Northern District of Iowa
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Cedar Rapids Man with Violent History Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing GunRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man, responsible for possessing a gun while using marijuana and being a felon, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison.
Marcus Lynn Brown, Jr., age 20, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison sentence after a November 10, 2020 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Information disclosed at sentencing and at his plea hearing showed that, in May 2020, Cedar Rapids police officers stopped a vehicle Brown was a passenger in because Brown had active arrest warrants. Once the vehicle stopped, Brown tried to run from police and fought with them as he was being arrested. Brown left a gun in the vehicle just before running. Officers located the gun, which was loaded. The gun had Brown’s DNA on it. Brown had marijuana in his pocket and tested positive for using marijuana. Brown has five prior adult criminal convictions, three of which involved violence or firearms.
Brown was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Brown was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make payment of $100 to the special assessment fund. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 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.
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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number 20-CR-79.
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Cedar Rapids Man Sent to Federal Prison After Receiving Fifty Pounds of Methamphetamine for ResaleRead the Press Release
A man who distributed pounds of methamphetamine was sentenced on April 15, 2021, to more than 20 years in federal prison.
Jamie Allen Medulan, age 46, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 22, 2020 guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On July 13, 2020, officers searched a hotel room being used by Medulan and located more than five kilograms of “ice” methamphetamine, two firearms, $31,448 in cash, and other evidence of drug trafficking. Medulan later admitted receiving more than 50 pounds of methamphetamine from his source over the course of months. Medulan’s criminal history includes convictions in 31 separate cases, including convictions related to theft, assault, burglary, and manufacturing of methamphetamine.
Medulan was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Medulan was sentenced to 251 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. Medulan 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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and 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 by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 20-CR-55.
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Cedar Falls Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Acquiring and Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
A Cedar Falls man who illegally acquired and possessed firearms after shooting a man in the face in 2017 was sentenced today to more than 5 years in federal prison.
DeShaun Anthony Bullock, Jr., age 29, from Cedar Falls, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 2020 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a drug user.
Evidence at sentencing showed that Bullock shot a Waterloo man in the face in March 2017. Bullock was acquitted of a charge related to the March 2017 shooting in state court; however, after the acquittal, he admitted to the shooting in text messages. In July 2018, Bullock fraudulently obtained a state permit to carry weapons by lying about his drug use on the application form. In March 2019, Bullock possessed a firearm during a drug transaction. After officers observed the drug transaction, they conducted a traffic stop on Bullock’s vehicle and seized the firearm and marijuana. A month later, in April 2019, Bullock fraudulently and illegally obtained a second firearm by lying about his drug use on an ATF form required to purchase the firearm. In July 2019, officers executed a search warrant at Bullock’s residence and seized the firearm he bought in April 2019 and marijuana. Bullock admitted to officers that he had been a user of marijuana since he was 13 years old.
Bullock was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Bullock was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Bullock 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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-02018.
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Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A Sioux City man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine around the tri-state area pled guilty April 15, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Leroy Eric McCoy, age 39, from Sioux City, Iowa was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In a plea agreement, McCoy admitted to conspiring to distributing large quantities of methamphetamine around the tri-state area. McCoy was previously convicted in 2005 of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine near a private location and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. McCoy remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. McCoy faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and term of five years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4039.
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Eagle Grove Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for MethRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced April 12, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Cory Schultz, 38, from Eagle Grove, Iowa, pled guilty on November 23, 2020, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that Schultz and others conspired to distribute more than 20 pounds of mixed methamphetamine from November 2018 through March 2020 in the Wright and Webster County areas. On a number of occasions, Schultz was observed on home security recordings distributing ounces to ¼ pounds of methamphetamine to other co-conspirators. The residence Schultz used as a hub for his methamphetamine trafficking was located within 1,000 feet of a protected location, namely Greenwood Park, in Eagle Grove, Iowa. Schultz distributed methamphetamine several times to individuals actively cooperating with law enforcement and agents seized more than ¼ pound of methamphetamine from searches of his garage and vehicle. Schultz possessed a handgun during some of his drug trafficking activities.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Schultz remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. Schultz was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 6-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Wright County Sheriff’s Office, Eagle Grove Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation’s Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-3012.
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Cedar Rapids Man to Federal Prison for Selling Pounds of Methamphetamine and Possessing GunsRead the Press Release
A man who distributed pounds of methamphetamine was sentenced on April 12, 2021, to more than 26 years in federal prison.
Tony Rhen Brown, age 60, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 13, 2020 guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
In a plea agreement, Brown admitted that he received at least a pound of methamphetamine a month over a three-month period in 2019 that he planned to resell. Brown also admitted that, on February 1, 2019, Cedar Rapids police officers responded to a burglary in progress and located Brown in a car outside the residence that was the subject of the call. Brown’s DNA was on two firearms law enforcement officers found in the car. Brown possessed these guns as part of his meth selling operation.
Brown was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Brown was sentenced to 320 months and 14 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Brown 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 prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Nydle and Kyndra Lundquist and 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 by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-30.
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Eagle Grove Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for MethRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced April 10, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
James Calvert, 44, from Eagle Grove, Iowa, pled guilty on November 13, 2020, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that Calvert and others conspired to distribute more than 500 grams of mixed methamphetamine from January 2019 through March 2020 in the Wright and Webster County areas. Law enforcement caught Calvert removing approximately ¼ pound of methamphetamine from a vehicle. On at least 5 occasions Calvert was observed on home security recordings obtaining multiple ounces of methamphetamine for further distribution. The residence that Calvert and others used as a hub for their methamphetamine trafficking was located within 1,000 feet of a protected location, namely Greenwood Park, in Eagle Grove, Iowa.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Calvert was sentenced to 90 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 4-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Calvert remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Wright County Sheriff’s Office, Eagle Grove Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation’s Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-3012. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Federal Court of Appeals Upholds Conviction and Life Sentence for Dubuque Man Who Distributed Heroin that Caused an Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
A Dubuque, Iowa, man’s conviction and life sentence for distributing heroin resulting in a death was upheld April 7, 2021, by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
On October 17, 2018, Richard Parker, age 49, from Dubuque, Iowa, was sentenced to concurrent life sentences following his jury conviction on two counts of distributing heroin, one of which resulted in an overdose death.
The evidence at trial showed that Parker obtained several grams of heroin in Chicago in April 2017. On Easter Sunday, Parker brought the heroin to a residence on Rhomberg Avenue in Dubuque. Parker and other individuals at the residence drank alcohol and smoked crack cocaine throughout the day. Prior to midnight, Parker and an individual identified as E.M. went into a back bedroom. While inside the room, Parker gave E.M. heroin, which she used. Shortly after using the heroin, E.M. stopped breathing. At approximately 12:20 a.m. on April 17, Parker called 911, and emergency responders arrived at the scene. As emergency responders were attempting to save E.M.’s life, Parker went into another room and hid the remaining approximately four grams of heroin in a chair, which was later found by investigators. The attempts to resuscitate E.M. were unsuccessful, and she was pronounced dead shortly after 1:15 a.m.
Parker had numerous felony criminal convictions. Amongst his prior convictions are four prior felony convictions related to drugs, including three prior convictions for drug distribution. In April 2017, Parker had recently been released after spending nearly a decade in prison for a burglary conviction.
“Richard Parker committed a deadly crime. The sentence affirmed by the Court of Appeals ensures he will no longer sell lethal narcotics in our community” said Acting United States Attorney Sean R. Berry.
The case was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Marion Police Department; the Iowa City Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-1034-LRR.
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Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Armed CarjackingsRead the Press Release
A man who carjacked and robbed two men at gunpoint in a single evening was sentenced to fifteen years in federal prison. The sentencing took place April 6, 2021, in federal district court in Sioux City.
Jeremiah Shortenhaus, age 27, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 20, 2020, guilty plea to possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Evidence presented by the United States at Shortenhaus’s detention, change of plea, and sentencing hearings revealed that on July 27, 2019, Shortenhaus robbed a man at gunpoint in Sioux City, Iowa while the man was in his car at an ATM. Shortenhaus ordered the man out of his vehicle, entered through the passenger side and stole the vehicle along with personal property from inside the vehicle. Later that same night, in South Sioux City, Nebraska, Shortenhaus robbed a second victim who was sitting in his vehicle waiting for the morning paper. Shortenhaus pointed a handgun at the victim, ordered him to get out of the car and hand over his wallet and phone. Shortenhaus then left the parking lot in the victim’s vehicle. Shortenhaus was apprehended by a Sioux City police officer after a high-speed chase that ended when Shortenhaus crashed the second stolen car and fled on foot.
Shortenhaus was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Shortenhaus was sentenced to 180 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.
Shortenhaus 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. 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 South Sioux City, Nebraska Police Department and 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 19-CR‑4068.
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Former Sioux City Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent Sentenced to Federal Prison for Violating the Clean Water ActRead the Press Release
The former Superintendent of the Sioux City Wastewater Treatment Plant, who conspired to cheat on environmental testing at the plant, was sentenced on April 1, 2021, to three months in federal prison.
Jay Earnest Niday, age 63, from Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, received the prison term after a October 6, 2020 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy and one count of knowingly falsifying, tampering with, and rendering inaccurate a monitoring device or method required to be maintained under the Clean Water Act.
The evidence at Niday’s guilty plea and sentencing hearings showed that Niday was employed as the Superintendent of the Sioux City Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The WWTP is a large regional sewage treatment plant for wastewater from industrial, commercial, and residential sources throughout Siouxland, including Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, South Sioux City, Nebraska, North Sioux City, South Dakota, and Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. The WWTP’s more than 20 industrial users produce a large volume of high-strength wastewater. Under a Clean Water Act (CWA) permit, the WWTP was required to treat wastewater before discharging it into the Missouri River, which has heavy local recreational use. Between March 15 and November 15 each year, when public use of the Missouri River was at its highest levels, the WWTP was also required to disinfect its wastewater to remove potentially dangerous human pathogens, including fecal coliform bacteria or E. coli.
The WWTP treated its wastewater with liquid chlorine, which kills bacteria but is potentially toxic to aquatic life. The WWTP’s permit required the WWTP to periodically test its wastewater not only for the presence of fecal coliform bacteria or E. coli, but also total residual chlorine (TRC) levels, to ensure that the Missouri River was not polluted.
Beginning no later than 2011, and continuing until at least June 2015, Niday and others knowingly withheld from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) serious problems with the WWTP’s new treatment process, known as “the MLE process.” Niday and others concealed this fundamental problem with the MLE process from the IDNR.
Niday and others knew that the WWTP did not work properly and could not consistently disinfect the millions of gallons of wastewater that the WWTP was discharging into the Missouri River each day. In March 2013, an engineering firm prepared a “draft master plan” contemplated under a $1 million contract with the City and provided it to Niday and another person. The draft master plan discussed the disinfection problems at the WWTP at length and concluded the WWTP’s treatment process could not provide adequate disinfection of the WWTP’s influent given the apparently high toxicity in its significant industrial users’ effluent. Instead of following the recommendations in the draft master plan, Niday instructed the engineering firm to not finalize the report.
Niday and his coconspirators employed a fraudulent testing procedure that ensured the WWTP would always pass its effluent tests for fecal coliform, E. coli, and TRC. Specifically, early in the morning on testing days for bacteria, Niday and a subordinate manager, Shift Supervisor Patrick Schwarte, instructed first‑shift operators at the WWTP to increase the rate of liquid chlorine supplied to the wastewater. After an hour or two passed, and an artificially high level of chlorine was fully mixed into wastewater, they ordered the WWTP’s first-shift operators to use hand-held colorimeters to gauge the levels of chlorine. Only when the colorimeter “maxed out” would the Superintendent take a sample for fecal coliform or E. coli. This fraudulent procedure allowed for the chlorine in the wastewater to reach sufficient concentrations to avoid showing elevated levels of fecal coliform or E. coli, which would violate the WWTP’s CWA permits. The WWTP never reported any exceedances of its CWA permit limits for bacteria or residual chlorine after July 2012.
The liquid chlorine rate was increased from about 2.5 gallons per hour, to somewhere between 70 to 120 gallons per hour, for up to two hours. On non-testing days, WWTP employees maintained the chlorine feed rate at minimal levels, well below the designed feed rate of the WWTP and at a rate clearly insufficient to ensure the WWTP consistently and adequately disinfected its wastewater, as the WWTP’s CWA permits required. Then, in the afternoon on fecal coliform or E. coli testing days, well after the high amounts of chlorine had dissipated from the WWTP’s chlorine contact basin, and when an insufficiently low rate of liquid chlorine was supplied to the basin, Niday and Schwarte would test again for TRC. In the afternoon, they were certain the TRC would pass, because only a minimal rate of liquid chlorine was supplied to the chlorine contact basin at that time. Again, this minimal rate was clearly insufficient to ensure the WWTP consistently and adequately disinfected its wastewater, as required.
Niday was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Niday was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment and fined $6,000. He must also repay $2,500 in court-appointed attorney fees and serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Jay Niday deliberately worked with others to cheat on environmental tests, knowing he was polluting the Missouri River,” said Acting United States Attorney Sean R. Berry. “His actions not only put recreational users of the river at risk, but also endangered the river’s aquatic life. Niday’s blatant disregard for the law, the safety of the community, and his reprehensible treatment of a vital waterway was outrageous.”
“By intentionally tampering with the disinfection processes at the Sioux City Wastewater Treatment Plant, Jay Niday placed the community and its natural resources in jeopardy of sustaining significant environmental damage,” said Special Agent in Charge Lance Ehrig of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division for Iowa. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates that such violations will be vigorously prosecuted.”
“Jay Niday knowingly manipulated data at a wastewater treatment plant that received millions of dollars in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency state revolving funds,” said Daniel Hawthorne, Special Agent in Charge of the EPA Office of Inspector General’s Western Region Field Office. “This sentencing fulfills the
OIG’s commitment with our law enforcement partners to ensure that falsifying data and undermining the integrity of taxpayer dollars will not be tolerated.”
Niday was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy L. Vavricek and Matthew J. Cole and investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division, the Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-4081-LTS.
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Possession of a Stolen Safe, Ammunition, and Drugs Leads to Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
A man who was found by Waterloo Police in possession of a stolen safe, ammunition, and over 1000 pills containing alprazolam, a Schedule IV controlled substance, was sentenced on March 26, 2021, to more than 5 years in federal prison.
Bradley McMahan, age 36, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 13, 2020 guilty plea to being a felon and an unlawful drug user in possession of ammunition.
In a plea agreement, McMahan admitted that on October 24, 2019, Waterloo police officers searched his home and found a stolen gun safe, that contained over 1000 counterfeit pills containing alprazolam and ammunition when McMahan obtained the safe after it had been stolen.
McMahan was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. McMahan was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment and 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.
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. pFor more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
McMahan is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick J. Reinert and investigated by 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 CR 20-2029.
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Dubuque Man Who Sold Near-Fatal Dose of Heroin Sentenced to over Five Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A felon who escaped from a Waterloo halfway house and was later found with a firearm pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Nicholas Cameron Anderson, age 32, from Dubuque, Iowa, was convicted of one count of escape from custody and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Court records show that Anderson pled guilty in 2016 in the Northern District of Iowa to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced in 2017 to 63 months in federal prison. At the plea hearing, Anderson admitted that, while he was still a federal inmate serving that sentence, he was housed at a residential re-entry center in Waterloo, Iowa. In September 2020, Anderson left custody without authorization. Anderson also admitted that in January 2021, he was found in possession of a pistol in Dubuque, Iowa. In addition to the federal firearm conviction, Anderson had previously been convicted of three other felonies in state court in Dubuque: theft from a person in 2007; burglary in the third degree in 2007; and escape in 2009.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Anderson remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Anderson faces a possible maximum sentence on the escape charge of 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment. He also faces a possible maximum sentence on the firearm charge of 10 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 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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
The case was investigated by the Dubuque Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Marshals Service, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-1010-CJW. Anderson’s prior federal case file number was 16-CR-01030-1-LRR.
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Dubuque Man Pleads Guilty to Escaping Custody and Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A felon who escaped from a Waterloo halfway house and was later found with a firearm pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Nicholas Cameron Anderson, age 32, from Dubuque, Iowa, was convicted of one count of escape from custody and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Court records show that Anderson pled guilty in 2016 in the Northern District of Iowa to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced in 2017 to 63 months in federal prison. At the plea hearing, Anderson admitted that, while he was still a federal inmate serving that sentence, he was housed at a residential re-entry center in Waterloo, Iowa. In September 2020, Anderson left custody without authorization. Anderson also admitted that in January 2021, he was found in possession of a pistol in Dubuque, Iowa. In addition to the federal firearm conviction, Anderson had previously been convicted of three other felonies in state court in Dubuque: theft from a person in 2007; burglary in the third degree in 2007; and escape in 2009.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Anderson remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Anderson faces a possible maximum sentence on the escape charge of 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment. He also faces a possible maximum sentence on the firearm charge of 10 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 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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
The case was investigated by the Dubuque Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Marshals Service, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-1010-CJW. Anderson’s prior federal case file number was 16-CR-01030-1-LRR.
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Waterloo Felon Sent Back to Federal Prison for Escaping Halfway HouseRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man who left a halfway house in August 2020 for Chicago was sentenced March 25, 2021, to one year in federal prison.
Robert Donzell Luckie, age 22, received the prison term after a December 7, 2020 guilty plea to one count of escape from custody. At guilty plea and sentencing hearings, Luckie admitted that, in December 2018, he was a sentenced in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa to 27 months’ imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release after he was convicted of possessing ammunition as a felon. Luckie was released from federal prison in May 2020 and, after he violated the terms of his supervised release, was ordered to reside in a Waterloo halfway house for 120 days beginning on July 31, 2020. The very next day, Luckie left the hallway house without permission and fled to Chicago. Only four days later, on August 5, 2020, Luckie was arrested in a traffic stop by the Chicago Police Department.
In October 2020, Luckie was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment for violating the terms of his supervised release by escaping to Chicago. Later that same month, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with one count of escape from custody.
Luckie has three convictions for possessing firearms and ammunition unlawfully. At his original sentencing in federal court for possessing ammunition as a felon, the sentencing judge found Luckie posed a high risk to reoffend in light of his strong desire to possess firearms and ammunition notwithstanding the fact he is a felon.
Luckie was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Luckie was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, which Judge Williams ordered to run consecutively to Luckie’s 18-month sentence for violating the terms of his supervised release. He must also serve a new three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Luckie 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 Tim Vavricek and investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-2052.
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Former General Manager of Sioux Center Cooperative Sentenced to Prison in Grain Blending SchemeRead the Press Release
The former general manager of a Sioux Center grain cooperative who directed subordinate managers to blend oats into soybeans was sentenced March 24, 2021, to three months in federal prison.
Kenneth Ehrp, age 76, from Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, received the prison term after a November 2, 2020 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit a prohibited grain practice.
In a plea agreement, and at guilty plea and sentencing hearings, Ehrp admitted he was the General Manager at a large, federally licensed grain warehouse that is headquartered in Sioux Center but has satellite locations in Iowa and elsewhere. No later than July 2015, Ehrp agreed with Calvin Diehl and others to add lower value oats to soybeans and sell the mixture as soybeans. As part of the grain blending scheme, Diehl and other individuals acting at Ehrp’s direction made false statements and executed false certificates to USDA inspectors, layered soybeans on top of oats in both storage bins and trucks to deceive USDA inspectors and customers about the quality and quantity of the grain, and made false entries and adjustments in reports provided to the grain warehouse’s bank.
In March 2017, one of Ehrp’s subordinate managers instructed a warehouse manager in Worthing, South Dakota, to blend more oats with soybeans. As a result, approximately 30 truckloads of soybeans were “spiked” with oats. After the customer happened to discover the badly “slugged” or “spiked” loads, one of the customer’s managers called Diehl and told him to stop blending oats into soybeans. The manager warned Diehl that “someone can go to jail for this.” Diehl feigned surprise, apologized, and falsely promised that the practice would not happen in the future. However, at Ehrp’s direction, Diehl and others continued to blend oats into soybeans (even directing subordinates to remix one of the “slugged” loads) and sell them to the same unwitting customer. Ehrp himself drove to the location manager’s office in Worthing and ordered him to continue blending oats. As a result, the Worthing location manager designed a new system for blending oats into soybeans, involving an auger and a conveyer, which sprinkled oats into the semi-trucks’ hoppers and ensured the loads leaving Worthing would remain hidden.
After learning of the conspiracy, the USDA conducted a search of grain bins at the cooperative’s various locations in Iowa and South Dakota. Of the estimated 87,996 bushels of grain in the bins at these locations, the bins actually contained only 34,354 bushels of soybeans even though all of these bins had been certified as soybeans.
Ehrp was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Ehrp was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment and fined $50,000. He was ordered to pay $4,089.73 in costs of prosecution, and he also must serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Ehrp was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set. Earlier this year, Diehl was also sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for his role in the grain blending scheme.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy L. Vavricek and Matthew J. Cole and investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-4093.
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Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Drugs and Guns Near a SchoolRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man, responsible for possessing over 130 grams of marijuana and two guns near a Cedar Rapids school, was sentenced today to 61 months in prison.
Sinqez Juanya Ray, age 19, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison sentence after an October 21, 2020 guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Information disclosed at sentencing and at his plea hearing showed that in February 2020, Ray was stopped by Cedar Rapids police officers while he was walking near Prairie Ridge Elementary School and Kirkwood Community College. Ray was wearing a backpack. Officers immediately observed the magazine of a firearm and marijuana sticking out of the backpack. Officers searched the backpack and located 139.4 grams of marijuana, a ski mask, digital scales, and two guns, one of which was loaded. Ray admitted that he planned to sell the marijuana and that he carried the firearms in furtherance of his drug distribution activities. Ray has two prior weapons convictions, both from 2019.
Ray was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Ray was sentenced to 61 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make payment of $200 to the special assessment fund. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department 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.
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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-31.
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Former Sioux City Council Member Pleads Guilty to Environmental CrimesRead the Press Release
A man who unlawfully stored and transported hazardous waste pled guilty March 19, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Aaron Rochester, 47, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted of one count of unlawful storage of hazardous waste and one count of transportation of hazardous waste.
At the plea hearing, Rochester admitted that beginning on or about June 2015 through about January 2017, as owner and operator of Recycletronics, he knowingly and unlawfully stored and transported hazardous waste, namely CRTs (cathode ray tubes) and leaded glass from televisions and computers at various facilities in and around Sioux City, Iowa.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Rochester remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Rochester faces a possible maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, a maximum fine of up to $50,000 for each day of the violation, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
“If improperly managed, hazardous waste can pose serious risks to human health and the environment,” said Lance Ehrig, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Iowa. “The defendant’s illegal transportation and storage practices significantly threatened and burdened nearby communities and the environment. Today’s plea demonstrates that those who knowingly violate our nation’s environmental laws will be held responsible for their crimes.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-4073.
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Waterloo Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
A man who was found in possession of ammunition and a few days later in possession of a loaded firearm pled guilty March 18, 2021, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Mar’yo Doyuan Lindsey, age 24, from Waterloo, Iowa, was convicted of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In a plea agreement, Lindsey admitted that the Iowa State patrol found him in a car on July 3, 2020, in possession of a large capacity magazine and ammunition. A few days later, on July 12, 2020, Lindsey was found by Waterloo police officers in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun. Lindsey had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses: (1) on April 28, 2014, in Black Hawk County, Iowa, he was convicted of possession of a firearm as a felon and carrying weapons on school grounds; and (2) on May 12, 2017, in Black Hawk County, Iowa, he was convicted of intimidation with a dangerous weapon, willful injury causing bodily injury, possession of a firearm as a felon, and going armed with intent.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Lindsey remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Lindsey faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick J. Reinert and was investigated by the Iowa State Patrol, the Waterloo Police Department, 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.
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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-2049.
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Mexican Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being Deported Two TimesRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to eight months in federal prison.
Ramon Rodriguez-Perez, age 34, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Storm Lake, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea on January 13, 2021, to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
At the guilty plea, Rodriguez-Perez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Rodriguez-Perez was previously deported in November 2016 and April 2017. Rodriguez-Perez was convicted in a Texas federal court in April 2017 of illegal entry into the United States, a misdemeanor. He was also convicted in Iowa in 2014 and 2015 for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI). Rodriguez-Perez most recently came to the attention of immigration agents following an arrest in Winneshiek County, Iowa, on state charges in November 2020.
Rodriguez-Perez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Rodriguez-Perez was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Rodriguez-Perez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-2059.
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Illinois Felon Sentenced to Prison for Possessing GunRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a gun was sentenced today to more than two years in federal prison.
Rajih Rafee Donley, age 33, from Chicago, Illinois, received the prison term after an October 2, 2020 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.
At the plea hearing, Donley admitted he possessed a firearm in 2018 despite having a prior felony conviction. Donley had previously been convicted of felony offenses involving marijuana and cocaine in Illinois. In 2019, Donley was convicted in Iowa of willful injury causing serious injury, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, going armed with intent, and two counts of possessing a firearm as a felon.
Donley was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Donley was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case 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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline
Donley is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and was investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and the Cedar Falls Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-cr-2035.
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Waterloo Woman Sentenced to 33 Months’ Imprisonment for FraudRead the Press Release
A former Waterloo woman, who was employed as a conservation assistant for the Soil and Water Conservation District was sentenced today; to more than 2 years in federal prison.
Leslie Carey, age 44, from Waterloo, received the prison term after a March 13, 2020 guilty plea to wire fraud.
In a plea agreement, Carey admitted that from 2010 until 2017, she defrauded the Black Hawk and Bremer County Soil and Water Divisions and took their money through unauthorized withdrawals, debit card and credit card purchases, store purchases, and disbursements. Defendant admitted she concealed her scheme by transferring funds among accounts, altering financial statements, and submitting false Treasurer reports and minutes.
Carey was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Carey was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to make $430,019.80 in restitution. Carey must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Carey was released after sentencing and is to surrender to the United States Marshal no later than June 7, 2021.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Cole and investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-2012.
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Convicted Felon, Drug User, and Domestic Abuse Misdemeanant Who Possessed a Firearm Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a loaded pistol was sentenced March 12, 2021, to more than one year in federal prison.
David Devall, age 43, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 13, 2020, guilty plea to being a felon, drug user and domestic abuse misdemeanant in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Devall was previously convicted of felony and domestic abuse crimes which made it illegal for him to possess a gun.
Evidence at Devall’s, detention, change of plea, and sentencing hearings revealed that on in the early morning hours of December 17, 2019, officers with the Sioux City, Iowa, police department observed a suspicious vehicle in an area behind a closed business. An officer in an unmarked vehicle began following the suspicious vehicle, and learned the vehicle was registered to Devall through the license plate. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle accelerated away and travelled in excess of 65 mph for an unspecified distance. The officers following Devall noted that the vehicle, which had slowed significantly, was making a series of suspicious turns down various streets in Sioux City. A marked police unit was summoned, which activated its emergency lights and followed the defendant into the drive-through of a closed McDonald’s restaurant, where the vehicle was stopped. Officers observed the driver, who was later found to be Devall, making movements inside the vehicle, at which time he was ordered to exit the vehicle. During a search of the car, officers located a black backpack behind the front passenger’s seat, inside of which were two baggies, a jar containing marijuana, a marijuana pipe, a methamphetamine pipe, a scale, methamphetamine, and a loaded 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun. There was a round in the chamber of the gun and 14 rounds in the magazine.
Devall was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Devall was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Devall 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 our 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’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4007.
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Violent Sioux City Drug Conspiracy Dismantled and Members Sent to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Raymond Nieman, age 39, Lesandro Jose Alvizo-Allison, age 21, Kelly Davis, age 34, and Erwin Scott, age 25, all from Sioux City, Iowa, received prison terms, ranging from over nine years to 16 years for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, a conspiracy to commit robbery and extortion, a robbery, a conspiracy to commit arson, and possession, use, and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Raymond Nieman, Kelly Davis, and Erwin Scott were each convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of conspiracy to commit arson. Lesandro Jose Alvizo-Allison was convicted of one count each of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit robbery and extortion, robbery, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, conspiracy to commit arson, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Alvizo-Allison was previously convicted of Forgery, in Iowa, in 2019.
Evidence presented by the United States revealed from on or about March 18, 2018, until August 8, 2019, Raymond Nieman distributed methamphetamine from his Sioux City home and other places. On or about August 7, 2019, Nieman attempted to purchase $600.00 worth of methamphetamine from a source of supply in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. During that transaction, Nieman was provided what he concluded was bad dope. Nieman returned to his home and recruited Kelly Davis, Erwin Scott, and Lesandro Alvizo-Allison to assist him in his plan to seek redress against the suspected Sergeant Bluff source of supply. The three agreed to participate in Nieman’s plan which included robbing the source of supply of his drugs and money, and burning down the home of the source of supply if necessary to get what they wanted. The four men, along with Jennifer Crook, traveled, in Nieman’s van, to Sam’s Mini Mart, where Nieman and Davis filled a gas can with gasoline. The group then drove to the supposed home of the source of supply. As they drove, the group discussed burning down the alleged source of supply’s home if he did not give them money or drugs. All the men knew there were loaded guns in the van. Once at the scene, Nieman and Davis each armed themselves with loaded .22 rifles. Scott donned a wolf mask and picked up a baseball bat. All four men then walked to the supposed home of the source. Crook stayed in the van.
Nieman fired shots, including at least one at the house, shouted demands for money, and made threats of violence, including a threat to burn down the house if they did not get money or drugs. The alleged source of supply and others, who had been in front of the house, retreated inside, and after a brief standoff, Nieman, Davis, Scott, Alvizo-Allison and Crook fled the scene in Nieman’s van.
Davis was sentenced on August 21, 2020, Scott was sentenced on October 9, 2020, Alvizo-Allison was sentenced on December 3, 2020, and Nieman was sentenced on March 11, 2021, in United States District Court in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Davis was sentenced to 180 month’s imprisonment, Scott was sentenced to 132 months’ imprisonment, Alvizo-Allison was sentenced to 117 months’ imprisonment, and Nieman was sentenced to 192 months’ imprisonment. Davis, Scott, Alvizo-Allison, and Nieman each must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Jennifer Crook, was sentenced to 10 years in State prison after pleading guilty in Woodbury County District Court to charges of intimidation with a dangerous weapon, going armed with intent, assault while participating in a felony, conspiracy, and aggravated assault.
Alvizo-Allison, Scott, Davis and Nieman are each being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they 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 its Project Guardian partners. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
The case was investigated by the United States (1) Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; (2) the Sergeant Bluff Police Department; (3) the Sioux City Police Department, (4) 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; (5) the Woodbury County Sherriff’s Office; and (6) the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office. 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 19-4082.
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Images attached.
Convicted Felon, Drug User, and Domestic Abuse Misdemeanant Who Possessed a Gun Sentenced to More than Eight Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a loaded revolver was sentenced March 3, 2021, to more than eight years in federal prison.
Obed Lopez-Castillo, age 29, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 19, 2020, guilty plea to being a felon and domestic abuse misdemeanant in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Lopez-Castillo was previously convicted of felony and domestic abuse crimes which made it illegal for him to possess a gun.
Evidence at Lopez-Castillo’s detention, change of plea, and sentencing hearings revealed that on January 13, 2020, he was stopped by police for not using his headlights. The stopping officer identified Lopez-Castillo as the driver of the vehicle, and determined that Lopez-Castillo did not have a valid driver’s license. During the traffic stop, Lopez-Castillo stated he did not have any weapons on his person. However, officers located a loaded .22 caliber revolver in his waistband.
Lopez-Castillo admitted he was a felon, and stated that he knew that it was illegal for him to possess a firearm. He also stated that he was, or had been, a member of a street gang, was a daily marijuana user and was an occasional methamphetamine user.
Lopez-Castillo was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Lopez-Castillo was sentenced to 102 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.
Lopez-Castillo 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 our 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’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4010.
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Spirit Lake Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who possessed child pornography was sentenced March 9, 2021, to 13 years in federal prison.
Paul Frances Hicks, age 65, from Spirit Lake, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 22, 2020, guilty plea to one count of possession of child pornography.
At the plea hearing, Hicks admitted that on September 8, 2016, he possessed visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including a depiction involving a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age. During the execution of a search warrant at Hick’s residence on September 8, 2016, law enforcement seized an HP laptop computer. The computer was forensically examined and contained at least 146 images of child pornography.
Hicks was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Several former victims were present at the sentencing. At the sentencing, Hicks admitted to grooming multiple children since the 1970s with gifts, drugs, and alcohol to sexually abuse them. Hicks tended to prey on families experiencing turmoil and offered to babysit the children in order to gain access to his victims. Hicks was sentenced to 156 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.
Acting United States Attorney Sean Berry stated “Our community is made safer every time a child predator is sentenced to prison. We thank our law enforcement partners for their dedication and good work on this case.”
Hicks 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 Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mikala Steenholdt and investigated by The Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations, the Spirit Lake Police Department, and the Dickinson County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-4004.
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Des Moines Man Convicted of Distributing Methamphetamine and Two Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
A Des Moines man and convicted felon who distributed nearly a pound of methamphetamine and possessed a gun was convicted by a jury today after a three-day jury trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Patrick Miller Webb, Jr., also known as “P.J.,” age 32, from Des Moines, Iowa, was convicted of distribution of methamphetamine near a protected location, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The verdict was returned this afternoon following about one hour of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that Webb drove from Des Moines to Dubuque to sell nearly one pound of methamphetamine during a controlled buy for $6,000. Following the drug sale, officers found a loaded firearm underneath the driver’s seat of Webb’s car, where he had been sitting. The drug distribution occurred inside a carwash that was located within 1,000 feet of a public playground located at Cleveland Park, Dubuque. Webb has a previous felony conviction for possession with intent to deliver meth and was also a user of meth and marijuana.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Webb remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Webb faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $40 million fine, and 20 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Geocaris and Assistant United States Attorney Tony Morfitt and was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force, comprised of the Dubuque Police Department and the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 20-CR-1018.
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Fort Dodge Man Sentenced to Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced March 9, 2021, to 14 years in federal prison.
James Souder, 53, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense on November 18, 2020. Souder was convicted of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, in 2015, in the Iowa District Court for Greene County.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that Souder was involved in a conspiracy from about July 2018 through about June 2020, that distributed nearly 50 pounds of methamphetamine in the Fort Dodge, area. Evidence further proved that between August and November of 2018, Souder Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Souder was sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 7-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. Souder remains in custody of the United States Marshal Service until he can be transferred to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Fort Dodge Police Department, the Webster County Sheriff’s Department and the Iowa DCI Criminalistics Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-3014. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty to Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty March 4, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Derek Wilkens, 35, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Wilkens admitted that between about May 2019 through about August 28, 2019, Wilkens and others distributed at least 3 pounds of methamphetamine. Evidence further showed that on August 28, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence of one of Wilkens’ sources of supply in Sioux City, Iowa. During the search, Wilkens possessed approximately 88 grams of methamphetamine which he intended to distribute to another person or persons.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Wilkens was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the guilty plea and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Wilkens 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 Special Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4038. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Cedar Rapids Man Who Produced Child Pornography Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man, responsible for producing child pornography and then distributing it online, was sentenced today to 360 months in prison.
Nathan Krejci, age 41, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison sentence after a June 24, 2020 guilty plea to being a drug user in possession of a firearm, sexual exploitation of a child, and distribution of child pornography.
Information disclosed at his plea and sentencing hearings showed that, beginning in September 2016 and continuing to September 24, 2019, Krejci engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a female child between the ages of 6 and 9 years old. Krejci produced a video of the conduct and distributed still shots of the video to an undercover officer online. Krejci later admitted he distributed the images to less than 12 people on the internet. The Court found that Krejci drugged the victim prior to the sexual abuse, rendering the victim unconscious during the abuse. Krejci also sexually and physically abused a 7 to 9-year-old boy approximately 13 years ago. The abuse included holding a gun to the child’s head when the child refused to drink alcohol. Investigators executed a warrant at Krejci’s residence in September 2019. During the search, they seized multiple electronic devices, two guns, marijuana, and some methamphetamine. Krejci admitted to being a frequent user of marijuana and methamphetamine. Investigators searched Krejci’s electronic devices and located between 300 and 600 images of child pornography. Krejci received some of the images from people online in exchange for sending them the images he produced with the 6 to 9-year-old female victim.
Krejci has some criminal history. This includes an OWI conviction wherein Krejci hit two pedestrians and left the scene.
“Mr. Krejci earned every day of his 30-year sentence with his shocking criminal conduct,” said Acting United States Attorney Sean Berry following the sentencing. “Our community is safer thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners.”
Krejci was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Krejci was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make payment of $300 to the special assessment fund. He must also serve a 5-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 Federal Bureau of Investigation. After today’s sentencing, FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “The 30-year sentence of Nathan Krejci means a despicable predator will no longer be able to commit horrific crimes against children. This case highlights the dedication of our agents and law enforcement partners to hold those who terrorize children accountable for their crimes.” The following agencies also assisted in the investigation: the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
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.”
This case was also brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-0110.
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Webster City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child PornRead the Press Release
A man who received and distributed child pornography was sentenced February 26, 2021, to more than 14 years in federal prison.
Kevin Eugene Dill, age 56, from Webster City, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 9, 2020, guilty plea to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography.
In a plea agreement, Dill admitted that between March 2012 through June 2020, he knowingly received and possessed over thousands of images and videos of child pornography. In September of 2017, an FBI Special Agent operating in an undercover capacity conducted several undercover sessions with Dill, wherein Dill distributed child pornography to the undercover agent. On October 31, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Dill’s residence, and Dill admitted to receiving child pornography. Despite being confronted, Dill continued to access child pornography utilizing PayPal to purchase child pornography from a Chinese website. When Dill was arrested in June 2020, he again admitted to accessing child pornography for sexual gratification.
Dill was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Dill was sentenced to 169 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $60,500 in restitution. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Dill 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 Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mikala Steenholdt and investigated by The Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-3013.
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Honduran Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being Deported Two TimesRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to three months in federal prison.
Adony Benitez-Ramires, age 34, a citizen of Honduras illegally present in the United States and residing in Marion, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea on January 13, 2021, to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
At the guilty plea, Benitez-Ramires admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Benitez-Ramires was deported in September 2012 and June 2018. Benitez-Ramires was convicted in a Texas federal court in May 2018 of illegal entry into the United States, a misdemeanor. Benitez-Ramires most recently came to the attention of immigration agents following an arrest in Linn County, Iowa, on state charges in November 2020.
Benitez-Ramires was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Benitez-Ramires was sentenced to 89 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Benitez-Ramires is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-99.
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Cedar Rapids Felon Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
A felon who possessed a firearm was sentenced today to two years in federal prison.
Anthony Rush, age 32, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the sentence after a September 28, 2020 guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. At the plea hearing, Rush admitted that, in May 2020, he knowingly possessed a .380 auto caliber pistol. The record at the sentencing hearing established that defendant ran from Cedar Rapids police officers and discarded a loaded pistol before being arrested. Rush was convicted of attempted burglary in the second degree in Linn County in 2012.
Rush was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Rush was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
This case was 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 20-62.
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California Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Iowa Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced on February 22, 2021, to more than 11 years in federal prison.
Daryl David Blair, 36, from Los Osos, California, received the prison term after a September 18, 2020, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At sentencing, Blair was found to have been involved with trafficking 16 pounds of methamphetamine across California, Iowa, and South Dakota. On February 8, 2020, while patrolling the Grand Falls Casino parking lot in Larchwood, IA, law enforcement searched a vehicle connected to Blair and ultimately recovered nearly 3 pounds of methamphetamine, and drug trafficking materials. Earlier that winter, Blair and his coconspirators had brought pounds of methamphetamine to the Midwest for distribution.
Blair was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Blair was sentenced to 140 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.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mikala Steenholdt and was investigated by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, Lyon County Attorney’s Office, and Iowa Department of Criminalistics Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4068.
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Convicted Felon who Possessed a Firearm Sentenced to More than Three Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a loaded gun was sentenced February 26, 2021, to more than three years in federal prison.
Joshua Jacobs, age 39, from LeMars, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 18, 2020, guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Jacobs was previously convicted of felony drug crimes which made it illegal for him to possess a gun.
Evidence at Jacob’s, detention, change of plea, and sentencing hearings revealed that on October 15, 2019, officers of the Sioux City Police Department conducting surveillance on a residence observed a vehicle not registered to Jacobs leaving the residence. Due to a malfunctioning license plate light, officers initiated a traffic stop of the vehicle. The vehicle did not immediately stop and “slow rolled” for a distance before coming to a stop. Immediately upon stopping the vehicle, Jacobs exited the driver’s seat. Due to this unusual behavior, Jacobs was placed in handcuffs. A female passenger in the vehicle, was observed to be bleeding from her hand and to have a white powder on her shirt. Officers also observed what appeared to be a broken methamphetamine pipe on the passenger’s side floor.
Due to those items, officers conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle. On the passenger’s side, officers located a digital scale, broken glass, and a baggie that was found to contain approximately four grams of methamphetamine. In the center console, officers found a black bag, which contained a number of small baggies of a white powder and crystalline substance that appeared to be methamphetamine. Jacobs stated that the substance in the black bag was not methamphetamine but was MSM. In a spare tire well in the trunk of the vehicle, officers located a loaded .40 caliber Springfield XD handgun, which was later found to have been stolen. The 12-round magazine contained 11 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. The defendant initially denied having any knowledge of the firearm; however, in a subsequent interview, Jacobs admitted that he had possessed the firearm, which he knew to be stolen.
Jacobs was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Jacobs was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Jacobs 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 our 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’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4008.
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Drug User Whose Mother Tried to Claim a Gun was Hers Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing the GunRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a gun was sentenced March 1, 2021, to more than three years in federal prison.
Thomas James Masengarb Vesey, age 21, from Hiawatha, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 17, 2020 guilty plea to being a drug user in possession of a firearm.
Evidence at earlier hearings showed that police officers stopped Vesey while he was driving in Marion, Iowa. After he pulled the car over, Vesey switched seats with a passenger before officers approached the car on foot. Officers smelled marijuana and searched the car, finding marijuana and a gun with an obliterated serial number. Vesey’s mother came to the scene of the traffic stop and attempted to take ownership of the gun until officers told her that they were aware that Vesey called her and that the call was recorded. Vesey later admitted that he bought the gun after some of his friends had been murdered. He also told law enforcement that he both used and sold marijuana.
Vesey was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Vesey was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
Vesey was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal’s Service on March 15, 2021.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Marion Police Department, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-cr-00054.
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Marion Man Convicted of Making Phony PostageRead the Press Release
A Marion man who forged and counterfeited postage and committed export violations was convicted today following a one-day trial that occurred last month in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Bradley Jon Matheny, age 42, from Marion, Iowa, was convicted of seven counts of postage meter stamp forgery and counterfeiting and three counts of export violations. The verdict was returned late this afternoon after a day-long bench trial that was held in February.
The evidence at trial showed that Matheny operated an eBay business known as “Mathenys” from his residence in Marion. Through “Mathenys,” Matheny sold retail goods to individuals all over the United States and the globe. Matheny used the United States Postal Service (USPS) to ship these goods to his customers; in 2015, for example, Matheny shipped over 28,000 packages with the USPS. Postage posed a significant financial cost to Matheny’s business. To reduce his costs, and increase his profit, Matheny possessed and used forged and counterfeited postage meter stamps on many of the packages he sent to his customers between November 2015 and May 2017.
In 2015, USPS personnel at the Cedar Rapids Main Post Office became suspicious of Matheny’s mailing practices after he kept dropping off his packages at the post office late in the evening at the dock. USPS eventually alerted federal law enforcement, specifically the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), that Matheny might be falsifying postage in connection with his eBay business. A review of Matheny’s packages in late 2015 revealed that most of Matheny’s packages had either insufficient postage or a forged or counterfeited postage meter stamp. For example, some postage was purchased at the 3-ounce rate, but the “3” was altered into an “8.” Similar reviews in 2016 and 2017 yielded similar results, and one expert testified that Matheny had shorted the USPS more than $250,000.
In 2017, law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at Matheny’s residence, a single-family house in Marion. During the search, the USPIS seized a large number of unusual paper clippings of partial Priority Mail and First Class postage meter stamps as well as a handwritten list of crossed-out Priority Mail tracking numbers. Law enforcement also imaged Matheny’s electronic devices and, on his computer, found a number of unaltered electronic versions of the forged postage meter stamps in question. Later, working with representatives of eBay, law enforcement learned that Matheny was taking advantage of vulnerabilities in the USPS’s electronic postage payment systems to receive Priority Mail treatment for his packages even though he had only paid the First Class rate.
Some of Matheny’s customers lived overseas, including in Israel and South Africa. The USPS required Matheny to make truthful declarations on these exports. Specifically, Matheny was required to truthfully declare whether the package contained merchandise or a gift and also the value of the contents of the package. Matheny falsely certified on these forms that his packages contained a “gift” that was worth a nominal sum such as “$1.90,” when in truth Matheny knew the contents of his packages were not gifts and worth more than what he listed on the forms. This allowed Matheny’s packages to clear foreign customs more rapidly and possibly avoid foreign customs taxes.
United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams convicted defendant of ten counts and acquitted him of five others. Matheny remains free on bond pending sentencing before Judge Williams. Matheny faces a possible maximum sentence of 65 years’ imprisonment, a $2.5 million fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-50.
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Lake Park Man to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced February 26, 2021, to more than 2 years in federal prison.
Dustin Noble, 38, from Lake Park, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 13, 2020, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at the hearings showed that, between November 2019 and March 2020, Noble and others conspired to distribute at least 5,000 grams of pure methamphetamine. Noble admitted to helping acquire and transport 20 pounds of methamphetamine from a source of supply in California for which he was to receive money and/or methamphetamine. Noble also admitted to helping acquire methamphetamine in three trips to Sioux City to obtain ½ to one pound quantities of methamphetamine in January/February 2020, from another source of supply.
Noble was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Noble was sentenced to 27 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. Noble 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 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. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Felon Who Used a Gun to Commit a Robbery Sentenced to More than Nine Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who robbed and assaulted another person while in possession of a firearm was sentenced on March 1, 2021, to more than nine years in federal prison.
Anquavion Claybon, age 22, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 21, 2020 guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
At the guilty plea, Claybon admitted he possessed a firearm after having been convicted of two previous felony offenses that involved firearms. Information at sentencing showed that, on January 19, 2020, Claybon used a firearm to rob a victim, stealing money from the victim. Claybon and others then assaulted the victim.
Claybon was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Claybon was sentenced to 110 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $105 in restitution. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Claybon 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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-2025.
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Drug User Who Illegally Possessed a Gun Sentenced to ProbationRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a firearm as a drug user was sentenced March 1, 2021, to five years’ probation.
Treyton Mims, age 21, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 22, 2020 guilty plea to being a drug user in possession of a firearm. Evidence during the case established that during a traffic stop, police found Mims in possession of a 9mm firearm. Mims also admitted to being a marijuana user.
Mims was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Mims was sentenced to 5 years’ probation.
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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
Goad is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams and investigated by the Marion Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-cr-0053.
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Man who Brandished Firearm at a Victim Telling Her he Does Not Mess with “Snitches” Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who displayed a firearm at a female victim at a Motel 6 in Waterloo, Iowa, in an attempt to dissuade her from contacting law enforcement, was sentenced on Friday to more than eight years in federal prison.
Devonner Coleman, age 30, from St. Louis, Missouri, received the prison term after a guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In a plea agreement, Coleman admitted he was found with a .22 caliber rifle with the barrel cut off, as well as approximately 118 grams of packaged marijuana. His fingerprints were found on the firearm and one of the baggies of marijuana. He had previously been convicted of possessing marijuana with the intent to deliver in Black Hawk County in 2009, 2011, and 2013. At sentencing, the victim testified that Coleman displayed the firearm at her, stating he does not mess with “snitches,” and later stepped on her foot and yelled at her while she was on the phone with a 9-1-1 operator.
Coleman was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Coleman was sentenced to 102 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.
Coleman 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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Liz Dupuich 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 19-CR-2049-CJW.
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High-Speed Chase Results in Federal Firearms SentenceRead the Press Release
A Cedar Falls, Iowa, man who led Waterloo police officers on a high-speed chase on March 6, 2020, was sentenced today to seven years in federal prison.
Rocky Truax, age 34, from Cedar Falls, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 1, 2020 guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
At the plea and in the sentencing hearing, evidence showed that Truax was involved in a traffic stop on December 11, 2019, which resulted in the seizure of a handgun with a partially obliterated serial number, and a quantity of methamphetamine. On March 6, 2020, Truax led Waterloo police officers on a high-speed chase on Highway 218 in which he reached speeds of 80-mph in a 45-mph zone while driving on the wrong side of a divided highway. The chase ended when Truax crashed his car. A subsequent search of Truax’s home resulted in the seizure of another firearm and stolen property.
Truax was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Truax was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Truax is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick J. Reinert and investigated by the Waterloo Police Department 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.
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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-2030.
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Dubuque Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Opioids that Caused Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
A man who distributed a deadly cocktail of opioids pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Julius Gene Irvin, age 30, from Dubuque, Iowa, was convicted of one count of distribution of controlled substances near a protected location resulting in death.
At the plea hearing, Irvin admitted that he distributed a mixture of heroin, fentanyl, and valeryl fentanyl to another person on May 19, 2019. That person later used the drugs and was found deceased on May 20, 2019. Another man, Travis Gordon Jones, previously pled guilty to conspiring to distribute the same drugs that caused the victim’s death, as well as two other deaths. Jones is awaiting sentencing.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Irvin was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the guilty plea and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Irvin faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $2,000,000 fine, and six years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 21-CR-1011-CJW-MAR.
The case file number for Jones is 19-CR-1037-CJW-MAR.
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Convicted Felon Who Possessed Multiple Firearms Sentenced to More Than Four Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who possessed handguns and an assault rifle was sentenced today to seven years in federal prison.
Dandre Montrell Gantt, age 22, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after September 29, 2020 bench verdict finding him guilty of being a drug user in possession of firearms and ammunition.
The evidence at trial established that, on January 26, 2020, police officers were conducting a routine patrol in Waterloo, Iowa. At approximately 1:30 a.m., officers observed Gantt and another man seated in a parked car in downtown Waterloo. After surveilling the car, an officer approached it to talk to Gantt. During the conversation, the officer observed a gun holster in the front of the car in the space between the passenger and driver’s seat. Another officer arrived and as he approached the vehicle from the driver’s side, he observed a semi-automatic Romarm/Cugir 7.62x39 rifle in the backseat of the vehicle. Officers eventually also seized a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol and a loaded Taurus .45 caliber pistol from the passenger’s seat
Gantt was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Gantt was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case 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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
Gantt is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams, Pat Reinert, Jacob Schunk and was investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-2020.
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Drug User Who Illegally Possessed a Gun Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a firearm as a drug user was sentenced today to more than one year in federal prison.
Brandon Goad, age 20, from Marion, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 8, 2020 guilty plea to being a drug user in possession of a firearm.
Evidence during the case established that during a traffic stop, police found Goad in possession of a loaded .22 caliber firearm. Goad also admitted to possessing marijuana found during the traffic stop and being a marijuana user.
Goad was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Goad was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case 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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
Goad is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams and investigated by the Marion Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-cr-0053.
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Cedar Rapids Man Pleads Guilty to Escape from Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
A man who escaped from custody in the Gerald R. Hinzman Center pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Justin Troendle, age 34, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of escape from federal custody. At the plea hearing, Troendle admitted that, in May 2020, he was in custody at the Hinzman Center under a federal court order pursuant to his prior conviction for failure to register as a sex offender. Troendle admitted that, between May 5 and May 15, 2020, he left custody without authorization by failing to return to the Hinzman Center as required.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Troendle remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Troendle faces a possible maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the United States Marshals Service, the Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force, and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 20-87.
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Sioux City Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced February 19, 2021, to more than 18 years in federal prison.
Delfina Torres-Perez, 33, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 25, 2020, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Torres-Perez was previously convicted in the Northern District of Iowa for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in 2012.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that from about November 2019 through March 2020, Torres-Perez and others conspired to distribute more than 22 pounds of methamphetamine. On two occasions in March 2020, Torres-Perez distributed about one pound of methamphetamine to persons cooperating with law enforcement. Torres-Perez also traveled to California, obtained 20 pounds of methamphetamine, which she brought back to northwest Iowa, hidden in the gas tank of the vehicle for later distribution. Torres-Perez also admitted to involvement in an additional 30 pounds of methamphetamine distribution in the northwest Iowa area, obtained from large-scale sources in the Sioux City area.
Torres-Perez was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Torres-Perez was sentenced to 204 months’ imprisonment, consecutive to 18 months’ imprisonment, ordered to be served for violation of her previous federal supervised release. She must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Torres-Perez 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. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Woman Pleads Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty February 18, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa.
Jennie Kazena, 38, from Sioux City, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Kazena was previously convicted in federal court of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on February 19, 2010
At the plea hearing, Kazena admitted that between on or about January 2019 and continuing to on or about October 2019 she and others distributed more than 150 grams of methamphetamine in the Sioux City area. In March 2019, in a traffic stop in South Dakota, Kazena was found to possess 12 grams of methamphetamine. In October 2019, in a controlled operation by law enforcement, Kazena distributed nearly ¼ pound of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Later, in October 2019, in a traffic stop by Sioux City police, Kazena was found to possess ½ ounce of methamphetamine. Kazena admitted to agents her involvement in the distribution of about two pounds of methamphetamine in the Sioux City area.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Kazena remains in the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Kazena 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.
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 20-4037. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man to Federal Prison for Distributing MethRead the Press Release
A man who distributed methamphetamine was sentenced on February 24, 2021, in federal court in Sioux City.
Silas Bui, 25, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty to distributing methamphetamine on October 14, 2020.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings, showed that on July 8, 2019, Bui distributed 27.37 grams of methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. Bui was previously convicted of the following crimes: Harassment – 1st Degree and Domestic Abuse Assault Display or Use of a Weapon – 1st Offense, on or about September 12, 2018; Theft 2nd, on or about April 11, 2019; Possession of a Controlled Substance – 2nd Offense, on or about September 3, 2019, all in the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Bui was sentenced to 54 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3 year term of supervised release following the imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Bui remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transferred to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4053. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man Who Sold Meth, Oxycodone, and Fentanyl Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Sioux City man who sold methamphetamine, oxycodone, and fentanyl was sentenced February 23, 2021, to more than 8 years in federal prison.
Rufus Joy Stevens, age 39, from Sioux City, IA, received the prison term after a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone in Sioux City.
Stevens admitted that in February 2020 he conspired and possessed with the intent to distribute over 100 oxycodone pills, over 27 grams of methamphetamine, and 10 fentanyl patches around the Sioux City area.
Stevens was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Stevens was sentenced to 105 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a six-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Stevens is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons and was investigated by 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 20-4059.
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Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty on February 18, 2021, in federal court, in Sioux City, Iowa.
Hugo Arechiga Torres, 39, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Torres was previously convicted three times in South Dakota, for serious felony drug trafficking offenses, including a federal case in 2014.
At the plea hearing, Torres admitted that between December 2019 and August 2020, he and others distributed at least 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Sioux City area. During two separate controlled operations in August 2020, law enforcement used a confidential informant to purchase more than 12 pounds of methamphetamine from Torres. Later, upon his arrest in August 2020, officers seized $754 from Torres, including five $100 bills that were found to be pre-serialized money provided to Torres in a controlled methamphetamine purchase, as part of a drug debt payment.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Torres remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Torres faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 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.
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 20-4067. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.