Northern District of Iowa
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Guatemalan Man Sentenced to Prison for Document FraudRead the Press Release
A man who used a false identification document and a fictitious social security number was sentenced today to three months in federal prison.
Jasinto Cuyuch-Brito, age 23, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea today to one count of unlawful use of an identification document and one count of misuse of a social security number.
During the guilty plea portion of the hearing, Cuyuch-Brito admitted he used a fictitious Social Security number and a fraudulent permanent resident card, also known as a “green card,” when he completed employment and tax forms in March 2018 at a business in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. On the employment application, Cuyuch-Brito claimed to be a lawful permanent resident of the United States. However, Cuyuch-Brito was previously deported from the United States in 2015 and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. The Social Security account number used by Cuyuch-Brito was fictitious. The Alien Registration number on the “green card” was issued to another person.
Cuyuch-Brito was arrested on March 4, 2020, on the federal indictment following an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement into document fraud in Cedar Rapids. A search warrant was obtained for a Cedar Rapids apartment and executed on March 4, 2020, to look for evidence related to document and Social Security. Officers attempted to enter the apartment with a key but a resident pushed the door closed and locked the deadbolt. After officers gained entrance, a resident of the apartment told the officers where Cuyuch-Brito could be found in Marion, Iowa. Officers located Cuyuch-Brito at the residence in Marion where he briefly resisted arrest.
Cuyuch-Brito was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Cuyuch-Brito was sentenced to 91 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Cuyuch-Brito 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-20.
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Texas Couple Sentenced to Prison for Transportation of Stolen Property, Wire Fraud, and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Yuniel Sanchez, age 36, from Grand Prairie, Texas, and Shannon Marlowe, age 35, from Fort Worth, Texas, each received prison terms, of over five years for their roles in a conspiracy to transport stolen property, wire fraud and identity heft.
Yuniel Sanchez and Shannon Marlowe were each convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, one count of wire fraud and one count of identity theft.
Evidence presented by the United States in court revealed between January 1, 2019 until on or about June 11, 2019, Marlowe and Sanchez knowingly and willfully conspired to transport a Penske moving truck they rented using a fraudulent credit card in Dallas, Texas. As part of the conspiracy Marlowe and Sanchez acquired valid credit card numbers and personal identifiers of unsuspecting victims. They then forged fraudulent identification cards and credit cards in the names of the victims. Marlowe and Sanchez acquired a credit card embossing machine, valid gift cards and other tools and supplies and forged identification cards in the names of the victims bearing their own images instead of the images of the unsuspecting victims. Marlowe and Sanchez travelled to multiple retailers in multiple states, including, Iowa, Minnesota and Tennessee, and presented the forged and fraudulent credit cards and identification cards to retailers. On June 11, 2019, law enforcement officers in Sioux City, Iowa conducted a search of the Penske truck. Officers located stolen property and receipts from various retailers, a credit card embossing machine, multiple gift cards, and about 15 completed forged and fraudulent credit cards. Marlowe and Sanchez used the fraudulent credit cards to make $35,828.06 worth of purchases.
Marlowe and Yuniel Sanchez were each sentenced on May 29, 2020, in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Each was sentenced to 61 months’ imprisonment. Each was ordered to pay make restitution and pay special assessments of $400. They each must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Both are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-4069.
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Sioux City Husband and Wife Sentenced for Encouraging Aliens from Guatemala to Enter the United States IllegallyRead the Press Release
A husband and wife who encouraged and induced a father and his minor daughter to illegally enter in the United States were recently sentenced in federal court in Sioux City. Cristobal Francisco Nicolas was sentenced on May 29, 2020, to 18 months’ in federal prison. Amy Francisco was sentenced on March 20, 2020, to 12 months’ and 1 day in federal prison.
Amy Francisco, age 40, a citizen of the United States, and Cristobal Nicolas, age 37, a citizen of the Republic of Guatemala, both residing in Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison terms after pleading guilty to encouraging and inducing an alien to enter or reside in the United States in violation of law. Cristobal Nicolas was also convicted for unlawful possession of identification documents.
Information disclosed during the case showed that Amy Francisco and Cristobal Francisco illegally encouraged and induced aliens to enter or reside in the United States. Specifically, they encouraged aliens from Guatemala to enter the country. The Franciscos arranged for them to come to Sioux City, Iowa. Amy Francisco and Cristobal Francisco knew the aliens, a father and daughter, were citizens of Guatemala and were not permitted to enter or reside in the United States.
Further information showed that Amy Francisco and Cristobal Francisco encouraged a father and his minor daughter to enter the United States. The Franciscos admitted they intended to have the minor daughter serve as a surrogate mother for their baby. The Franciscos proposed to pay for all expenses incurred during the pregnancy, birth, and adoption of the baby. They also promised the daughter she could further her education and work to earn money while in the United States. The Franciscos also agreed to help find the father work in the country.
In the spring of 2019, the Franciscos, using the services of individuals outside the United States, arranged for the father and daughter to travel from Guatemala to the United States. After the father and daughter arrived in the country, the Franciscos paid for them to fly to Omaha, Nebraska, and eventually to travel to the Franciscos’ Sioux City home. The father and daughter stayed at the Franciscos’ home from May 31, 2019, through June 4, 2019. On June 4, 2019, the daughter ran away from the home. Officers from the Sioux City Police Department found her after she ran away.
Cristobal Francisco Nicolas was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Cristobal Francisco Nicolas was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 2-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Amy Francisco was also sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Amy Francisco was sentenced to 12 months’ and 1 day imprisonment. She must also serve a 2-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Cristobal Francisco Nicolas and Amy Francisco are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Fletcher and investigated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Sioux City Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 19-CR-4045.
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Guatemalan Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being DeportedRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to almost three months in federal prison.
Orlando Quinonez-Revolorio, age 39, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea today to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
At the guilty plea portion of the hearing, Quinonez-Revolorio admitted he had previously been deported from the United States in August 2009 and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. In November 2019, Quinonez-Revolorio’s illegal presence in the United States came to the attention of immigration agents following his arrest in Black Hawk County, Iowa, on state criminal charges.
Quinonez-Revolorio was then sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Quinonez-Revolorio was sentenced to 82 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.
Quinonez-Revolorio 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-2015. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Felon Sent to Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
A Princeton, Texas, man was sentenced May 29, 2020, to more than six years in federal prison after possessing a gun as a felon.
Rodolfo Velasco, age 36, from Princeton, Texas, received the prison term after a March 10, 2020, guilty plea to one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
Information presented by the United States at the detention, change of plea, and sentencing hearings revealed that on or about May 30, 2019, Velasco illegally possessed a pistol and ammunition. He was prohibited from possessing guns because he had been previously convicted of possession of a controlled substance in Minnesota in 2003 and of distribution of methamphetamine in Nebraska in 2011. Velasco’s unlawful possession was discovered when law enforcement apprehended him as a fugitive for a parole violation, following a foot pursuit. When he was captured he was in possession of a stolen pistol and ammunition.
Velasco was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Velasco was sentenced to 77 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.
Velasco 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 United States Marshal’s Service and the Sioux City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-4057.
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Chicago Man Sentenced to Prison for His Role in Large-Scale Heroin Ring in Cedar RapidsRead the Press Release
An Illinois man, responsible for distributing over 1,000 grams of heroin, was sentenced today to 127 months in federal prison.
Jarel Shawn Williams, age 23, from Chicago, Illinois, received the prison sentence after a December 10, 2019 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute at least 1,000 grams of heroin and five counts of distribution of heroin. Williams is the 22nd person to be sentenced to prison over the last 20 months for his role in a large-scale heroin ring.
The investigation into the heroin ring began in 2017 when investigators with the Cedar Rapids Police Department, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Drug Enforcement Administration became aware of a large scale heroin trafficking network operating in the Cedar Rapids area. The heroin was brought in from outside of Iowa and sold to mid-level dealers and customers who in the Cedar Rapids area. Investigators conducted dozens of interviews of local dealers, learning the structure of the organization. However, traditional investigative techniques alone were not enough to fully understand and target the heroin trafficking that was pervasive in Cedar Rapids.
In order to penetrate the organization, investigators eventually used eleven Title III wiretap investigations targeting four prolific heroin distributors in the area. Investigators intercepted hundreds of calls between dealers and customers. The wiretap investigation revealed that these phones were used solely for arranging heroin transactions and that dealers were making dozens of heroin deals daily. One such phone was dubbed the “Ferrari” phone. The “Ferrari” phone was passed
between various members of the group, including Jarel Shawn Williams. Members would answer the phone and arrange deals, sometimes making the delivery of heroin themselves. Other times, other members of the group were sent to make the delivery. On average, heroin users were buying a quarter gram of heroin at a time for around $40. Transactions occurred all over Cedar Rapids, including at mall and grocery store parking lots, and near gas stations, truck stops, and parks. By contacting the “Ferrari” phone, investigators were able to conduct over a dozen undercover purchases of heroin from members of the group.
Members of the “Ferrari” group also travelled to Chicago to acquire large quantities of heroin. The heroin was then brought back to Cedar Rapids and distributed. In July 2017, law enforcement stopped a vehicle travelling from Chicago to Cedar Rapids. Two members of the group were in the vehicle. In the vehicle, officers located over 350 grams of heroin on its way to Cedar Rapids to be distributed.
Some members of the group carried firearms to protect themselves. In total, investigators seized over $6,500 United States Currency, one pound of heroin, and six handguns. At least two people overdosed, but survived, after consuming heroin distributed by a member or members of the group.
Ultimately, the investigation resulted in charges against 33 individuals. This included a handful of indictments against persons who were intercepted purchasing heroin from the group and who utilized cellular phones to arrange heroin transactions.
In addition to Jarel Shawn Williams, the following individuals have been be sentenced for their role in distributing heroin:
- Dion Clayborn, age 41, from Cedar Rapids, was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment on January 25, 2019, following a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance near a protected location. Clayborn must also serve a 6-year term of supervised release after the prison term.
- Andrew Fletcher, age 35, from Cedar Rapids, was sentenced to 61 days’ imprisonment on March 18, 2019, following a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin. Fletcher must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release.
- Dino Harrington, age 34, from Cedar Rapids, was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment on November 19, 2018, following a guilty plea to distribution of heroin within 1,000 feet of a truck stop after a prior drug felony conviction. Harrington must also serve a 6-year term of supervised release.
- Tiffany Youngblood, age 42, from Cedar Rapids, was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment on November 19, 2018, following a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, specifically heroin and fentanyl. Youngblood must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release.
- Garland Lightfoot, age 29, from Chicago, was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment on November 19, 2018, following a guilty plea to distribution and aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense. Lightfoot must also serve a 6-year term of supervised release.
- Rolando Brown, age 31, from Chicago, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment on November 19, 2018, following a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more within a protected location after having previously been convicted of a felony drug offense. Brown must also serve a 8-year term of supervised release.
- Julius Sullivan, age 27, from Cedar Rapids, was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment on April 3, 2019, following a guilty plea to distribution of a controlled substance within a protected location. Sullivan must also serve a 6-year term of supervised release.
- Joseph Mercil, age 34, from Cedar Rapids, was sentenced to 164 days’ imprisonment on February 6, 2019, following a guilty plea to possession of a controlled substance after prior drug convictions. Mercil must also serve a 1-year term of supervised release.
- Eddy Watt, age 30, from Cedar Rapids, was sentenced to 64 months’ imprisonment on October 17, 2018, following a guilty plea to aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin. Watt must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release.
- Jason Bates, age 44, from Urbana, was sentenced to 300 months’ imprisonment on August 22, 2019, following a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance within a protected location, possession of a firearm by a felon, and distribution of heroin resulting in serious bodily injury. Bates must also serve a 6-year term of supervised release.
- Patrick Richmond, age 36, from Cedar Rapids, was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment on December 18, 2019, following a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin, cyclopropyl fentanyl, methoxyacetyl fentanyl, and fentanyl near a protected location. Richmond must also serve a 6-year term of supervised release.
- Scott Krumbholz, age 38, from Cedar Rapids, was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment on April 2, 2019, following a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin near a protected location. Krumbholz must also serve a 6-year term of supervised release.
- Andrew Bobenhouse, age 35, from Cedar Rapids, was sentenced to 114 days’ imprisonment on April 2, 2019, following a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin. Bobenhouse must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release.
- Walter Malano Collins Murray, Jr., age 19, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment on December 30, 2019, following a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin.
- Cortez Nelson, age 30, from Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment on May 20, 2020, following a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute at least 1,000 grams of heroin.
- Dewon Earl Meeks, age 30, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was sentenced to 71 months’ imprisonment on May 20, 2020, following a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin.
- Anthony Ricks, age 31, from Chicago, pleaded guilty on January 16, 2020, to conspiracy to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin. Ricks will be sentenced on July 10, 2020, at 11:00 a.m.
Sean Jarel Williams, age 30, from Chicago, Illinois, pleaded guilty on January 21, 2020, to conspiracy to distribute at least 1,000 grams of heroin. Williams’ will be sentenced on August 28, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. Devontae Horton, age 25, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, after a February 10, 2020, jury trial. Horton’s sentencing date has not yet been set.
“Deadly opioids continue to take their toll on our communities,” said United States Attorney Peter Deegan. “Thanks to the hard work of the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of many other law enforcement partners, a large-scale heroin trafficking organization has been taken off the streets. We will continue to work together to send the sellers of this poison to prison.”
“The collaborative effort between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies involved in this operation is exactly what was needed to dismantle this well-organized and far-reaching Drug Trafficking Organization,” DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Darin Thimmesch said. “The investigators from the various teams involved relied on one another through each step of this three year investigation and together, were able to remove dangerous criminals and illicit drugs from the streets of our communities. At DEA, we value our law enforcement partnerships and will continue to use this model to guide future missions.”
Lieutenant Robert Collins, Narcotics Division commander, said, “The Cedar Rapids Police Department, along with the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Cedar Rapids Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration began an investigation in July 2017 of several heroin sources in Cedar Rapids. Narcotics investigators learned that a large number of low-level organizational members were Cedar Rapids residents and those selling heroin were from Chicago, Illinois. Investigators were able to gather intelligence information that helped investigators identify organizational members and determine their respective roles in illegal narcotics trafficking. With the cooperation of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa, and investigators from the Cedar Rapids Police Department, Cedar Rapids DEA Task Force, Marion Police Department, Linn County Sheriff, University of Iowa Police, North Liberty Police Department, Coralville Police Department, and other law enforcement partners throughout Eastern Iowa, evidence was presented to a federal grand jury that resulted in indictments for over 20 individuals. Seizures in the case included $6,500 in U.S. currency, one pound of heroin, and six handguns.”
Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman said, “Local law enforcement has a solid relationship with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa. The United States Attorney’s Office has been completely supportive and provided assistance to investigators in efforts to combat the burgeoning heroin trafficking that was occurring in Cedar Rapids and throughout Eastern Iowa. It is a key collaborative effort that has produced results and has made our community safer. Drug trafficking is not a victimless crime, but rather poisons the community and those with substance abuse issues. Further, illegal drug trafficking often results in other dangerous and violent crimes. We have committed, dedicated narcotics investigators whose work is making a critical difference in reducing criminal activity in our community.”
All defendants that have been sentenced were sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand, District Court Judge Linda R. Reade, or District Court Judge C.J. Williams.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Chatham, Ashley Corkery, Justin Lightfoot, and Lisa Williams, and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Drug Enforcement Administration Cedar Rapids Resident Office, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Cedar Rapids Police Department, Marion Police Department, University of Iowa Police, North Liberty Police, Coralville Police, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-CR-00051, 19-CR-000002, 18-CR-00028, 18-CR-00042, 18-CR-00080, 18-CR-00097, 18-CR-00043, 18-CR-00052, 18-CR-00095, and 19-CR-45. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A Sioux City man who was distributing methamphetamine in and around the Sioux City area was sentenced Thursday, May 28, 2020 to more than 20 years in federal prison.
Jeremy William Lillich, age 45, from Sioux City, IA, received the prison term after a guilty plea to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
In a plea agreement, Lillich admitted that on February 3, 2019, he was in Sloan, Iowa at a car wash bay around 3:00 a.m. with co-defendant, Patrick Steffens. Lillich was the owner of the car, however Steffens was driving the car due to Lillich not having a valid driver’s license. Law enforcement noticed the car in the car wash and became concerned, due to recent thefts at car washes in neighboring rural cities. Law enforcement searched the vehicle after a K-9 detected the presence of drugs in the car. Law enforcement found approximately two pounds of methamphetamine and twenty-eight grams of cocaine inside a bag on the passenger’s seat. Lillich intended to sell the methamphetamine in and around Sioux City and other places. Lillich was a career offender with criminal history that included two prior felony drug offenses, manslaughter, assault, and other crimes. Lillich admitted at sentencing that he was selling methamphetamine.
Lillich was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Lillich was sentenced to 262 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a ten-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Lillich is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jack Lammers and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-4022.
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Fort Dodge Man to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced May 28, 2020, to more than 4 years in federal prison.
Xavier Rhone, 23, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 25, 2019, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon. Rhone was previously convicted of going armed with intent, in the Iowa District Court for Webster County, on or about August 3, 2015.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that on August 25, 2018, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle of which Rhone was a passenger. During an inventory of the vehicle, officers located a backpack that contained a handgun. Officers sent the handgun and backpack to the DCI Laboratory to be tested in order to determine the owner of the firearm. The Laboratory Report determined that the DNA on the handgun matched Rhone’s DNA. It was also determined that the firearm had previously been stolen. Evidence in this case further showed, that Rhone used or possessed the firearm in connection with the felony offenses of Carrying Weapons, in violation of Iowa Code § 724.4(1), and Robbery, First Degree, in violation of Iowa Code §§ 711.1 and 711.2.
Rhone was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Rhone was sentenced to 56 months’ and 18 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Rhone 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 Mikala Steenholdt and investigated by the Fort Dodge Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Iowa Division of Criminalistics Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-3003. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Charles City Nurse Anesthetist Sentenced to Nearly Three Years in Federal Prison for Drug Tampering and Diversion SchemeRead the Press Release
A Charles City nurse anesthetist who secretly tampered with vials of fentanyl in a hospital’s surgery and birthing centers was sentenced today to nearly three years in federal prison.
Christopher Scott West, age 46, from Charles City, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 1, 2019 guilty plea to one count of tampering with a consumer product and one count of acquiring and attempting to acquire a controlled substance by means of misrepresentation, fraud, deception, and subterfuge.
At the guilty plea and other hearings in the case, the evidence showed that, beginning in 2017, West was a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA) at a hospital in Charles City. From February 2018 through September 7, 2018, West used his State of Iowa nursing licenses to gain access to two controlled substances, fentanyl and sufentanil, at the hospital. The fentanyl and sufentanil was intended for patients at the hospital, but West used them himself. In order to avoid getting caught, West perforated tamper-proof paper around the vials, carefully opened the vials, replaced the drugs in the vials with saline, glued the vials shut, and placed the vials back in the hospital’s secure dispensaries in the surgery and birthing centers.
The hospital discovered West’s scheme on September 7, 2018, when a hospital visitor discovered West passed out in a public bathroom. West had a rubber tourniquet and empty and full vials of propofol, another drug used in anesthesia, in his coat pocket. After the hospital declined West’s request to keep his drug theft scheme “internal,” West told the hospital’s pharmacist that she needed to remove vials of what were supposed to contain narcotics in the surgery center because hedid not want those adulterated narcotics used on patients. The pharmacist found tampered vials of fentanyl in the surgery center. However, over the ensuing weekend, the pharmacist also checked the hospital’s birthing center. The pharmacist also found tampered vials in the birthing center, too. In total, the hospital discovered 28 tampered vials of fentanyl and 15 tampered vials of sufentanil in the hospital’s secure dispensaries.
On September 9, 2018, West admitted to the hospital’s surgeon that West had administered three different forms of anesthesia to a young patient in part so that he would have narcotics left over for his personal use. The patient suffered complications from his surgery and required an extra day in the hospital and intermittent catheterizations. A subsequent review of other procedures West allegedly performed revealed that West had purported to use fentanyl consistently in colonoscopies and cataract surgeries as early as December 2017. A prior review of West’s obstetrics patients in 2018 revealed that one in four of West’s spinal anesthesia patients received narcotics that were insufficient to reduce labor pain, such that the women giving birth also required general anesthesia.
West was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. West was sentenced to 34 months’ imprisonment and fined $15,000. He was ordered to make $31,998.34 in restitution to the hospital and ordered to pay $3,158.18 in costs of prosecution. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. The district court also ordered West to forfeit his two State of Iowa nursing licenses to the United States because defendant used those licenses to further his drug diversion scheme.
“Medical professionals have an obligation to care for some of the most vulnerable members of our society,” said United States Attorney Peter Deegan. “By his selfish actions, Mr. West took advantage of his trusted position at his local community hospital. He endangered the health and very lives of patients at the hospital. This sentence sends a clear message that such dangerous behavior will not be tolerated.”
“The FDA oversees the U.S. drug supply to ensure that it is safe and effective, and those who knowingly tamper with medicines put patients’ health at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Charles L. Grinstead, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Kansas City Field Office. “We will continue to protect the public health and bring to justice health care professionals who take advantage of their unique position and compromise their patients’ health and comfort by tampering with needed drugs.”
West was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on a date yet to be set. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Charles City Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-2013.
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Media Advisory: Press Availability to Announce Investigation and Prosecution of over Twenty Defendants for Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Opioids kill hundreds of Iowans every year. These dangerous drugs wreak havoc on lives and communities. Unfortunately, all too often, the use of an opioid such as heroin ends with an overdose because people do not know what they have or how dangerous it is.
On June 1, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa will sentence Jarel Williams for his role in trafficking heroin. He will be the 22nd defendant sentenced over the last 20 months for their roles in distributing this dangerous drug. These prosecutions were the result of Operation Blue Devils, an investigation conducted by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Following the sentencing, the United States Attorney will issue a press release regarding the investigation and prosecutions. Additionally, United States Attorney Peter Deegan, CRPD Chief of Police Wayne Jerman, CRPD Lieutenant Bob Collins (commander of the narcotics unit), CRPD Officer Lindsay Powers (assigned to the Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative), and DEA Resident Agent-in-Charge Russ Coulter will all be available for interviews regarding the investigation and prosecutions.
Event Details
When: June 1, 2020
Where: Cedar Rapids Federal Courthouse (United States Attorney’s Office), 111 7th Ave. SE
Time: Sentencing Hearing scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Interview availability after the conclusion of the sentencing hearing.
Please contact Tony Morfitt at [email protected] or 319-363-6333 to schedule interviews.
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Doon, Iowa, Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who distributed child pornography was sentenced May 26, 2020, to more than 7 years in federal prison.
Diego Felipe Juan, age 46, originally from Guatemala and living in Doon, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 2, 2019, guilty plea to one count of distribution of child pornography.
In a plea agreement, Juan admitted that between November of 2018 and January 18, 2019, using the internet, he knowingly distributed a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct to another person. It was revealed at the sentencing hearing that Juan had other videos of child pornography on his cell phone.
Juan was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Juan was sentenced to 87 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.
Juan 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 Attorneys Ron Timmons and Timothy Duax and investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-4032.
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Woman Sleeping on Couch with Lockbox Containing Meth Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A woman who law enforcement found asleep on a couch in possession of meth she intended to distribute was sentenced May 18, 2020, to more than three years in federal prison.
Michelle Rae Simmermaker, age 44, from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, received the prison term after a January 2, 2020 guilty plea to possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
Evidence during a previous hearing showed that Simmermaker was asleep on the couch in a home in Tipton, Iowa, when law enforcement officers arrived to search the home. Simmermaker had a lockbox with her that contained over ten grams of methamphetamine, which she intended to sell to others. Also present at the residence were two minor children, including Simmermaker’s granddaughter.
Simmermaker was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Simmermaker was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Simmermaker 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 Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Tipton Police Department, the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, and the Muscatine County Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-cr-55.
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Crime Spree Leads to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Waterloo ManRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man who went on a crime spree as a teenager in February 2018, was sentenced today to eight years in federal prison. Griffin Riley Davis, age 20, received the prison term after a December 2, 2019 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a drug user.
At the guilty plea and sentencing hearings, Davis admitted that on January 21, 2018, when he was 18 years old, he was stopped for speeding in Black Hawk County, Iowa, and officers found an unloaded semiautomatic rifle with a high capacity magazine in his trunk at that time. Then, on February 5, 2018, and February 6, 2018, officers responded to shots fired incidents in Dysart and Waterloo, Iowa, respectively. Each incident involved residential homes in which people, including minors, were present. Officers found spent .40 caliber shell casings at each crime scene. On February 12, 2018, Davis was recorded in a phone call stating he was going to shoot a minor “and fan down everyone in her car.”
On February 20, 2018, officers stopped a car in Waterloo and saw Davis in the backseat. Officers smelled marijuana in the car and later found Davis hiding under a blanket. In the car, officers also found more than 40 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, and a loaded .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol. The pistol was recently stolen from a residence in Grundy County, Iowa. Later ballistics testing confirmed that the .40 caliber firearm was the same firearm that discharged at the residences in Dysart and Waterloo earlier that month.
Davis was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Davis was sentenced to 96 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.
Davis is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tim Vavricek and Justin Lightfoot, and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Waterloo Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-2045.
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Minnesota Man Sentenced to 27 Years for Child Sexual Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
A man who traveled from Minnesota to Iowa to have sex with minors was sentenced today to 27 years in federal prison.
Terrance Nordwall, age 51, of Faribault, Minnesota, received the sentence after an October 31, 2019, jury verdict finding him guilty of attempted sex trafficking of children, attempted enticement of minors, and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
The evidence at trial showed that, in March and April of 2019, Nordwall exchanged text messages with a man who he believed was a “pimp” with a 14-year-old girl and a 15-year-old girl available. The man was actually an undercover law enforcement officer. Nordwall agreed to pay the pimp $200 for a half hour with the two girls, and he drove to the Cedar Rapids area, where he met law enforcement officers. In 2004, in Minnesota, Nordwall was convicted of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree, two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the fifth degree, and possession of pornographic work involving minors.
Nordwall was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Nordwall was sentenced to 324 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $300 was imposed, and Nordwall must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release. He must comply with all sex offender registration and public notification requirements.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Iowa State Patrol, and the Hiawatha Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 19-57.
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Cedar Rapids Teen Sentenced to Five Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids teenager who was arrested for possessing a firearm for the fourth time in little more than two years, and while on state court probation for possessing a firearm as a felon, was sentenced on May 18, 2020 to five years in federal prison.
Untario Devonte McGhee, also known as “Memphis” and “Tario Nolove,” age 19, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, originally from Memphis, Tennessee, received the prison term after a January 6, 2020, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
At the plea and sentencing hearings, the evidence showed that, on April 10, 2019, Cedar Rapids Police Department officers attempted to arrest McGhee on a probation violation warrant and found McGhee in a vehicle in Cedar Rapids. As the officers neared McGhee, he locked the vehicle’s door. The officers saw a firearm in McGhee’s right hand. An officer ordered McGhee to raise his hands, but McGhee lowered his right hand and, when he raised it, it was empty. Officers pulled McGhee from the vehicle and, where his right hand had been, located a loaded and stolen handgun.
At the time, McGhee was on probation in state court after he was convicted of possessing a loaded stolen firearm as a felon in November 2018. McGhee was arrested for carrying firearms illegally in June 2018 and February 2017, as well. McGhee also has prior arrests for possessing marijuana with intent to deliver, disorderly conduct, providing false identification information, and assault.
McGhee was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. McGhee was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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.
McGhee 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-54.
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Waterloo Man Sentenced to a Year in Prison After Escape from Halfway HouseRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man who escaped from a Waterloo halfway house and spent over two weeks on the lam was sentenced to a year in federal prison on May 19, 2020. Lonnel Porter, age 36, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a bench trial and a January 16, 2020 verdict finding him guilty of escape from custody.
The evidence at trial and prior court proceedings showed that, in 2009, Porter was convicted in federal court of possessing a firearm as a felon after an incident wherein he displayed an assault-rifle during a neighborhood dispute. At that time, Porter had prior convictions for burglary, domestic assault causing injury, and false imprisonment. Porter was sentenced to nearly nine years in prison and three years of supervised release. In 2012, while an inmate in federal prison, Porter was sentenced to an additional two years of prison after assaulting a correctional officer and causing injury to the officer. When Porter was released from prison in 2019, he was required to spend time at a local halfway house, the Waterloo Residential Reentry Center (WRRC), with work-release privileges. On September 16, 2019, about six weeks after he arrived at the WRRC, Porter signed out for his job, left the WRRC, and never returned. When Porter’s probation officer called Porter on the telephone and instructed him to return to the WRRC, Porter refused to do so and would not reveal his location. On October 2, 2019, the United States Marshal’s Service arrested Porter, and Porter was returned to prison for 14 months for violating the terms of his supervised release.
Porter was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Porter was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment. This sentence is in addition to his prior 14 month term. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Porter 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 was 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 19-CR-2069.
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Iowa Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced May 20, 2020, to 8 years in federal prison.
Michael Wayne Holton, 33, from Mason City, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 9, 2020, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon. Holton was previously convicted of contraband in a correctional facility and domestic abuse assault, both in the Iowa District Court for Cerro Gordo County.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed Holton admitted that on June 22, 2019, he grabbed a gun, a Taurus 9mm, from another person while outside of Kingz Lounge in Fort Dodge, Iowa and shot the gun multiple times near a crowd of people.
Holton was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Holton was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
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 Project Guardian partners. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
The case was being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mikala Steenholdt and was investigated by the Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, and Iowa Department of Criminalistics Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-3050. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Career Offender Who Sold Cocaine Near Parks and a School in Dubuque Sentenced to over Twelve Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A career offender with prior drug trafficking convictions who sold cocaine near protected locations multiple times and possessed a loaded handgun was sentenced today to more than a dozen years in federal prison.
Jerry Towns, age 31, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 23, 2019 guilty plea to distributing cocaine.
Information disclosed at the guilty plea and sentencing hearing showed that Towns distributed cocaine near either a park or school on four different occasions in 2017 and 2018. Later in 2018, law enforcement stopped Towns while he was a passenger in a car. At the same time, law enforcement was getting ready to search Towns’ residence in Dubuque. Towns called his girlfriend and told her to get cocaine and a loaded gun out of the residence. Law enforcement stopped her as she was leaving and seized the drugs and loaded gun.
At sentencing, Towns was found to be a career offender. He had two prior felony offenses for distributing cocaine. He also had eleven other adult criminal convictions, including four convictions involving violence. During the sentencing, the court said it was clear Towns was making a living by dealing drugs and met any definition of a career offender.
Towns was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Towns was sentenced to 151 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.
Towns 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 Tony Morfitt and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department and the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-1020.
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Sioux City Man Selling Meth, Cocaine, and Heroin Pleads Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
A Sioux City man selling methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin from his home pled guilty on May 18, 2020 in federal court in Sioux City.
Monee Yodprasit, age 42, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
In a plea agreement, Yodprasit admitted that between June of 2019 and November 2019, he conspired to sell more than 50 grams of pure methamphetamine. On November 7, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Yodprasit’s residence where they seized more than 2 pounds of cocaine, approximately 11 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 20 grams of heroin or fentanyl, two loaded handguns in the vicinity of the drugs, and approximately $24,000 in cash. Yodprasit told law enforcement officers that he began dealing drugs after getting out of prison for dealing drugs because he could not find a job. Yodprasit’s criminal history includes a conviction from the United States District Court for South Dakota, Southern Division, Case No. 98-CR-40170-1, for conspiracy to possess a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and distribution of a controlled substance, a felony drug offense, and a serious drug felony, for which he previously served more than 12 months of imprisonment.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Yodprasit remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. On the conspiracy charge, Yodprasit faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years' imprisonment and the following maximum penalties: up to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole; a fine of not more than $20,000,000; and a term of supervised release of at least 10 years up to life. On the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Yodprasit faces a mandatory minimum term of 5 years' imprisonment, which must be served consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed, and a maximum term of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole; a fine of not more than $250,000; and a term of supervised release of up to five years. And for possession of a firearm by a felon, Yodprasit faces maximum penalties of: not more than 10 years' imprisonment without the possibility of parole; a fine of not more than $250,000; and a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons and was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and 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. 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 CR19-4088.
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Heroin Dealer Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who sold nearly 80 grams of heroin in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.
Marcus Lamont Long, age 33, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 27, 2019 guilty plea to one count of use of a communications facility to commit a felony drug crime.
Evidence at a prior hearing showed that, in April 2019, Cedar Rapids first responders were called to a residence for a disturbance. When they arrived on the scene, the first responders found one person deceased from a suspected overdose and another who had overdosed, lost consciousness, and then woke up. After a short investigation, officers discovered the phone number for the individual who had sold the purported heroin to the two people who overdosed. The officers contacted the number and arranged to purchase heroin from Long, who had answered the phone. Long was arrested shortly thereafter, and admitted that he had used the phone to arrange the heroin transaction.
Long was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Long was sentenced to 37 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.
Long is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-00056-CJW-MAR.
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Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a Loaded Gun and NarcoticsRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who was driving while in possession of a 9mm Beretta handgun under his seat was sentenced today to five years in federal prison.
Antonio Donnell Johnson, age 32, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after pleading guilty on November 7, 2019, to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
In a plea agreement, Johnson admitted that, after police pulled him over for driving while barred, he provided a false name to law enforcement. Officers found a loaded 9mm Beretta handgun under his seat and marijuana and ecstasy on his person. He admitted to smoking marijuana and possessing the gun. He was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was previously convicted of both a felony and a crime of domestic violence.
Johnson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. He was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. He must serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Dupuich and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force. The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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-108-CJW.
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Storm Lake, Iowa, Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who possessed child pornography was sentenced on May 12, 2020, to 5 years in federal prison.
Ariya Mangsanhanh., age 24, from Storm Lake, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 8, 2019, guilty plea to one count of possession of child pornography.
In a plea agreement, Mangsanhanh admitted that between January 2, 2017 and August 23, 2018, in the Northern District of Iowa, he knowingly possessed visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, some of which included visual depictions of minors under the age of 12. A search warrant served on Mangsanhanh’s residence led to the seizure of Mangsanhanh’s cell phones and computers. A subsequent forensic examination of those devices revealed that Mangsanhanh used a computer, cell phones, and Dropbox, to acquire and possess child pornography. Over 100 videos of child pornography were discovered in Mangsanhanh’s possession.
Mangsanhanh was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Mangsanhanh was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve an 8-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Mangsanhanh 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 Timothy Duax and investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, and the Storm Lake Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-4031.
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Sergeant Bluff Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Pornography ConvictionRead the Press Release
A man who received child pornography was sentenced May 11, 2020, to more than 5 years in federal prison.
Alec Gibson, 25, from Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 17, 2019, guilty plea to receipt of child pornography.
Evidence at the plea hearing and sentencing showed that between October 2016 and August 24, 2017, Gibson possessed visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including a depiction involving a minor who had not attained 12 years of age. During the execution of a search warrant at Gibson’s residence on August 24, 2017, officers seized items belonging to Gibson. A forensic examiner found child pornography on some of these items, including depictions of adult males sexually penetrating prepubescent children. Evidence also showed that Gibson made contact with children via online platforms, and admitted that some of the minors sent him nude photographs.
Gibson was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Gibson was sentenced to 70 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. Gibson 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 Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, Sergeant Bluff Police Department, and U.S. Marshal's Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-4040.
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United States Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr. Recognizes Police Week and Thanks All Law Enforcement Officers Serving Iowa CommunitiesRead the Press Release
In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr. will recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. The week will be observed Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 16, 2020.
“There is no more noble profession than serving as a police officer,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The men and women who protect our communities each day have not just devoted their lives to public service, they’ve taken an oath to give their lives in order to ensure our safety. And they do so not only in the face of hostility from those who reject our nation’s commitment to the rule of law, but also in the face of evolving adversity – such as an unprecedented global health pandemic. This week, I ask all Americans to join me in saying ‘thank you’ to our nation’s federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. Their devotion and sacrifice to our peace and security will not be taken for granted.”
“Law enforcement officers stand on the front lines in our communities, keeping us safe. This is particularly true in these uniquely challenging times,” said United States Attorney Deegan. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa is dedicated to supporting all of our law enforcement partners – federal, state, local, and tribal. I join the Attorney General in thanking our law enforcement officers for their bravery and commitment to others. I ask that everyone do the same.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities they swore to serve.
Based on data collected and analyzed by the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019.
Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing most of the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2019.
The names of the fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Memorial will be read on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, during a Virtual Annual Candlelight Vigil. Because public events have been suspended as a result of COVID-19, the vigil will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 pm (EDT). To register to view this free online event, please www.LawMemorial.org/webcast.
To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org.
Waterloo Felon Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Loaded .357 Magnum in a CarRead the Press Release
A Waterloo felon who was found with a gun in a car just four months after he was arrested for possessing a different gun in a car was sentenced today to more than seven years in federal prison.
Columbus Tre Lawrence, age 27, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 4, 2019 guilty plea to one count of possessing a firearm as a prohibited person.
At the guilty plea and sentencing hearings, Lawrence admitted that, on August 28, 2018, he possessed a loaded .357 magnum caliber pistol while a passenger in a car. Lawrence is a felon and has been prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition for many years.
At the time of his arrest in August 2018, Lawrence was on pretrial release in state court on pending firearms-related charges. In April 2018, Lawrence was found in a car with a handgun, arrested, and released pending trial. That handgun had an obliterated serial number. Lawrence later pled guilty in state court to possessing the firearm in April 2018, and then he was indicted in federal court for the possessing a firearm in August 2018.
Lawrence was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Lawrence was sentenced to 85 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.
Lawrence 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Waterloo Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-2058.
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Two Waterloo Men Who Possessed Guns Near an Area Where Shots Were Fired Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Two Waterloo men who were located near handguns in an area where shots were fired were sentenced on May 7, 2020, to federal prison.
Chaston Fox, age 27, and Jayontae Gates, age 19, both from Waterloo, Iowa, received prison terms after pleading guilty on January 15, 2020. Chaston Fox pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and received a sentence of
47 months in prison. Jayontae Gates pled guilty to being a drug user in possession of firearm and ammunition and received a sentence of 18 months in prison.
In plea agreements, both Fox and Gates admitted they were found in an area where gunfire had been heard. Fox was located walking near a bag containing marijuana, a digital scale and baggies, and a Ruger .22 caliber revolver. Fox was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a prior felony conviction for theft in the first degree. Gates was located in the area of the gunfire entering a nearby apartment. Inside the apartment, law enforcement recovered a Ruger .22 caliber pistol. Gates had live .22 caliber ammunition in his pockets. Gates was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was a user of illegal drugs.
Fox and Gates were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Fox was sentenced to 47 months’ imprisonment. He must serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. Gates was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Liz Dupuich and 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.
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 19-CR-2077-CJW.
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Oxford Man Sentenced to Prison for PerjuryRead the Press Release
An Oxford man who testified falsely at the federal firearms trial of a Cedar Rapids man in 2019 was sentenced May 8, 2020, to more than two years in federal prison.
Blayze Harding, age 27, from Oxford, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 14, 2020 guilty plea to one count of making a false statement before a federal court.
In a plea agreement, Harding admitted that on May 14, 2019, he testified as a witness in at trial in the case titled United States of America v. Carl McArthur, was placed under oath, and answered some of the questions posed to him falsely. Harding agreed his false testimony substantially interfered with the administration of justice.
Harding was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Harding was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment, which was ordered to be served consecutive to the sentences imposed in the Iowa District Court for Johnson County and Fayette County. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Harding is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Corkery and Patrick Reinert and was investigated by Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force. The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-00131.
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Fort Dodge Woman to Federal Prison for Meth and Firearms ConvictionsRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine while possessing firearms was sentenced May 7, 2020, to 10 years in federal prison.
Traci Guthrie, 41, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 26, 2019, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
At the guilty plea, Guthrie admitted that from January 2019 through April 16, 2019, she and others distributed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in the Fort Dodge area. On three separate occasions Guthrie and others in the conspiracy distributed a total of more than 100 grams of pure methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. During a later search of Guthrie’s residence and vehicle, law enforcement seized four guns (two of which were loaded), methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, scales, a drug ledger, and other items indicative of drug distribution. Law enforcement later seized two more guns in a consent search.
Guthrie was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Guthrie was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 4-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Guthrie is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she 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: Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Webster County Drug Task Force, Carroll County, Iowa Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa Division of Criminalistics Laboratory. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Webster County Drug Task Force, Carroll County, Iowa Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa Division of Criminalistics Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-3019. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Dubuque Woman Pleads Guilty to Helping A Man Obtain Dose of Heroin and Fentanyl that Caused His DeathRead the Press Release
A woman who helped a man obtain a fatal quantity of opioids pled guilty on May 7, 2020, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Jacqueline Margarett Birch, age 23, from Dubuque, Iowa, was convicted of aiding and abetting the distribution of a controlled substance.
At the plea hearing, Birch admitted that, in May 2019, she knew that another person was going to illegally distribute a drug, and she acted to help that distribution occur. Evidence at a prior hearing showed that Birch drove her boyfriend Mateusz Syryjczyk and another individual to a residence in Dubuque, Iowa, during the early morning of May 27, 2019. Birch and the other individual went into the residence, and returned a short time later with purported heroin they had purchased from a dealer inside the residence. The three then drove to a hotel in Dubuque, where they all used the purported heroin. The other individual began to overdose in the room. Birch and Syryjczyk did not immediately call 911, but, over the course of multiple hours, Birch would occasionally perform CPR on the individual to restore some breathing function, though the person never regained consciousness. Eventually, Birch and Syryjczyk decided they needed to call 911, and Syryjczyk took the remaining drug paraphernalia from the room to prevent law enforcement from finding it. Birch and Syryjczyk also made false statements to the responding police officers about the cause of the individual’s condition. That individual was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy later determined the cause of death was use of heroin, fentanyl, and valeryl fentanyl. Syryjczyk previously pled guilty to misprision of a felony for his role in the incident, and is pending sentencing.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Birch remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Birch faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and a lifetime of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force 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 19-CR-1041-CJW-MAR.
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Harpers Ferry Felon Sentenced to Twenty-One Months in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
A convicted felon who illegally possessed a gun was sentenced May 6, 2020, to twenty-one months in federal prison.
Mitchell Kubik, age 32, from Harpers Ferry, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to illegally possessing a firearm as a felon. Statements at sentencing showed that Kubik kept a loaded, uncased rifle on a chair in the family room of a home he shared with three minor children. At the time, Kubik had a prior felony conviction for forgery.
Kubik was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Kubik was sentenced to twenty-one 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.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacob Schunk and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-1040-CJW.
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Moorland, Iowa Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a ShotgunRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed firearms on multiple occasions was sentenced May 6, 2020, to more than 6 years in federal prison.
Tanner Lowe, age 28, from Moorland, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 10, 2019, guilty plea to possession of firearm by a felon. In September 2018, Lowe was previously convicted of intimidation with a dangerous weapon and dominion/control of firearm/offensive weapon, in the Iowa District Court for Webster County. This prior conviction prohibits Lowe from legally possessing a gun.
Evidence at the guilty plea and sentencing hearings, showed that on December 12, 2018, during a search warrant of Lowe’s residence, law enforcement officers located and seized a 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun which was later determined to be stolen. During a separate incident on July 31, 2017, Lowe threatened another individual with a shotgun during a dispute. Lowe was a user of controlled substances at the time and therefore prohibited from possessing guns. Law enforcement determined the shotgun had an obliterated serial number.
Lowe was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Lowe was sentenced to 77 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. Lowe is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mikala Steenholdt and investigated by the Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-3016. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Threatening Telephone Calls Send Colorado Man to Federal Prison for Six YearsRead the Press Release
A man who repeatedly threatened a Cedar Rapids bank, its employees, and other individuals from northern Iowa by telephone and text messages was sentenced today to six years in federal prison.
Carl William Stuber, IV, age 31, from Aurora, Colorado, received the prison term after a November 12, 2019 guilty plea to two counts of transmitting a threatening communication in interstate commerce.
Information from a plea agreement and at sentencing showed that Stuber called a bank in Cedar Rapids more than forty times over a two-day period in October 2018. During these calls, Stuber threatened to “Columbine” the bank, kill employees, and make false reports to police and fire departments. Stuber taunted the bank, noting the bank was powerless to stop him as restraining orders would not work and law enforcement would not extradite him to Iowa. Finally, Stuber falsely reported a fire at the bank, causing the Cedar Rapids Fire Department to respond to the bank. Stuber continued to make threatening calls to the bank and threatened others by phone, text, and Facebook message over an eight-month period until his arrest in Colorado in June 2019 on federal charges.
Stuber was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. In sentencing Stuber to 72 months’ imprisonment and a fine of $7,500, Judge Williams noted that Stuber’s threatening communications caused mental and psychological harm to the bank employees. Stuber must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-81.
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Clarence Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
A man who attempted to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity was sentenced today to ten years in federal prison.
Jason Koontz, age 34, of Clarence, Iowa, received the sentence after a July 18, 2019, guilty plea to one count of attempted enticement of a minor. At the plea hearing, Koontz admitted that, in July 2017, he attempted to persuade, induce, or entice a person who he believed to be a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.
Koontz was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Koontz was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and Koontz must also serve a five-year term of supervised release. He must comply with all sex offender registration and public notification requirements.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Hiawatha Police Department, and the Marion Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 19-48.
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Mexican Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being DeportedRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to three months in federal prison.
Ricardo Penaloza-Pizano, age 28, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 17, 2020, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
At the guilty plea, Penaloza-Pizano admitted he had previously been deported from the United States in September 2011 and illegally reentered the United States in May 2012 without the permission of the United States government. In January 2020, Penaloza-Pizano’s illegal presence in the United States came to the attention of immigration agents following his arrest in Black Hawk County, Iowa, on state criminal charges. An arrest warrant was issued for Penaloza-Pizano in January 2019 after he failed to report to jail to serve his sentence on his March 2018 conviction in Bremer County, Iowa, for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and possession of cocaine.
Penaloza-Pizano was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Penaloza-Pizano was sentenced to 92 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.
Penaloza-Pizano 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-2003.
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Meth Ring That Tried to Kill Suspected Government Informant Sees Last Member Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Zachary Moorhouse, age 37, from Sioux City, Iowa, the final member of a methamphetamine drug trafficking organization that attempted to murder a suspected government witness to protect itself, was sentenced today to a prison term of more than three years in federal prison. Moorhouse had previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance on December 19, 2019.
Evidence presented by the United States at the detention, change of plea, and sentencing hearings in this case revealed that from about January 1, 2018, to about March 6, 2019, Isaac McDonald, Oscar Garcia, Andrew Nissen, Jessica Rose Ott, William David Schoen, and Moorhouse conspired to sell methamphetamine in the Sioux City area within 1,000 feet of a local playground. At some point, certain members of the drug conspiracy began to suspect another individual was cooperating with the police and providing information regarding their illegal activities. On the evening of August 1, 2018, Ott got into a car already occupied by Isaac McDonald, Oscar Garcia, and Andrew Nissen, and informed them of the suspected informant’s location. Nissen, who was armed with a handgun, drove the car to the suspected informant’s location. McDonald and Garcia, both also armed with handguns, got out of the car and approached the suspected informant. The suspected informant saw the gunmen coming and tried to escape by driving away. He did not get far. McDonald began firing. A bullet he fired passed through the suspected informant’s head. The suspected informant lost control of his car and crashed into a tree. Assuming the suspected informant was dead, the gunmen returned to their car and the foursome sped away.
Fortunately, the suspected informant was not killed in the attack. Despite McDonald having fired multiple rounds, nobody else was injured, including a person hiding in the back seat of the suspected informant’s car.
Moorhouse was the driver during drug sales and supply runs, invested small amounts of his own money in the conspiracy, and personally distributed methamphetamine to a handful of the conspiracy’s customers. He was not involved with the violence mounted to protect the organization. Similarly, while Schoen participated in the drug trafficking conspiracy, and later violently resisted arrest, he did not participate in the shooting of the suspected informant.
“As this case demonstrates, drug trafficking poses a significant threat to the safety of our communities,” said United States Attorney Peter Deegan. “Our office will hold accountable anyone who uses weapons or threats of violence to distribute drugs. We commend all of our federal and state law enforcement partners that participated in this investigation. Through their hard work and dedication, they ensured these violent individuals are off of our streets and have made us all safer.”
Sioux City Police Chief Rex Mueller stated, “This case highlights how effective programs like Project Safe Neighborhood/Project Guardian are at encouraging productive working relationships between local and federal authorities. Working as a team operating off the same playbook creates a seamless flow of intelligence and direction to facilitate iron clad casework. We continue to value the working relationship we enjoy with the United States Attorney’s Office and our local federal law enforcement agencies. The partnerships established for the mutual benefit of positive public safety makes Sioux City a better place to live, and led to countless successful federal prosecutions of dangerous offenders.”
On October 30, 2019, Andrew Nissen, the getaway driver, was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Nissen was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to make restitution to the suspected informant. He must also serve an 8-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
On December 5, 2019, Jessica Ott, the person who provided the firearm for the shooting and the location of the victim, was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Ott was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to make restitution to the suspected informant. She must also serve an 8-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
On December 11, 2019, McDonald, the shooter, was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. McDonald was sentenced to 300 months’ imprisonment and ordered to make restitution to the suspected informant. He must also serve an 8-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
On January 3, 2020, Oscar Garcia, the armed wingman/second gunman, was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Garcia was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment and ordered to make restitution to the suspected informant. He must also serve an 8-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
On January 7, 2020, William Schoen, a violent member of the conspiracy, was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Schoen was sentenced to 147 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.
On April 29, 2020, Zachary Moorhouse, a member of the conspiracy, was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Moorhouse was sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe 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 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), the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department, the South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department, the United States Marshal’s Service, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and 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 numbers are 19-4021 and 18-4078.
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Victims of Sexual Harassment in Housing Encouraged to Report WrongdoingRead the Press Release
Today, Peter E. Deegan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa, announced that he will be using all available tools to combat sexual harassment in housing. The United States Attorney’s Office will target unscrupulous landlords who attempt to take advantage of the pandemic by demanding sexual favors or sexually harassing tenants who, because of the pandemic or for any other reason, are unable to make timely rent payments.
As a result of the measures taken to slow the spread of COVID-19, many Iowans have lost jobs or wages. Some tenants may be unable to make rent payments. While many landlords have responded with understanding, there are reports of landlords across the country who have attempted to exploit the crisis by responding to cash-strapped tenants with demands for sex acts or inappropriate sexual favors. Such conduct is not only despicable and wrong, it is illegal.
“My office will work with all available partners, including state, local, and tribal officials, to address sexual harassment in housing, especially during this national crisis,” said Peter E. Deegan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa. “We will use every means at our disposal to investigate, prosecute, and hold responsible anyone who sexually harasses tenants or prospective tenants. Combatting sexual harassment associated with housing has been a priority for the Department of Justice for years and it remains a priority during this unique time in history. Such conduct cannot be tolerated.”
To report instances of sexual harassment in housing, individuals with knowledge of wrongdoing can call the Department of Justice’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative at 1-844-380-6178 or email [email protected]. More information is also available at www.justice.gov/crt/sexual-harassment-housing-initiative and www.justice.gov/crt/page/file/1048341/download.
Guatemalan Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being DeportedRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to eight months in federal prison.
Avelino Zacarias-Bail, age 27, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 9, 2020 guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
At the guilty plea, Zacarias-Bail admitted he had previously been deported from the United States in December 2015 and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. In August 2019, Zacarias-Bail’s illegal presence in the United States came to the attention of immigration agents following his arrest in Black Hawk County, Iowa, on state criminal charges. Zacarias-Bail was later convicted in December 2019 of child endangerment and domestic abuse assault causing bodily injury.
Zacarias-Bail was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Zacarias-Bail 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.
Zacarias-Bail 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 19-CR-2053.
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Four-Time Felon and Drug User Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a Loaded RevolverRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man was sentenced today to more than two years in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a loaded revolver.
Charles Dixon Taylor, IV, age 43, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 31, 2019 guilty plea to one-count of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
At the guilty plea, Taylor admitted that on June 28, 2019, he illegally possessed a loaded revolver while driving his truck. He was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had been previously convicted of multiple felonies, including possession of a simulated controlled substance with the intent to deliver, marijuana distribution, possession of a controlled substance, and second-degree assault by drugging a victim. He was also prohibited because he was a user of methamphetamine and marijuana.
Statements at sentencing showed that a week after he was arrested for illegally possessing the loaded revolver, Taylor assaulted his live-in girlfriend by repeatedly punching her in the face, causing her to fall to the ground. Taylor then continued to punch the victim while she was on the ground, causing bruising and swelling to her face.
Taylor was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Taylor was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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.
Taylor is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-101.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa and IRS-CI warn taxpayers against fraud schemes related to COVID-19 Economic Impact PaymentsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Iowa and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), St. Louis Field Office, are warning taxpayers to be on the lookout for scam artists trying to use the COVID-19 economic impact payments as cover for schemes to steal personal information and money.
Peter Deegan, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa, and Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), St. Louis Field Office, made the announcement today in an effort to prevent taxpayers from falling victim to criminals using the recently approved economic impact payments as an opportunity to commit a crime.
Automatic COVID-19 economic impact payments started being deposited into taxpayers’ accounts on April 11. For most Americans, this will be a direct deposit into your bank account. For the unbanked, retirees or other groups who have traditionally received tax refunds via paper check, they will receive their economic impact payment in this manner as well. Scammers may try to get you to sign over your check to them or use this as an opportunity to get you to “verify” your filing information in order to receive your money, and then use your personal information at a later date to file false tax returns in an identity theft scheme. Because of this, everyone receiving a COVID-19 related economic impact payment from the government is at risk.
Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI St. Louis Field Office warned “The existence of a deadly national pandemic will not stop criminals seeking to capitalize on the fears and difficulties faced by the public as they try to line their own pockets by stealing your money or your personal information.”
Special Agent in Charge Stiften offers the following information and tips to spot a scam and understand how the COVID-19 related economic impact payments will be issued.
- The IRS will deposit your check into the direct deposit account you previously provided on your tax return (or, in the alternative, send you a paper check).
- The IRS will not call and ask you to verify your payment details. Do not give out your bank account or any other account information - even if someone claims it's necessary to get your check. It's a scam.
- If you receive a call, don't engage with scammers or thieves, even if you want to tell them that you know it's a scam, or you think that you can beat them. Just hang up.
- If you receive texts or emails claiming that you can get your money faster by sending personal information or clicking on links, delete them. Don't click on any links in those emails or texts.
- Reports are also swirling about bogus checks. If you receive a check that requires that you verify the check online or by calling a number, it’s a fraud.
In these uncertain and trying times, we need to stand together united with purpose. Don’t become a victim by allowing criminals to exploit your emotions. Stay strong, tell your family, friends and neighbors about these scams.
“We remain committed to protecting our communities from fraud during this pandemic,” said United States Attorney Peter Deegan. “As we commemorate National Crime Victims Week, it is important for everyone to remain vigilant and prevent these crimes from occurring. Protect yourself and your loved ones, especially the most vulnerable among us, by reporting any suspected fraud related to COVID-19 or economic impact payments to the IRS or the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at [email protected].”
“IRS Criminal Investigation alongside the U.S. Department of Justice are prioritizing these types of investigations to help protect taxpayers and the tax system, especially those looking to prey on vulnerable taxpayers,” said Special Agent in Charge Stiften. “Remember, go directly and solely to IRS.gov for official information.”
For more information, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/coronavirus. You can always report scams to the IRS on the website at https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishing.
Romanian Man Sentenced to over Three Years in Federal Prison for Card Skimming OffensesRead the Press Release
A Romanian man who used more than fifty counterfeit debit or credit cards containing “skimmed” account information at an ATM in Hiawatha, Iowa, was sentenced on April 21, 2020, to more than three years in federal prison.
Romica Martuica, age 21, from Romania, received the prison term after a November 5, 2019 guilty plea to illegal transactions with an access device and aggravated identity theft.
Information in a plea agreement and at sentencing showed that Martuica entered the United States illegally in 2016. On February 16, 2019, Hiawatha police officers arrested him at an ATM. At the time of his arrest, Martuica and two individuals with him had more than ninety counterfeit cards in their possession. These cards contained account information that had been acquired by card “skimmers,” which are devices placed on ATMs or other point-of-sale machines to capture credit or debit card information. Martuica made or attempted over seventy transactions at the ATM using these cards and successfully withdrew $8,685 before the police arrived.
Martuica was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Martuica was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $8,685 in restitution to victims of the offense. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Martuica is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Hiawatha Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-cr-62.
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Mexican Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States Within One Year of Being DeportedRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to more than three months in federal prison.
Alvaro Ortiz-Camarillo, age 23, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Postville, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 6, 2020, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
At the guilty plea, Ortiz-Camarillo admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Ortiz-Camarillo was deported on January 14, 2019, following a conviction in the Southern District of Texas for illegal entry, a misdemeanor. Ortiz-Camarillo most recently came to the attention of immigration agents on December 28, 2019, following his arrest in Allamakee County, Iowa, for disorderly conduct and public intoxication. This case was dismissed after his federal indictment.
Ortiz-Camarillo was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Ortiz-Camarillo was sentenced to 104 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.
Ortiz-Camarillo 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-1001.
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Guatemalan Man Who Worked Using Someone Else’s Name and Social Security Number Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who used a false identification document and someone else’s name and social security number was sentenced today to three months in federal prison.
Esgar Ramos-Lopez, age 27, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Tama, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 5, 2020, guilty plea to one count of unlawful use of an identification document and one count of misuse of a social security number.
At the guilty plea, Ramos-Lopez admitted he used a fraudulent Social Security card when he completed employment and tax forms using someone else’s name and Social Security Number in January 2019 at a business in Tama, Iowa. When arrested at his place of employment in January 2020, Ramos-Lopez initially used the alias name with immigration agents and falsely claimed to be a United States citizen.
Ramos-Lopez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Ramos-Lopez was sentenced to 90 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Ramos-Lopez 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-08.
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Dubuque Drug User Sentenced to Fifteen Months in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a gun while a methamphetamine user was sentenced April 21, 2020, to fifteen months in federal prison.
Darien Henkel, age 23, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to illegally possessing a firearm as a drug user. Statements at sentencing showed that authorities arrested Henkel the same day Henkel stole a gun from a family member. The gun was in Henkel’s pants when he was arrested. Henkel also admitted to regular methamphetamine use.
Henkel was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Henkel was sentenced to fifteen 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.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacob Schunk and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Dubuque Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-1034-CJW.
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Department of Justice Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (“OVC”) and the United States Attorney Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa will join communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs, which oversees OVC. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
In Iowa, United States Attorneys Peter Deegan and Marc Krickbaum announced winners for two awards based on their service to victims in Iowa. In the Northern District of Iowa, the following two awards were announced:
- The Law Enforcement Victim Services Award is presented to Investigator Matthew Denlinger from the Cedar Rapids Police Department. This award is presented to law enforcement officers in Iowa who go beyond the call of duty to help crime victims. It is the highest federal honor in Iowa for victim services by a law enforcement officer. Investigator Denlinger showed dedication to victims while investigating the 1979 murder of Michelle Martinko. In addition to completing an exhaustive investigation, Investigator Denlinger showed great compassion for the victim’s family, ensuring they never lost hope that the guilty party would be brought to justice. Investigator Denlinger’s thorough investigation and his conscientious dedication to the victim resulted in the 1st Degree Murder conviction of Jerry Burns.
- The Award for Excellence in Victim Services is presented to Anastasia Basquin, Nick Maybanks, and Michael Harris from the Linn County Attorney’s Office. This team showed great compassion to Michelle Martinko’s family during the 1st Degree Murder prosecution of her killer, Jerry Burns. Not only did they thoroughly prepare a convincing case to ensure that a murderer was brought to justice, they thought about the victim and her family every step of the way. Because of their dedication, compassion, and hard work, a murderer will spend the rest of his life in prison.
“After so many years, Investigator Denlinger and the team at the Linn County Attorney’s Office brought a measure of justice to Michelle Martinko and her family,” said United States Attorney Deegan. “In doing so, they demonstrated they are true public servants and steadfast champions for victims of violent crime.”
In the Southern District of Iowa, the following two awards were announced:
- The Law Enforcement Victim Services Award is presented to Special Agent Jason Pessman with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) in Davenport, Iowa; and the Iowa City Human Trafficking Force consisting of: Detective David Gonzales, Iowa City Police Department; Detective Mike Smithy, Iowa City Police Department; Detective Andy Rich, Iowa City Police Department; Detective Jennifer Clarahan, Iowa City Police Department; Special Agent Jagat Sandu, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation; Detective Hanna Dvorak, Coralville Police Department; and Sergeant Katrina Rudish, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.
Special Agent Pessman demonstrated extraordinary dedication to victims though his work on the Chad Eric Mink case in the Southern District of Iowa. Special Agent Pessman investigated Mink for over three years, resulting in a 600 month sentence for Mink, who was convicted of interstate domestic violence, stalking, explosives, and witness tampering offenses following a two week jury trial. Special Agent Pessman exemplified professionalism, compassion, understanding and respectfulness in working with the victim and her family through the investigation and subsequent prosecution.
The Iowa City Human Trafficking Task Force worked tirelessly to serve and protect victims, including child victims, of human trafficking, resulting in the successful prosecution of Kendall Streb, along with five other defendants, for sex trafficking and related offenses in the Southern District of Iowa. The entire team worked together to develop relationships with reluctant victims, putting in endless hours to connect the victims with needed services, such as counseling, legal services, and financial assistance for school supplies and utilities. The compassion for and dedication to the victims in this case was extraordinary.
- The award for Excellence in Victim Services is awarded to Roberta Cruz, Victim/Witness Liaison at the Polk County Attorney’s Office.
Ms. Cruz has, for the past eight years, served victims of Polk County in an exemplary manner. She works primarily with victims of domestic abuse, however, as she is fluent in English and Spanish, she assists in communicating with Spanish speaking victims and witnesses. She serves as a voice for victims, explaining the criminal justice system and providing valuable resources to struggling victims of crime. Recently, Ms. Cruz, upon learning that an arson victim had lost all her belongings, collected gently used clothing in the victim’s size for her to begin to rebuild her life. Ms. Cruz works tirelessly to provide each victim with the support he or she needs throughout the criminal justice process.
“These awards recognized three exceptional recipients in the Southern District of Iowa. First, the Iowa City Human Trafficking Task Force is an amazing group,” said United States Attorney Krickbaum. “They recognized the scourge of human trafficking in their community, pooled resources from multiple local and state agencies, and collectively built the largest human trafficking investigation and prosecution ever in Iowa. Second, Special Agent Pessman brought justice to a violent stalker who terrorized a woman in Eastern Iowa for years. Agent Pessman investigated the defendant’s crime relentlessly, and showed the victim great compassion, renewing her faith in law enforcement. Finally, every day, and in very challenging circumstances, Roberta Cruz assists crime victims at the Polk County Attorney’s Office, particularly victims of domestic violence. She does so with patience, generosity, and humanity. All of these recipients have distinguished themselves by reaching out to help victims who others have previously ignored. We thank them sincerely.”Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims' rights, needs and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims. President Trump and his administration have implemented historic levels of support for victim assistance and victim compensation.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime, part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html
- The Law Enforcement Victim Services Award is presented to Investigator Matthew Denlinger from the Cedar Rapids Police Department. This award is presented to law enforcement officers in Iowa who go beyond the call of duty to help crime victims. It is the highest federal honor in Iowa for victim services by a law enforcement officer. Investigator Denlinger showed dedication to victims while investigating the 1979 murder of Michelle Martinko. In addition to completing an exhaustive investigation, Investigator Denlinger showed great compassion for the victim’s family, ensuring they never lost hope that the guilty party would be brought to justice. Investigator Denlinger’s thorough investigation and his conscientious dedication to the victim resulted in the 1st Degree Murder conviction of Jerry Burns.
Marijuana User Sentenced to over Two Years in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
An illegal user of controlled substances who unlawfully possessed a handgun was sentenced today to over two years in federal prison.
Corey Dunn, Jr., age 20, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 29, 2019, guilty plea to being an unlawful user of controlled substances in possession of a firearm.
Information in a plea agreement and at sentencing showed that on June 6, 2019, Dunn was a passenger in a car that was stopped by the Waterloo Police Department. During the traffic stop, officers found a loaded .38 caliber revolver and over 70 grams of marijuana near where Dunn was sitting in the car. In a plea agreement, Dunn admitted he unlawfully possessed the gun as a marijuana user. He also admitted he planned to distribute the marijuana and that he possessed the gun in connection with his drug trafficking.
Dunn was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Dunn 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.
Dunn is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by 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 19-cr-2056.
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Crack Dealer Sent to Federal Prison for Nearly Five YearsRead the Press Release
A man who distributed crack cocaine while on parole was sentenced on April 17, 2020, to more than four years in federal prison.
Kelshawn Markell Marshall, age 31, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 4, 2019 guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance near a protected location.
In a plea agreement, Marshall admitted he sold crack cocaine on four different occasions, all of which occurred near Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. Law enforcement then searched Marshall’s home. Officers found more crack cocaine during the search.
Marshall was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Marshall was sentenced to fifty-six 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.
Marshall is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-1032.
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Failing to Go to Halfway House after Being Released from Prison Results in Additional Prison TimeRead the Press Release
A woman who escaped from federal custody was sentenced on April 15, 2020, to more than four months in federal prison.
Aleania Clendineng, age 35, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 13, 2020 guilty plea to one count of escape from custody.
At the guilty plea, Clendening admitted she escaped from federal custody by intentionally failing to arrive at a residential reentry center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. On July 25, 2015, Clendening was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. On September 3, 2019, she was ordered to travel from a federal prison in Aliceville, Alabama, to the residential reentry center in Cedar Rapids, but never showed up at the center. A month later, Clendineng was arrested in Davenport, Iowa.
Clendineng was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Clendening was sentenced to four months and fourteen days’ imprisonment. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Clendening is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the United States Marshals Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-111.
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Woman Involved in 2014 Robbery of Drugs and Drug Proceeds Pleads Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired to rob an individual of drugs and drug proceeds pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Danielle Busch, age 30, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery affecting interstate commerce and using, carrying, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence resulting in murder.
At the plea hearing, Busch admitted that in May 2014 she conspired with others to commit a robbery affecting interstate commerce. She further admitted that during the robbery, one of her co-conspirators used, carried, brandished, and discharged a firearm during and in relation to the robbery. As a result of the use of the firearm, another individual was killed. Busch admitted that the discharge of the firearm was within the scope of the robbery conspiracy, and was reasonably foreseeable as a necessary or natural consequence of the conspiracy.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Busch remains in custody of the United States Marshal and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Busch faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, and up to eight years’ of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa C. Williams and Richard L. Murphy and was investigated by the Marion Police Department, the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Davenport Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-0053.
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Man Who Raped Child Sent to Federal Prison for a DecadeRead the Press Release
A man who repeatedly raped a thirteen-year-old victim was sentenced today to ten years in federal prison.
Damon Whitebreast, age 22, from Montour, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 4, 2019 guilty plea to two counts of sex abuse of a minor.
Evidence during the case established that on at least two occasions Whitebreast had sexual intercourse with a thirteen-year-old child. When police came to look for the child at his residence, Whitebreast hid the child from officers. After pleading guilty, and while housed at the Linn County jail, Whitebreast assaulted another inmate causing injuries and bruising.
Whitebreast was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Whitebreast was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment and fined $30,000. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
During the sentencing, Judge Williams found that this was a “crime of violence that caused incalculable harm to a thirteen-year old” victim.
Whitebreast 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 Lisa C. Williams and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Meskwaki Nation Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-0068.
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DNA on Firearm Left When Fleeing Police Leads to Federal Prison Time for Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
A felon who ran from the scene of a traffic stop leaving behind a loaded pistol with an attached high capacity extended magazine was sentenced today to more than five years in federal prison.
Prequondis Lequay Holmes, age 29 from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 2, 2019 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.
In August 2018, Holmes was traveling in a vehicle when it was stopped by the police. Holmes told the driver to take-off and then ran away, leaving a pistol with an attached high capacity extended magazine in the vehicle. Law enforcement found Holmes’ DNA on the pistol. Holmes has previous convictions for intimidation with a dangerous weapon, reckless use of a firearm, assault causing bodily injury, eluding, and flight to avoid prosecution.
Holmes was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Holmes was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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.
Holmes is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and investigated by 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 19-CR-2054.
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