count of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.
At the plea hearing, Graham admitted that she purchased firearms from Mr. Guns in Waterloo in December 2020. Graham admitted that, in connection with those purchases, she filled out a form indicating that she was the actual purchaser of the firearms. She further admitted that those statements were knowingly false, as another person was actually buying the guns.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Graham remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Graham faces a possible maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force and Waterloo Police Department. The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department 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 20-CR-115-CJW.
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Man caught attempting to pass counterfeit currency sentenced to federal prisonRead the Press Release
A man who purchased printers and counterfeiting materials at Wal-Mart in in an attempt to create and pass off counterfeit notes in order to defraud a victim was sentenced today to two years in federal prison.
Peter Hobart, age 23, from Lisbon, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to dealing in counterfeit currency.
In a plea agreement, Hobart admitted he intended to defraud a victim by attempting to pass counterfeit currency in exchange for the victim’s Dodge Charger in addition to other vehicles, including a Jeep and water skis. At sentencing, the victim testified that he abandoned the transaction. Shortly thereafter, while on the phone, Hobart threatened to put a bullet in the victim if the victim did not return to complete the transaction. Hobart stated he knew all about the victim and could kill his family.
Hobart was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Hobart was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment and fined $100. He was ordered to make $650.16 in restitution to the victim. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Hobart being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Dupuich and investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Pocahontas Police Department, and the Emmetsburg Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-3037.
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Guatemalan Woman Sentenced for Document FraudRead the Press Release
A woman who used a false identification document and someone else’s name and social security number was sentenced today to five years of probation.
Xiomara Lopez-Martinez, age 26, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Decorah, Iowa, received the sentence after an April 21, 2021 guilty plea to one count of unlawful use of an identification document.
In a plea agreement, Lopez-Martinez admitted she used someone else’s name and Social Security number, and also a fraudulent Social Security card, when she completed employment and tax forms in October 2017 and October 2018 at a business in Decorah. In September 2020, the victim of the identity theft from Texas contacted the Winneshiek County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office and informed them that someone was using her name and Social Security number to work in Decorah and that the IRS had contacted her about paying back taxes on this employment. On December 2, 2020, immigration agents arrested Lopez-Martinez at her place of employment in Decorah where she initially identified herself to immigration agents using the victim’s name.
Lopez-Martinez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Lopez-Martinez was sentenced to five years of probation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-2002.
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Former Waterloo Medicaid Provider Sentenced to More than Five Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding Elderly VictimRead the Press Release
A Waterloo woman who used a power of attorney to defraud a disabled elderly widow of nearly $500,000 was sentenced on June 25, 2021, to more than five years in federal prison. Kimberly Ann Henny, age 54, received the prison term after an August 5, 2020 guilty plea to one count of wire fraud.
Evidence presented at Henny’s sentencing showed that Henny operated Healing Harvest Ministries (“HHM”) in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area. HHM was a charitable and religious organization that provided services to Medicaid recipients. In 2014, however, the Iowa Medicaid program discovered that HHM lacked required accreditation, suspended HHM, and ordered Henny to repay over $200,000 in Medicaid moneys. An FBI agent testified at Henny’s sentencing hearing about other irregularities at HHM, including alleged “exorcisms” performed on clients and failures to pay wages and withhold taxes.
Henny admitted that, between 2014 and 2016, she stole $494,724.12 from her victim, an elderly widow who lived in an assisted living facility and later a nursing home. Henny’s victim had dementia, was legally blind, and had difficulty hearing. United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams, who sentenced Henny, observed at Henny’s sentencing that Henny’s victim was “highly vulnerable” and perhaps one of the most vulnerable victims he had seen in a case.
As part of her fraud scheme, Henny used a power of attorney to gain access to her victim’s bank accounts and annuities. The victim already had a power of attorney in favor of one of the victim’s children, who lived out of state. In 2015, however, knowing that the victim clearly lacked the capacity to understand her actions due to severe cognitive and physical disabilities, Henny obtained a power of attorney over her victim’s finances. Henny then began transferring and spending the victim’s funds for her own purposes. The power of attorney form required Henny to act loyally for the victim’s benefit and not to make any gifts to herself, but Henny used the power attorney to drain her victim’s accounts and cash out her annuities, and then to make purchases for Henny’s own benefit, including a vacation, hair and spa expenses, and for rent and furniture.
In November 2018, state authorities arrested Henny on related criminal charges. The next month, Henny entered into a stipulation in a divorce proceeding, which Judge Williams found was a “sham divorce,” that awarded Henny $90,000 in retirement benefits. Over a four-month period in 2019, Henny transferred the $90,000 to other accounts she controlled, including a prepaid debit card, and then spent the funds. In addition, after she pled guilty in federal court, Henny understated to the probation office certain COVID-19 related unemployment benefits she was receiving from the government.
Henny was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Henny was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment. She was ordered to make $494,724.12 in restitution to her victim’s children. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Henny was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set.
In 2016, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa was selected as one of 10 districts in the nation to form an Elder Justice Task Force (http://go.usa.gov/cSngj). The task force was assembled to foster a collaborative working relationship among all levels of government officials, advocacy groups for the elderly and the disabled, and others charged with the care and protection for these vulnerable groups. The goals include ensuring the integrity of all government expenditures by eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse in health programs, and protecting some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens from harm, whether it occurs in nursing homes or other institutions or involves financial fraud schemes. To learn more about the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative, visit: https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Iowa Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the Waterloo Police Department. The United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, assisted the investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-2035.
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Cedar Rapids Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Prohibited Person in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
A man who possessed ammunition after having prior convictions for felonies and domestic abuse assaults, and who was subject to no contact orders, pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Daryl Harden, age 41, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition. At the plea hearing, Harden admitted that, on January 11, 2020, he knowingly possessed five rounds of ammunition after having been convicted of six crimes punishable by more than one year of imprisonment, after having been convicted of nine misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence, and while he was subject to two no contact orders.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Harden remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Harden 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 Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is CR 20-46.
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Denison Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzlement of Nearly 1.5 Million from a Local Credit UnionRead the Press Release
A Denison woman who was involved in a scheme resulting in nearly 1.5 million being embezzled from a local credit union was sentenced today, June 25, 2021, to three years in federal prison.
Brenda Jensen, age 53, from Denison, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to credit union embezzlement.
In a plea agreement, Jensen admitted that from at least May 2012 to March 2018, she embezzled money from Consumer Credit Union (CCU) in Denison, Iowa while working there as an employee. CCU serviced the following counties: Crawford, Carrol, Shelby, Ida, Monona, Sac, and Harrison.
Jensen and at least one other employee, including Jensen’s sister, Janine Keim, embezzled a total of nearly $1.5 million. Jensen, at times the credit union’s head teller, was responsible for all cash and cash counts at CCU during the relevant timeframe. Jensen successfully concealed her crime from auditors and CCU for years by overstating the change fund in the credit union’s general ledger balance and creating fictitious deposits into her personal accounts at CCU. This aspect of the scheme resulted in $922,480.29 in losses. After years of embezzling, the employees developed an internal kiting scheme. The kiting scheme caused CCU an additional $539,000 in losses. CCU’s total cash loss caused the institution to become insolvent, resulting in a forced merger with SAC Federal Credit Union. CCU’s assets had decreased by over a million dollars. This million-dollar decrease was a direct result of Jensen’s criminal activity.
Former board members from CCU submitted letters/victim impact statements to Chief Judge Strand setting forth the substantial harm Jensen’s crime caused the small community of Crawford County, Iowa. For some, CCU was the only institution willing to extend emergency credit. A former CCU board member recalled a story of a single mother with three children who could not get approval elsewhere to obtain an emergency loan, but who was helped by CCU. Jensen’s theft caused the insolvency of CCU and deprived the community of such financial services.
Jensen was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Jensen was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment. She was ordered to make $1,461,480.29 in restitution. She must also serve a 2-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Jensen was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal; Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons 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 20-4083.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Prison for Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man who unlawfully possessed a firearm was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison.
Karon Bennett, age 22, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 4, 2021 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
Information disclosed at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that on November 21, 2020, Bennett possessed a Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol after previously being convicted of intimidation with a dangerous weapon, burglary in the second degree, and unauthorized possession of an offensive weapon. Bennett was apprehended by law enforcement shortly after a 9-1-1 caller reported that he was attempting to break into a garage in Waterloo. At the time he possessed the gun, Bennett was on parole for the prior felony convictions.
Bennett was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Bennett was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melissa A. Carrington and investigated by the Waterloo Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-2005.
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Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to over Four Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Guns and DrugsRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man, responsible for possessing multiple guns while being under the influence of marijuana, was sentenced today to 50 months in prison.
Cameron Jay Burgess, age 29, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison sentence after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a drug user.
Information disclosed at sentencing and at his plea hearing showed that in February 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Burgess’ residence in Cedar Rapids. During their search, officers located and seized seven firearms and three high capacity magazines. The firearms, which consisted of handguns and shotguns, were located in different areas throughout his residence. Officers also seized over 4 grams of cocaine, approximately 38 grams of hash oil, approximately 92 grams of hashish balls, 25 THC cartridges, approximately 147 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and drug packaging materials. Burgess admitted that he intended to distribute some or all of the THC and marijuana. Burgess also admitted that he was a daily marijuana user and also used cocaine.
Burgess was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Burgess was sentenced to 50 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make payment of $100 to the special assessment fund. He must also serve a three-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 and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number 20-CR-67.
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Woodbury County Man Pleads Guilty to Meth and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
A man who distributed methamphetamine while illegally possessing firearms pled guilty June 17, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Melvin Cloud, Jr. 43, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted of one count of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Cloud, Jr. had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, specifically, Assault While Participating in a Felony, in the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, in 2016 and Trafficking in Controlled Substance, First Degree, First Offense – Cocaine, in the Christian County Circuit Court for Kentucky, in 2007.
At the plea hearing, Cloud, Jr. admitted that on four separate occasions in 2020 in Sioux City, Iowa, he distributed a total of over 82 grams of methamphetamine to another individual. 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 .40 caliber pistol. As a drug user and felon, Cloud Jr. was prohibited from possessing guns.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Cloud, Jr. remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. On the drug distribution conviction, Cloud, Jr. faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, and four years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment. On the gun conviction, Cloud, Jr. 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.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-4018. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Ida Grove Man Pleads Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute over 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine pled guilty June 17, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Cory Mackey, 34, from Ida Grove, Iowa, was convicted of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, evidence showed that from February 2019 through July 9, 2020, Mackey and others conspired to distribute over 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine. On January 16, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Mackey’s home and found approximately 49 grams of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. In July 2020, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in which Mackey was a passenger. Upon a search of the vehicle, law enforcement discovered over 1.25 kilograms of methamphetamine and over $18,000 in cash. Mackey admitted he planned to distribute some or all of the methamphetamine to other persons.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Mackey remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Mackey faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and five years up to life 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 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.
Guatemalan Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a Gun and Being in the United States IllegallyRead the Press Release
A Guatemalan man who was illegally in the United States while possessing a gun pled guilty June 16, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Sergio Mendez-Perez, 26, from Guatemala, was convicted of illegal reentry and alien in possession of a firearm.
Evidence at the plea hearing showed that on March 17, 2021, Mendez-Perez was arrested in Woodbury County, Iowa for assault while displaying a dangerous weapon (.22 caliber firearm), interference with official acts – dangerous weapon, carrying a weapon, eluding, and operating under the influence – 1st offense. On March 18, 2021, ICE determined that Mendez-Perez is a citizen of Guatemala and was previously removed from the United States on one occasion. Mendez-Perez admitted that at the time he possessed the gun he knew he was illegally in the United States.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Mendez-Perez remains in custody of the United States Marshal and will remain in custody pending sentencing. On the illegal reentry conviction, Mendez-Perez faces a possible maximum sentence of 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than one year of supervised release following any imprisonment. On the firearm conviction, Mendez-Perez faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment.
The case is being 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. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Eighty Charged Across Northern Iowa with Federal Gun Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
Law enforcement agencies across Iowa continue to make communities safer by vigorously investigating and prosecuting gun related crimes. This effort has resulted in charges and arrests in forty-eight federal cases between November 2020 and June 2021 in the eastern half of the state and thirty-two in the western half of the state.
“All too often, when individuals, including convicted felons, drug users, and those who have committed domestic violence, unlawfully possess guns, an act of gun violence occurs,” said Acting United States Attorney Sean R. Berry. “The charges in these cases demonstrate the remarkable work that local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies do to reduce violence and get the most dangerous criminals off the streets. As we head into the summer months, when gun violence historically rises, my office will continue to work with all our law enforcement partners to take unlawfully possessed guns, and those who possess them, off the street.”
In the past six months, the work of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies has resulted in the following matters in federal court in Cedar Rapids:
Kierin Craig Johnson, Ricky Trevill Eatman, John Douglas Clark, Marshall Leon Mosby, Nicholas Cameron Anderson, Christopher Lee Cungtion, John Christopher Jacobson, Dmontrey Rayshaun Redmond, Jamie Marie Graham, Leon Sheley, Todd Fritz Groom, Anthony Hughes, Nicholas Robert Campbell-Scott, Chad Edward Lee, Adnan Alibegic, Ashley Nicole Lies, Raykwon Stevenson, Sylvester Cunningham, Wonyae Malik Black, Friday Deel Gardner, Jumonie Dontez Wilson, Eric James Lyle, Darren James Ackerman, Sir Frank Nelson, Dejswah Sibley, Shuntez Anthony Porter, Terrance Golden, Justin Carlson, Donte Kent, Christopher Evans, Trenton Sliekers, Charles Anthony Ware, Demitrius Cannon, DeVonte Wright, Chandrique Day, David Wright, Jr., Demond Rollins, Karon Bennett, Shawndell Phillip Smith, Christopher Daniel Taylor, Johnny Mack Hill, Jr., Dannish Dontreal Robertson, Jaryous Cooper, Richard Allen Roberts, Deanye Bowmen-Owens, Josh Adam Rode, Curtis James Johnson, Dai’Sean Battles, and Joshua Ray Hunley. Four additional people have been charged but their cases remain under seal. The charges are contained in complaints and indictments filed within the last six months in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
“The Cedar Rapids Police Department is fortunate to have a strong working relationship with federal partners that results in making our community safer by holding violent offenders accountable,” said Cedar Rapids Chief of Police Wayne Jerman. “With our participation in federal task forces and enforcement and prosecution of federal firearms laws, there has been a significant impact on gun violence. Those who illegally possess a firearm and choose to commit violence not only commit crimes, but they endanger lives, property and the community’s sense of peace and safety. We value the opportunity to work side by side with our federal law enforcement partners and prosecutors.”
Dr. Joel Fitzgerald, Waterloo Chief of Police, shared his thoughts on the collaboration, and stated, “Although there are many variables at play accounting for the increase in violent crime across our nation, it should comfort those in Waterloo and the region to know that a strengthened partnership among law enforcement entities stands ready to prevent, investigate, arrest, and prosecute firearm related crimes. The message for violent offenders in our city is crystal clear. We encourage you to exercise your ability to choose; you can engage in community problem solving, civilly work through ‘beefs,’ and surrender illegal weapons, or face the surety of an unrelenting, life-altering, and rehabilitative solution that we have waiting. Far too many innocent lives are being changed by those who do not stop and think, so choose wisely.”
“Like much of Iowa, the Midwest, and the country in general, we have seen an increase in gun violence over the past five to ten years. Locally we have had great success in identifying and prosecuting offenders,” said Dubuque Chief of Police Mark Dalsing. “Much thanks to our federal law enforcement partners who provide investigative resources, and we especially appreciate the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice in prosecuting gun crimes. Law enforcement is facing many challenges as we head into the traditionally busiest months of the year, but we are confident that with our federal partners, we will be able to prosecute violent criminals and hold them accountable for their actions.”
In the past six months, the work of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies has resulted in the following matters in federal court in Sioux City:
Bendigo Augustino, Diego Ayala, Nhial Biliew, Tyne Castino, Brandon Christiansen, Melvin Cloud, Joshua Currier, Tavin Daudinot, Scott Demers, Rafael Gomez, Maleke Goodwin, Joseph Haack, Jamie Hansman, Dexter Howard, Alejandro LaPointe, Alexander Laurel-Olea, Esai Lopez, Lucas Lowman, Douglas Mackey, DJ McMillan, Sergio Mendez-Perez, Daniel Moss, Christopher O’Tool, Joel Perea-Duenas, Jerry Powell, Stephen Springer, Alvaro Vite, William Wayne Hageman, and Jeremy Walters, have all been charged with various violations of federal firearms laws. The charges are contained in indictments filed within the last six months in the United States District Court in Sioux City.
“I cannot overstate the value of our close partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s office,” said Sioux City Chief of Police Rex Mueller. “Our focused major offender approach allows the surgical removal of suspects who pose a significant danger to local residents. The many cases we have worked together have led to successful prosecutions and sentences that had a meaningful positive impact on community safety.”
All the charges against the defendants in both Cedar Rapids and Sioux City involve the unlawful possession or use of firearms, including being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. The cases charged include the following:
- The indictment and criminal complaint against Christopher Daniel Taylor charges Taylor with carjacking, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The criminal complaint alleges that, on December 3, 2020, Taylor led state probation officers on a high-speed chase through the city of Cedar Rapids. The complaint alleges that at times, Taylor reached speeds nearing 100 miles per hour. According to the complaint, Taylor eventually ditched his car and stole another one, which contained a Taurus .44 caliber revolver. Taylor then led police on a chase utilizing that car. At one point, Taylor shot the gun out of the car. Taylor later tried to carjack the driver of another car, threatening to shoot that person if he didn’t give Taylor the car. Law enforcement later apprehended Taylor.
- The indictment and criminal complaint against Wonyae Black charges Black with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The criminal complaint alleges that Black led Waterloo police officers on a high-speed chase, which ended when Black crashed his car into another car and a tree. The complaint alleges that Black then attempted to run from police and tossed his backpack over a fence. Officers located the backpack, which contained a handgun with an extended magazine and marijuana.
- The indictment against Bendigo Augustino alleges that, in March 2021, in Storm Lake, Iowa, Augustino was in possession of three guns while knowing, as a convicted felon, he could not legally possess guns. The indictment also alleges that Augustino was in possession of a Glock 9mm handgun he knew or had reason to know was stolen. Finally, the indictment alleges Augustino, who was already under indictment for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, willfully received two handguns.
- The indictment against Nhial Biliew alleges that, in June 2020, Biliew committed a robbery at the County Store in Denison, Iowa. The indictment further alleges that during the robbery, Biliew used or brandished a handgun. The indictment also alleges that in July 2020, Biliew possessed a Ruger .380 handgun with a removed, altered, or obliterated serial number.
If convicted on these charges, all defendants face at least a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $100 in special assessments, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and each defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The cases were 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 cases were investigated by numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force (composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshal Service, and the Cedar Rapids Police Department), the Waterloo Federal Task Force (composed of the Waterloo Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department), the Dubuque Police Department, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa State Patrol, the Sioux City Police Department, the Storm Lake Police Department, the Denison Police Department, the Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office, and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office.
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Fort Dodge Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Crack Cocaine and Firearm ConvictionsRead the Press Release
A man who distributed crack cocaine and illegally possessed firearms was sentenced June 16, 2021, to more than 11 years in federal prison.
Preston Mosley, age 35, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 13, 2021, guilty plea to one count of distribution of crack cocaine; one count of possession of a firearm by a felon; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Mosley was previously convicted of possession of a firearm by a domestic abuse offender and possession of crack cocaine with intent to deliver, in 2016, and possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, in 2019, both in the Iowa District Court for Webster County.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that the day after Mosley’s arrest and release on state charges stemming from his possession of drugs and guns, Mosley was again caught with drugs and a gun. Law enforcement agents caught Mosley driving a vehicle, and ultimately seized small amounts of marijuana and methamphetamine, powder cocaine, and crack cocaine from Mosley’s pockets. Mosley’s identification, items indicative of drug distribution, more crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and a loaded 9mm handgun were found and seized from the vehicle Mosley was operating. Mosley intended to distribute some or all of the cocaine to another person or persons, and used the firearm to protect his drugs and himself during drug trafficking activities. Evidence further showed that when law enforcement attempted to serve the federal arrest warrant for this case on Mosley, Mosely assaulted an officer with a brick.
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.
Mosley was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Molsey was sentenced to 138 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 4-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Mosley is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, and DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-3029. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Former Cedar Rapids Hospital Employee Sentenced for Accessing Ex-Boyfriend’s Medical RecordsRead the Press Release
A former Cedar Rapids hospital employee, who wrongfully accessed and distributed her ex-boyfriend’s medical records, was sentenced on June 14, 2021. Jennifer Lynne Bacor, age 41, from Las Vegas, Nevada, received probation after pleading guilty to one count of wrongfully obtaining individually identifiable health information under false pretenses.
In a plea agreement, Bacor admitted she was employed as a patient care technician at a Cedar Rapids hospital. Bacor was authorized to access individually identifiable health information but only as necessary to provide services to her patients. In 2017, Bacor’s ex-boyfriend was repeatedly treated at the same hospital. On multiple occasions between April and October 2017, Bacor used her login credentials to access her ex-boyfriend’s protected private health information even though he was not one of her patients. In September 2017, Bacor took a picture of a medical photograph that showed one of her ex-boyfriend’s injuries and sent the picture to a third person. The third person then sent the picture to the ex-boyfriend and others on Facebook messenger along with taunting language and emojis.
Bacor was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Bacor was sentenced to five years of probation and fined $1,000. During her probationary term, Bacor will be restricted from employment in which she would have access to private medical information of others. In sentencing Bacor, Judge Williams observed that Bacor had “weaponized” her ex-boyfriend’s private medical information.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 20-CR-77.
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