Northern District of Iowa
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to Prison for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
A man who failed to register as a sex offender was sentenced on April 8, 2020, to 15 months’ in federal prison.
Ulises Alvarado, age 53, from Sioux City, received the prison term after a January 16, 2020, guilty plea to one count of failure to register as a sex offender.
At the guilty plea, Alvarado admitted that from November 19, 2018, through March 6, 2019, he knowingly failed to register or update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act in the Northern District of Iowa. Alvarado is required to register as a sex offender due to a December 10, 1998, conviction for unlawful sexual contact in the third degree in the State of Delaware. The investigation showed from November 19, 2018, through December 15, 2018, he worked and resided in Storm Lake; and from December 18, 2018, through March 6, 2019, he worked and resided in Sioux City. Law enforcement found that the State of Iowa Sex Offender Registry contained no record of Alvarado registering as a sex offender in Iowa prior to March 6, 2019.
Alvarado was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Alvarado was sentenced to 15 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.
Alvarado 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 Kevin C. Fletcher 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-04059.
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Schaller Sex Offender Sentenced to Federal Prison for Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
A man on federal supervised release following his 2012 conviction for receipt of child pornography had his release revoked, and was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison.
Daniel Lindgren, age 33, from Schaller, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 9, 2020, revocation hearing. Lindgren was originally sentenced to 66 months’ imprisonment for his 2012 conviction, and was released from prison in March of 2016.
At the revocation hearing, Lindgren admitted having contact with a child under the age of 18, and failing to be truthful with his federal probation officer. At the hearing it was revealed that Lindgren, from September of 2019 through March of 2020, engaged in nearly daily text and voice communications with a minor. The minor was 15 years old when the communications began. Lindgren also met with the minor at a Denison restaurant during the same period.
Lindgren was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Lindgren was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 4-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
“This case shows how important it is for child pornography offenders to be closely watched when they get out of prison,” said U.S. Attorney Peter Deegan. “I commend the United States Probation Office for doing an excellent job tracking Lindgren’s communications, and holding him accountable for his actions.”
Lindgren is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Duax and investigated by the United States Probation Office for the Northern District of Iowa.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 11-CR-4076.
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Three Men Sentenced to Two Years’ Federal Prison Apiece for Parking Lot Beating and TheftRead the Press Release
Three men who assaulted two other men in February 2020 were sentenced on April 6, 2020, to two years apiece in federal prison.
Lashaun Perry, age 43, Maurice Bivens, age 40, both of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Montrivel Woods, age 42, from Ely, Iowa, received the prison terms on April 6, 2020, after an evidentiary hearing held on February 25, 2020.
Evidence at the hearing showed that in the early morning hours of February 2, 2020, Perry, Bivens, and Woods got into an altercation with some other men outside The Lumberyard, a strip club in Cedar Rapids. The altercation was broken up and the other men drove from the scene to a nearby parking lot. There, one of the men got out of their car and retrieved a propane tank from a gas grill in the parking lot. That individual took the propane tank to the street where the car in which Perry, Bivens, Woods, and Brian Turner was driving by. Surveillance video showed the man running back into the parking lot without the propane tank, followed shortly by Bivens, Turner, Woods, and Perry. A brawl then ensued with Bivens, Woods, Perry, and Turner fighting the man who took the propane tank and another man. During the melee, one of the other men was knocked to the ground, at which time Perry stomped and kicked his head while Bivens was holding him. Perry, Bivens, and Woods then pursued the other man to a corner of the parking lot, where Perry punched him twice in the head, knocking him unconscious. That man suffered a concussion and significant bleeding from the back of his head.
After the man was unconscious on the ground, Bivens approached the man, took his cell phone from his pocket, and smashed it on the ground. Woods and Turner then approached the man and took his cash, cigarettes, and shoes.
At the time of the fight, Perry, Woods, and Bivens were all on supervised release for prior federal convictions. Woods was convicted in 2007 of conspiring to distribute crack cocaine. Bivens was convicted in 2008 of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Perry was convicted in 2013 of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Perry, Bivens, and Woods were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Each man was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Each man is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number for Bivens is 07-CR-00095-LRR. The case file number for Woods is 06-CR-00141-LRR. The case file number for Perry is 12-CR-00050-LRR.
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Man Who Sold Heroin and Fentanyl Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
An Alabama man who sold heroin and fentanyl in Iowa was sentenced today to eight months in prison.
Torrance Brown, age 27, from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, received the prison sentence after a November 12, 2019 guilty plea to distribution of a controlled substance.
Information disclosed at sentencing and in a plea agreement showed that in July and August 2019, Brown sold a substance containing heroin and fentanyl on two occasions in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In total, Brown sold 1.54 grams of heroin in exchange for a total of $440. Cedar Rapids police officers attempted to arrest Brown in August 2019. However, Brown would not get out of his car or follow commands and a K-9 unit was required to get Brown out of his car.
Brown was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Brown was sentenced to eight 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.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery 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, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 19-CR-94.
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Man Found with Gun and Drugs After Assaulting Woman Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Dubuque man who unlawfully possessed a loaded gun while a drug user was sentenced today to five years in prison.
Anthony Vincenzo Smith, age 27, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison sentence after an October 15, 2019 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a drug user.
Information disclosed at sentencing and in a plea agreement showed that on May 19, 2019, Dubuque police officers were dispatched to a residence to investigate an assault. Officers spoke with a woman who Smith had punched in the head several times. The woman told officers that Smith had guns and drugs with him. Officers located Smith at a nearby hotel. They searched Smith’s hotel room and found a digital scale, a loaded magazine containing seven rounds of ammunition, a loaded Taurus PT709 handgun, $815 in United States currency, and 25.88 grams of cocaine. The gun had previously been reported stolen. Smith was under the influence of marijuana and cocaine at the time. He also admitted that he intended to distribute some of the cocaine in his possession. Smith has a prior felony drug conviction from 2014.
Smith was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Smith 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.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. 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-1030.
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Cedar Rapid Man Sentenced to More Than a Decade in Prison for Helping Bring Meth to IowaRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who worked with others to bring drugs from California to Iowa was sentenced today to more than eleven years in federal prison.
Kasey Charles Konzem, age 43, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 15, 2019, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
In a plea agreement, Konzem admitted going to California with another individual who brought pounds of methamphetamine back to Iowa. Konzem also admitted sending money transfers to facilitate the drug trafficking. Konzem’s criminal history includes a 2002 conviction for inflicting corporal injury upon a spouse or cohabitant, battery, burglary, and multiple theft offenses. Konzem has previously been convicted for drug offenses in California and Iowa.
Konzem was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Konzem was sentenced to 140 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Konzem is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and was investigated 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 (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-0023.
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Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address Covid-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA – The Department of Justice today announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
“Iowa’s public safety officials have always answered the call to protect our communities in times of crisis, and the COVID-19 outbreak is no different. These brave men and women deserve every ounce of support we can give them,” said United States Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr. “We are hopeful these funds can quickly be put to use to help those who are putting their health and safety on the line to protect us all during this unique and hazardous time.”
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years
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Armed Drug Dealer Gets 30 Months in Federal Prison for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
A man from Sioux City, Iowa was sentenced April 1, 2020 to more than two years in federal prison.
Hector Andrade, age 21, from Sioux City, Iowa received the prison term after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a drug user.
Evidence at his change of plea and sentencing hearings revealed Andrade was not only an unlawful user of marijuana but a distributor of marijuana too. During a search of Andrade’s residence a 12 gauge shotgun and ammunition, which Andrade possessed in connection with his drug trafficking, were found in his room along with glass pipes, packaging materials, a scale, U.S. currency, large amounts of marijuana, and a suitcase containing various THC products. A month later, Andrade was again discovered dealing marijuana.
Andrade was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Andrade was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Andrade is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from our Project Guardian partners. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and 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 19-4037.
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Denison, Iowa Man to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced March 31, 2020, to 15 years in federal prison.
Jose Carlos Ramirez-Martinez, age 31, from Denison, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 6, 2019, jury verdict finding him guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at trial showed that Ramirez-Martinez was involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than 50 grams of actual/pure methamphetamine from October 2015 through September 2016, from the Denison, Iowa, area. Ramirez-Martinez would have co-conspirators travel from Denison to Worthington, Minnesota to deliver half pounds of methamphetamine for subsequent sale in Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota. Those co-conspirators would then return with the money.
Ramirez-Martinez was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Ramirez-Martinez was sentenced to 180 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. Ramirez-Martinez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Drug Enforcement Administration; Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement; Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; Buffalo Ridge Task Force (Worthington/ Nobles County, Minnesota); and the Internal Revenue Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-4025. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Manager of a Decade Long Marijuana Trafficking Operation Sentenced to over Seven Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
The manager of a large-scale marijuana trafficking operation who brought marijuana into Iowa for resale for a decade was sentenced today to more than seven years in federal prison.
Andrew Shaw, age 31, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana and being a drug user in possession of firearms.
Information at sentencing showed that Shaw started trafficking marijuana in 2010. In 2017, Shaw started focusing his marijuana trafficking business on making and selling marijuana edibles and THC cartridges. In March 2019, multiple law enforcement agencies searched various properties Shaw owned in Cedar Rapids. In a commercial building on the southwest side of Cedar Rapids, law enforcement found large amounts of materials used to make marijuana gummies, a form of marijuana edible. They also found large amounts of THC cartridges, which contain an oil made from marijuana that can be used in vape pens. During a search of Shaw’s house, officers two firearms in close proximity to drug paraphernalia. Shaw was also a drug user and admitted he unlawfully possessed these guns. The court sentenced Shaw for distributing over 100 kilograms of marijuana. The court also described Shaw as a manager or supervisor in a drug trafficking operation that involved five or more people.
At sentencing, Shaw was also held responsible for making a credible threat of violence as part of his drug trafficking. Shaw made threats against a man who was interfering with his drug trafficking operation. Shaw told other people that he wanted this man “beat up,” “tuned up,” or assaulted. Two other men who previously sold marijuana they purchased from Shaw eventually confronted this man. During the confrontation, the man was stabbed multiple times and died from his wounds.
Shaw was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Shaw was sentenced to 94 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a four-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Shaw is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Marion Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-cr-46.
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Illegal Alien Who Used Another Person’s Social Security Number Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who used another person’s Social Security number to get a job and for tax purposes was sentenced today to almost three months in federal prison.
Martin Ordonez-Ortiz, age 48, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 4, 2020, guilty plea to one count of misuse of a social security number.
In a plea agreement, Ordonez-Ortiz admitted that on June 14, 2019, he used someone else’s social security number on employment forms and state and federal tax forms when applying for work in Dubuque, Iowa. Ordonez-Ortiz worked using that person’s social security until he was arrested by immigration officials on January 6, 2020, at his place of employment. Ordonez-Ortiz also admitted to being in the United States illegally and to using a fraudulent permanent resident card, also known as a “green” card, to illegally obtain employment.
Ordonez-Ortiz was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Ordonez-Ortiz was sentenced to 82 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.
Ordonez-Ortiz 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 19-CR-1049. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Methamphetamine and Possessing a Gun During a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
A Sioux City man who distributed approximately 4 pounds of methamphetamine from his residence pled guilty today, March 25, 2020, in federal court in Sioux City.
Carlos Jose Gomez, age 37, from Sioux City, Iowa was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Gomez’s property where they seized approximately 5 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded handgun, and $1,000 in cash belonging to Gomez. In a plea agreement, Gomez admitted to selling nearly 4 pounds of “ice” methamphetamine from December of 2019 through March 4, 2020. Gomez also admitted to knowingly possessing a gun in furtherance of selling methamphetamine.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Gomez remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. For Count 1, Gomez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and 5 years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment. For Count 2, Gomez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, or both without the possibility of parole, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-4024.
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California Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Firearms LawRead the Press Release
A man who was prohibited from possessing a firearm pled guilty March 17, 2020, in federal court in Sioux City.
Meher Aboolian, 32, from Glendale, California, was convicted of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Aboolian was previously convicted of the following crimes which prohibit him from possessing firearms: Burglary, on or about January 15, 2008; False Checks, on or about May 8, 2008; and Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale, on or about December 22, 2016, all in the State of California, Los Angeles County Court.
At the plea hearing, evidence showed that on November 3, 2019, the vehicle Aboolian was driving was stopped by law enforcement. During a search of Aboolian, officers found, concealed under Aboolian’s hat, drug paraphernalia and pills for which Aboolian did not have a prescription. A search of the vehicle revealed additional drug paraphernalia, and items to mask the smell of illegal narcotics. Officers also located a stolen gun, namely a Smith & Wesson Model 669, 9mm pistol, with no visible serial number, and a loaded magazine.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Aboolian remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Aboolian faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. 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 is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-4003. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Nearly a Decade in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a Gun During Home InvasionRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who went with an associate to rob others of money and drugs using a firearm was sentenced March 23, 2020, to 114 months in federal prison.
Carl McArthur, age 40, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison sentence following an October 24, 2019 jury verdict. The jury deliberated for nine hours before finding McArthur guilty of one count of being in possession of a firearm, specifically a Taurus .45LC/.410 caliber “Judge” handgun, after having been convicted of a 2003 misdemeanor domestic abuse assault in Linn County, Iowa, and a 2009 federal felony firearm conviction.
The evidence at trial and sentencing showed that on March 17, 2018, McArthur and an associate entered a house on the southwest side of Cedar Rapids. They were armed with firearms. McArthur and his associate planned to rob the occupants of the house of any money or methamphetamine in their possession. Three of the occupants of the house testified that McArthur and his associate forced their way into the house, assaulted them, and threatened to shoot them and pour hot grease on them in an effort to get money and drugs from them. One of the occupants called 911, and officers from the Cedar Rapids Police Department responded within minutes. The officers found McArthur inside the residence, and his associate was outside. The associate fled the scene, leaving behind the ski mask he wore to conceal his identity. Officers searched the house and found a Taurus .45LC/.410 caliber “Judge” handgun, a 9mm handgun, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.
McArthur was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. McArthur was sentenced to 114 months’ and 20 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.
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 18-CR-0102.
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U.S. Attorney Urges the Public to Report Suspected COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA – U.S. Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr., of the Northern District of Iowa, today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or go to https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.
“There are people out there who will try and take advantage of COVID-19 for selfish financial benefit. I am asking everyone in our communities to stay vigilant and report suspected fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Deegan. “We also all need to care for the most vulnerable citizens in our society and do our best to prevent them from becoming victims of unscrupulous criminals.”
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
-more- - Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. The Northern District of Iowa Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Vavricek.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus..
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- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
Waterloo Man Sentenced to Federal Prison after He Was Found with Loaded Gun, Ecstasy, and Marijuana in CarRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man who unlawfully possessed a gun while a drug user was sentenced today to over three years in prison.
Anthony Torres, age 19, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison sentence after a November 21, 2019 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a drug user.
Information disclosed at sentencing and at his plea hearing showed that on June 23, 2019, Waterloo police officers tried to stop the car Torres was driving. Torres failed to stop for officers and ran a stop sign in the process. Eventually, Torres got out of his car and attempted to walk away quickly. Officers took Torres into custody for driving with a suspended license. Officers could smell marijuana in his car. Officers searched the car and located a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson and ammunition in the glove box. In the trunk, officers located 402 grams of marijuana and 19 ecstasy pills. Torres admitted he intended to distribute the marijuana. Torres has a criminal history which includes five controlled substance convictions. He also robbed a local store at gunpoint when he was 15 years old.
Torres was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Torres was sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make payment of $100 to the special assessment fund. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery and investigated by the Waterloo Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. 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-2052.
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Waterloo Felon with 25 Adult Criminal Convictions Sentenced to over Eight Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing GunsRead the Press Release
A convicted felon who unlawfully possessed guns he stole was sentenced today to over eight years in federal prison.
Jack Good, age 47, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 25, 2019 guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Information at sentencing showed that in November 2018, Good broke into a home in which he used to reside. Good stole two handguns and some credit cards from the home. Three days later, he was arrested at a hotel with one of the guns. That same day, the other gun, which was loaded, was found by a passerby along the railroad tracks in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Prior to this federal conviction, Good had 25 adult criminal convictions. In 1995, Good was convicted of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse. That same year, he was convicted of attempted murder. Good’s other convictions include multiple convictions for theft, burglary, and failure to register as a sex offender. In 2019, Good absconded from work release in Black Hawk County. While escaped from custody, Good burglarized a church, stealing multiple credit cards from the church, which were then used in multiple cities in Iowa.
Good was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Good was sentenced to 100 months in prison. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Good 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 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-2063.
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Illinois Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Crime for Removing Evidence from Opioid Overdose Death SceneRead the Press Release
A man who removed drug paraphernalia evidence from an opioid overdose death scene in Dubuque pled guilty March 13, 2020, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Mateusz D. Syryjczyk, age 29, from Rockford, Illinois, was convicted of one count of misprision of a felony.
At the plea hearing, Syryjczyk admitted that, in May 2019, he knew that the crime of distribution of controlled substances resulting in serious bodily injury had occurred. He also admitted that he failed to notify authorities that the crime had been committed and that he took affirmative steps to conceal the crime. Evidence at a prior hearing showed that Syryjczyk and his girlfriend, Jacqueline Birch, and another individual drove to a residence in Dubuque, Iowa during the late evening of May 26, 2019. Birch and the other individual went into the residence, and returned a short time later with purported heroin they had purchased 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. 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.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Syryjczyk is free on bond pending sentencing. Syryjczyk faces a possible maximum sentence of 3 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 1 year 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‑1042‑CJW-‑MAR.
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Man Looking to Scare Someone with Loaded GunRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who possessed a firearm while being a user of marijuana was sentenced March 11, 2020, to three years in federal prison.
Quincy Dionta Carrington, age 31, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 2, 2019, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Evidence at the plea hearing and sentencing showed that in January 2019, Waterloo police officers stopped Carrington for speeding. During the stop, officers learned Carrington had a suspended driver’s license. While taking Carrington into custody, Carrington admitted he had a loaded gun with him. Officers located a loaded gun under the driver’s seat of the vehicle; along with a vaping pen containing marijuana wax in the vehicle. Carrington admitted that he had been smoking the vaping pen earlier in the day and that he was on his way to scare an unknown male who had assaulted his girlfriend.
Carrington was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Carrington was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment. A $100 special assessment was imposed. He must also serve a 2-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery and investigated by the Waterloo Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. 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-02028.
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Dubuque Felon Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a gun while a felon was sentenced today to more than eight years in federal prison.
Devon Norman, age 33, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to illegally possessing a firearm as a felon. Statements at sentencing showed that Norman pointed a gun at an individual in a car and threatened to blow that individual’s head off. After making that threat, Norman physically forced his then-girlfriend back into a Dubuque residence while still possessing the gun.
Norman was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Norman was sentenced to 100 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-1026-LTS.
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Primgar Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Theft of 55 Guns.Read the Press Release
A convicted felon who possessed stolen guns was sentenced on March 6, 2020, to more than a year in federal prison.
Thomas Robert Ginger, Jr., age 45, from Primgar, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and one count of possession of a stolen firearm. Ginger was previously convicted of felony sponsoring a gathering for use of drugs. Ginger also has four convictions for OWI.
Information provided by the United States at the arraignment, change of plea and sentencing hearings, showed that when Ginger learned of his father’s death, he left his grieving family at the hospital, drove nearly two miles to his mother’s home, and kicked in the exterior door. Once inside, Ginger then broke through another door into an interior “gun room” and stole 55 firearms that had belonged to his father’s Federal Firearm Licensee business. Ginger also took $7,700 in cash and a briefcase that contained a coin collection. He hid the guns in a car at one person’s home and hid the money underneath a sink at his home. When law enforcement confronted Ginger about the crime he initially lied about his whereabouts and involvement. Later, after the weapons were discovered, he confessed.
Ginger was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Ginger was sentenced to 18 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.
Ginger will self-report 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the O’Brien (Iowa) County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sanborn, 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 19-4056.
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Estherville, Iowa Man Off to Federal Prison for Meth and Gun ConvictionsRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine while illegally possessing guns was sentenced March 4, 2020, to 11 years in federal prison.
Dustin Julich, 35, from Estherville, Iowa, pled guilty on September 20, 2019, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and illegal possession of a firearm. Julich was previously convicted of theft second degree and burglary third degree which prohibits him from possessing firearms in Iowa.
At the plea hearing, Julich admitted that for about three years he and others distributed over 1 kilogram of methamphetamine in the Estherville, Iowa area. During a search warrant of Julich’s truck and trailer, law enforcement seized approximately ½ pound of methamphetamine along with two guns.
Julich was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Julich was sentenced to 132 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mikala Steenholdt and was investigated by Estherville Police Department, Emmet County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa Great Lakes Drug Task Force, and Iowa Division of Criminalistics Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-3010. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Colorado Man Sentenced for Assaulting a CongressmanRead the Press Release
A man who assaulted U.S. Congressman Steve King was sentenced March 5, 2020, to two years’ probation.
Blake Gibbins, age 27, from Lafayette, Colorado, received the sentence after a September 23, 2019, guilty plea to one count of assaulting a member of congress.
In his plea agreement, Gibbins admitted that on March 22, 2019, at the Mineral City Mill & Grill in Fort Dodge, Iowa, he approached a table where U.S. Congressman Steve King and others were seated. He admitted he then assaulted Congressman King by intentionally throwing a full glass of water on him. He also admitted he was wrong to throw water on Congressman King.
Gibbins was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Gibbins was sentenced to 2 years’ probation, as recommended by both parties. He was also ordered to do 200 hours of community service in the first year of his probation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy T. Duax and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Fort Dodge Police Department, and the United States Capitol Police.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is CR19-3033-LTS.
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Waterloo Bank Robber Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A Waterloo bank robber with a long and violent criminal history was sentenced March 4, 2020, to more than 17 years in federal prison.
Steven Lee Sisk, age 55, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 25, 2019 guilty plea to bank robbery.
Evidence at sentencing showed that in 2017, Sisk robbed a bank in Waterloo, Iowa. He took $2,389 from a teller after pointing what appeared to be a gun at her face. At the time of sentencing, Sisk had accumulated 47 prior convictions for various crimes. These convictions include willful injury causing bodily injury, domestic assault with intent to cause serious injury, burglary, fraud practices, assault, theft, delivery of cocaine, interference with official acts, possession of controlled substances, and multiple other crimes.
Sisk was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Sisk was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $2,389 in restitution to the bank. 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.
Sisk 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 Waterloo Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Tri-County Drug Task Force, and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-cr-2007.
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Hiawatha Cocaine User Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
A man who unlawfully possessed a handgun pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Guillermo Legarrea, age 50, from Hiawatha, Iowa, was convicted of one count of being an unlawful user of cocaine in possession of a firearm.
At the plea hearing, Legarrea admitted that he illegally possessed the firearm in December 2018. Evidence at a prior hearing showed that Legarrea was stopped by a Hiawatha Police Officer on suspicion of driving with a suspended license. During the encounter, the officer noticed the odor of alcohol coming from Legarrea’s breath and could tell that he was intoxicated. Another officer observed beer bottles inside Legarrea’s van. After placing Legarrea under arrest for suspicion of drunk driving, the officers located a baggie containing cocaine in Legarrea’s sock. During a search of Legarrea’s van, officers located a black backpack that contained a loaded handgun and over $9,000 in cash.
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.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Legarrea remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Legarrea faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Hiawatha Police Department and Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, 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‑00100‑CJW‑MAR.
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Mexican Woman Who Used a Fraudulent Social Security Card to Get a Job Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A woman who used a false identification document and someone else’s social security number was sentenced today to six months in federal prison.
Maria Morales-Martinez, age 39, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Postville, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 26, 2019, jury verdict finding her guilty of one count of unlawful use of an identification document and one count of misuse of a social security number.
Evidence at trial showed that Morales-Martinez used the name, date of birth and Social Security number of another person when completing employment paperwork in August 2016 at a business in Postville, Iowa. Specifically, Morales-Martinez presented the company with a fraudulent Minnesota ID card bearing her picture but the name and date of birth of another person. She also used a Social Security card bearing the name and social security number assigned to that other person when completing state and federal tax forms. Morales-Martinez admitted at trial that she used a second person’s name and social security number when employed at the company between 2010 and 2012, and the current alias name and social security number while employed at the company between August 2016 and December 2018. She also falsely claimed to be a United States citizen on the employment forms. Morales-Martinez was fired after the company discovered that Morales-Martinez was working using fraudulent documents.
Morales-Martinez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Morales-Martinez was sentenced to six 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.
Morales-Martinez 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 Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-1013.
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Humboldt Woman Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Meth ConvictionRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced January 9, 2020, in federal court in Sioux City.
Wendy Jordison, 57, from Humboldt, Iowa, and previously Fort Dodge, Iowa, pled guilty on June 13, 2019, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jordison was previously convicted of a serious felony drug offense in Iowa in 2000, on which she served state prison time until at least April of 2006.
At the plea hearing, Jordison admitted her involvement in a conspiracy that distributed at least three pounds of methamphetamine from June 2018 through January 2019. On four separate occasions in December 2018 and January 2019, Jordison distributed over 111 grams of pure methamphetamine to individuals cooperating with law enforcement. In January 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Jordison’s residence and seized over 205 grams of pure methamphetamine along with other indicia of drug trafficking.
Jordison was sentenced in Sioux City before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Jordison remains in custody of the United States Marshal until she can be transported to a federal prison. Jordison was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment and must serve a 10-year term of supervised release following imprisonment.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Dodge Police Department, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Humboldt Police Department, and Iowa Division of Criminalistics Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-3009. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Department of Justice Charges Unprecedented Number of Elder Fraud Defendants Nationwide and Launches HotlineRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA – Peter E. Deegan, United States Attorney in the Northern District of Iowa, joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale today in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.
In the Northern District of Iowa, three defendants were charged with elder financial abuse crimes in 2019:
- In United States v. Garrett, the defendant pled guilty to using various financial accounts belonging to his grandmother to pay for his own business and personal expenses. Garrett took over $100,000 from his grandmother. He is awaiting sentencing.
- In United States v. Derby, H. David Derby and Patti Lynn Derby each pled guilty to one count of wire fraud arising out of a scheme to defraud H. David Derby’s elderly mother. They admitted using a financial power of attorney to benefit themselves, obtaining no less than $40,000 from the victim’s bank account. Both are awaiting sentencing.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This year, the Department of Justice prosecuted more than 400 defendants, whose schemes totaled more than a billion dollars. I want to thank the men and women of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which coordinated this effort, and all those in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division who worked tirelessly to bring these cases. The Department is committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities that exploit America’s seniors.”
“Those who shamelessly target the elderly in our society are reprehensible,” said United States Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr. “My office is dedicated to prosecuting these criminals, preventing them from continuing to exploit others, and returning as much money as possible to their victims.”
This https://www.justice.gov/civil/elder-fraud-sweeps-2020 interactive map provides information on the elder fraud cases highlighted by today’s sweep announcement.
Elder Fraud Hotline
Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
For the second year, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners also took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, perpetrators use a “money mule” to transfer fraud proceeds from a victim to ringleaders of fraud schemes who often reside in other countries. Some of these money mules act unwittingly, and intervention can effectively end their involvement in the fraud. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Agents and prosecutors in more than 85 federal district participated in this effort to halt the money flow from victim to fraudster. These actions against money mules were in addition to the criminal and civil cases announced as part of this year’s elder fraud sweep.
These outreach efforts have helped to prevent seniors from falling prey to scams and have frustrated offenders’ efforts to obtain even more money from vulnerable elders.
The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
- In United States v. Garrett, the defendant pled guilty to using various financial accounts belonging to his grandmother to pay for his own business and personal expenses. Garrett took over $100,000 from his grandmother. He is awaiting sentencing.
Belize Man Sentenced to Eighteen Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Reentry and Illegal Possession of a GunRead the Press Release
On February 28, 2020, in the United States District Court in Sioux City, Iowa, an illegal alien with numerous prior deportations, found in the United States illegally and in possession of a loaded handgun and false identification documents, was sentenced to eighteen years in federal prison.
Moses Anthon Francisco, age 53, from the country of Belize, received the prison term after pleading guilty on August 21, 2019, to a one-count indictment charging him with illegal re-entry as a felon. On August 29, 2019, Francisco also pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging him with unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon and illegal alien. Francisco also admitted violating his supervised release by committing these new criminal offenses while on supervised release for illegal reentry in the Northern District of Illinois.
At the guilty plea hearings and the sentencing, Francisco admitted and evidence was presented that on June 11, 2019, at approximately 12:20 p.m., the Steele County, Minnesota Sheriff’s Office dispatch received reports from drivers on Interstate Highway 35. Those motorists reported that Francisco had been driving erratically and had pointed a silver handgun at another motorist. Law enforcement agents in Minnesota tried to stop Francisco’s car, but he would not pull over. Instead, he sped south on Interstate 35, reaching speeds close to 100 miles per hour. Eventually, Francisco crossed from Minnesota into Iowa, where law enforcement stopped him with the assistance of snowplows blocking the road. After a standoff with police where Francisco refused to get out of his car, law enforcement was able to take him into custody.
Law enforcement found a loaded pistol and a number of passports in the car. Francisco also had additional identification documents on his person.
Francisco was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Francisco was sentenced to 216 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.
Francisco 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 Kevin C. Fletcher and investigated by the Iowa Department of Transportation, the Iowa State Patrol, the Minnesota State Patrol, the Worth County Sheriff’s Office, the Mason City Police Department, the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, the Steele County, MN, Sheriff’s Office, the Rice County, MN, Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations.
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 numbers are 19-CR-03027, 19-CR-03039, and 19-CR-04044.
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Webster County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug and Gun ConvictionsRead the Press Release
A man who distributed cocaine and possessed a firearm during and in furtherance of drug trafficking was sentenced to more than 5 years in federal prison.
Quinn Schleimer, 22, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, pled guilty on October 22, 2019, to two counts of distribution of cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
At the plea hearing, Schleimer admitted that on three occasions in 2017 he distributed 1/8 ounce of powder cocaine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. Schleimer also admitted to selling about 4 ½ ounces of cocaine and 10 pounds of marijuana in 2017. During a search of Schleimer’s residence, officers seized two loaded shotguns, one of which had its barrel sawed off.
Schleimer was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Schleimer was sentenced to 61 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. Schleimer is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Fort Dodge Police Department, Iowa Division of Criminalistics Laboratory, 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 17-3051. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Cedar Rapids Woman Pleads Guilty to Lying to a Federal Grand JuryRead the Press Release
A woman who made false statements before a federal grand jury pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Paula Cole, age 30, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of making a false declaration before a grand jury.
In a plea agreement, Cole admitted that she testified before a federal grand jury in September 2018 regarding an investigation of her boyfriend for a firearms charge. During her grand jury testimony, Cole testified that she did not know whether her boyfriend was a marijuana user, and that there was nothing that ever indicated to her that he used marijuana. Cole admitted in her plea agreement that her grand jury testimony was false, and that she knew that her boyfriend was a marijuana user because she had previously seen him use marijuana.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Cole remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Cole faces a possible maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force. The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department. The case 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‑00107‑CJW‑MAR.
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Man Sentenced to Prison for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
A man who failed to register as a sex offender was sentenced on February 26, 2020, to more than four years in federal prison.
Marquette Lamont Lawson, age 48, from Chicago, Illinois, received the prison term after a September 26, 2019 guilty plea to failure to register as a sex offender.
At the guilty plea, Lawson admitted that from May 2017 to February 12, 2018, he knowingly failed to register or update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act while he was residing and working in Iowa. Lawson is required to register as a sex offender due to his prior conviction for aggravated criminal sexual abuse, on January 11, 1989, in Cook County, Illinois.
Lawson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Lawson was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Lawson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist 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-0071.
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Guatemalan Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being Deported Two TimesRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to eight months in federal prison.
Jose Cruz-Medio, age 48, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Postville, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 4, 2019, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
At the guilty plea, Cruz-Medio admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Cruz-Medio was deported in September 2009 and November 2013.
Cruz-Medio’s second deportation was subsequent to a September 2013 conviction in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa for illegal reentry of a deported alien, a felony. Cruz-Medio also has a prior conviction in Wright County, Iowa, in 2009 for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Cruz-Medio most recently came to the attention of immigration agents in September 2019 following his arrest in Allamakee County, Iowa, for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. This case is still pending.
Cruz-Medio was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Cruz-Medio was sentenced to eight 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.
Cruz-Medio 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-123.
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Dubuque Man Charged with Being a Drug User in Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Daniel Heim, age 32, of Dubuque, Iowa, has been charged with being a drug user in possession of firearms and ammunition. The charge is contained in an Indictment unsealed on February 26, 2020, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictment alleges that, in December 2019, Heim possessed 14 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition while being an unlawful user of marijuana and cocaine.
If convicted, Heim faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years on supervised release following any imprisonment.
Heim appeared today in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was released on bond. Heim’s next appearance for trial is set for April 27, 2020.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and is being investigated by the Dubuque Police Department, the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 20-1006.
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Cedar Rapids Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Crime After Throwing Handguns from Car During Police ChaseRead the Press Release
A man who threw guns from a car during a police chase pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Jordan Lewis Holmes, age 23, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of being a felon and unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm.
At the plea hearing, Holmes admitted that he possessed two nine millimeter handguns in March 2019, and that at the time he was an unlawful marijuana user and a felon. Court records reflect that in March 2019, The United States Marshals Service was seeking to arrest Holmes a warrant for a parole violation on a prior felony stolen weapon trafficking charge. Officers saw Holmes get into a vehicle and tried to initiate a traffic stop, at which time a chase ensued. During the chase the vehicle in which Holmes was a passenger drove into a church parking lot and two 9 millimeter handguns were thrown from the window where Holmes was seated. At the end of the vehicle chase, the vehicle in which defendant was riding pulled into an apartment complex parking lot, and, without the vehicle being coming to a stop, Holmes and the other three occupants of the vehicle fled on foot. Officers caught up to Holmes and arrested him shortly thereafter.
Officers later retrieved the handguns from the church parking lot. The serial numbers on both firearms had been defaced. Further investigation revealed that two days before the chase Holmes had posted a video of himself holding a handgun that resembled one of the handguns found in the parking lot. Evidence at a prior hearing showed that during a recorded phone call shortly after his arrest, Holmes told the other person that he had to get rid of his “size nine shoes,” indicating that Holmes had thrown the firearms from the moving vehicle.
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: [list partners here]. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Holmes remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Holmes faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-00124-CJW-MAR.
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Dubuque Man Charged with Being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Tobias Sarazin, age 34, of Dubuque, Iowa, has been charged with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. The charge is contained in an Indictment unsealed on February 25, 2020, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictment alleges that, in December 2019, Sarazin possessed a pistol while being a prohibited person. The Indictment alleges that Sarazin previously had been convicted of three crimes of domestic violence, that he was subject to a no contact order, and that he was an unlawful user of marijuana and methamphetamine.
If convicted, Sarazin faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years on supervised release following any imprisonment.
Sarazin appeared today in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was held without bond. Sarazin’s next appearance for trial is set for April 27, 2020.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and is being investigated by the Dubuque Police Department, the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is CR 20-1005.
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Man Pleads Guilty to Preparing and Filing False Tax Returns and Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
David Miller, age 52, from Gilmore City, IA pled guilty to 3 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false and fraudulent income tax returns and 3 counts of receiving stolen government money or property.
In a plea agreement, Miller admitted that he owned and operated a tax return preparation business. While operating that business, he prepared fraudulent income tax returns. Miller’s fraudulent returns resulted in a total loss to the government of $16,114.00 for the tax years 2012-2015. Miller’s clients were deprived of part of their tax refund as a result of Miller’s theft. Miller further stole money belonging to the United States, including 39 partial client tax refunds, resulting in the theft of Federal government funds in the amount of $36,582.00 for the years 2014, 2015, and 2016. Miller’s theft of government funds and relevant conduct for years 2011, 2012, and 2013, and theft of State government funds, resulted in additional losses totaling $73,258.07.
Miller also failed to report the stolen funds as income, which resulted in creating additional tax obligations for himself totaling $30,752.00 for his 2011-2016 tax returns. Miller has agreed to pay a total of $156,706.07 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Miller remains free on bond previously set. For the 3 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false and fraudulent income tax returns, Miller faces a possible maximum sentence of 3 years’ imprisonment, a maximum fine of $100,000.00, and not more than 1 year of supervised release following any imprisonment. For the 3 the counts of receiving stolen government money or property Miller faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, and not more than a 3 year term of supervised release following any imprisonment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons and investigated by the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 20-CR-3004.
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Dubuque Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Dubuque man who possessed and sold crack cocaine near a school was sentenced today to more than five years in federal prison.
John Saunders, age 44, from Dubuque, Iowa received the prison term after a September 9, 2019 guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance near a protected location.
In a plea agreement, Saunders admitted he possessed crack cocaine he intended to sell. Saunders was selling cocaine out of his residence which is located near Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. A search warrant executed on his property recovered over 24 grams of crack cocaine, drug weighing and packaging materials, and a loaded handgun under the mattress.
Saunders was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Saunders was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 6-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Saunders is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Liz Dupuich and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force, the Dubuque Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-1027.
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Dubuque Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to Federal Prison for over a DecadeRead the Press Release
A Dubuque man who possessed over 94 grams of pure methamphetamine was sentenced on February 19, 2020, to over ten years in federal prison.
Deshone Dodson, age 36, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 10, 2019 guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
In a plea agreement, Dodson admitted he possessed over 94 grams of pure methamphetamine he intended to distribute. Dodson was a passenger in a vehicle that law enforcement stopped for not having working headlights at night. During the traffic stop, officers smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. They subsequently found a black grocery bag concealed in the trunk behind the carpeted inlay on the driver’s side. Inside this bag were four individually wrapped clear plastic bags of methamphetamine. Dodson admitted to owning the bags of meth and that he planned to distribute it to others.
Dodson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Dodson was sentenced to 130 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Dodson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Liz Dupuich and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force 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-1017.
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Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Selling MethRead the Press Release
A man who possessed or distributed over a kilogram of methamphetamine was sentenced on February 19, 2020, to more than twelve years in federal prison.
Nicholas John Gruner, age 38, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 29, 2019 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
At the guilty plea, Gruner admitted that he distributed more than 220 grams of methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement on the morning of August 13, 2019. In the afternoon of August 13, 2019, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Gruner’s vehicle and they seized more than 220 grams of methamphetamine. During a later search of Gruner’s apartment, law enforcement seized more than 580 grams of methamphetamine, a rifle, ammunition, and other items indicative of drug distribution.
Gruner was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Gruner 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 was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-85.
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Mexican Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being Deported Two TimesRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to eight months in federal prison.
Jose Luis Francisco-Gonzalez, age 37, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 7, 2019, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
At the guilty plea, Francisco-Gonzalez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Francisco-Gonzalez was deported in April 2017 following a February 2017 felony conviction in Rock Island County, Illinois for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. The marijuana conviction arose out of a Rock Island traffic stop where Francisco-Gonzalez bought marijuana in Cedar Rapids to sell in Illinois. On May 31, 2019, Francisco-Gonzalez was deported a second time after illegally reentering the United States in Arizona. On August 27, 2019, Francisco-Gonzalez was arrested by immigration officers after they learned Francisco-Gonzalez had illegally returned to the United States and was living in Cedar Rapids.
Francisco-Gonzalez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Judge C.J. Williams. Francisco-Gonzalez was sentenced to eight 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.
Francisco-Gonzalez 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-93.
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Cedar Rapids Man Involved in Large-Scale Heroin Ring Found Guilty After Jury TrialRead the Press Release
A federal jury found a man who conspired with other people to sell heroin in Cedar Rapids guilty on February 12, 2020, after a jury trial.
Devontae Horton, age 25, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was found guilty after a three day jury trial. The jury found Horton guilty of conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and distribution of heroin.
Evidence at trial showed that between approximately June 2015 and April 2019, Horton, and up to twelve others, conspired to distribute heroin in the Cedar Rapids area. The group was known as the “Ferrari” group. The members used one phone number, known as the “Ferrari phone,” to arrange and conduct heroin transactions. At times, ten to twenty people a day called the phone for the sole purpose of purchasing heroin. In October 2018, Cedar Rapids police officers attempted to stop a vehicle occupied by Horton and another member of the Ferrari group, Jarel Williams. Horton and Williams attempted to get away from police, eventually running on foot. Police caught up with both men and located over $3,000 in cash in Horton’s front pocket. The cash was drug proceeds. In November 2018, investigators utilized a confidential source to arrange a purchase of heroin. The source contacted Jarel Williams at what was believed to be the “Ferrari phone.” Williams agreed to sell the source a half gram of heroin. Horton arrived instead and provided the confidential source approximately a half gram of heroin for $80. Evidence showed that Horton and Williams had operated like this on at least five other occasions. Multiple witnesses testified that Horton had provided them heroin in the past.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Corkery and Elizabeth Dupuich 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, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Cedar Rapids Police Department, Marion Police Department, and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.
Horton is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be sentenced. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Jarel Williams previously pled guilty to conspiring to distribute 1,000 grams or more of heroin and distribution of heroin. Williams will also be sentenced at a later date. Six other members of the group were also charged for their involvement. All six previously pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-45.
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Firing a Revolver During an Altercation at a Downtown Gas Station Earns Felon Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A felon and drug user who fired a revolver during an altercation with another man at a downtown gas station was sentenced February 13, 2020 to more than 3 years in federal prison.
Kenneth Everett, age 29, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 4, 2019, guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Everett was previously convicted of robbery in Mississippi.
Evidence at Everett’s detention, change of plea, and sentencing hearings revealed Eleazar Lopez-Martinez (who subsequently died in an unrelated incident) pursued Everett with a knife, for reasons unknown, and Everett retrieved a loaded handgun from his car. A video shows the two men faced off for a period of time until Everett fired a shot that missed Lopez-Martinez, but which placed the public and patrons of the gas station at risk of serious harm.
Everett’s criminal history includes a robbery conviction, a domestic assault conviction, and other minor offenses. He was also a regular user of marijuana at the time of the shooting.
Everett was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Everett was sentenced to 37 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.
Everett is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: Sioux City Police Department. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department. It 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 19-4066.
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Jury Convicts Denison, Iowa Man for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was convicted by a jury on February 7, 2020, after a four-day trial in federal court in Sioux City. Juan Lopez-Zuniga, 50, from Denison, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The verdict was returned following about 3 hours of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that Lopez-Zuniga was involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than 500 grams of methamphetamine from October 2015 through September 2016, out of the Denison, Iowa, area. Evidence showed that Lopez-Zuniga traveled with fellow coconspirators (some of whom have already been convicted for their participation) from Denison, Iowa, to Worthington, Minnesota to deliver half-pound quantities of meth for further distribution in Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota. Lopez-Zuniga would then return to Denison with money from the drug sales.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Lopez-Zuniga was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the verdict was returned and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Lopez-Zuniga faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated 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; Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement; Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; Buffalo Ridge Task Force (Worthington/ Nobles County, Minnesota); and the Internal Revenue Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-4009. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
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 more than three months in federal prison.
Gabriel Felix-Manuel, age 33, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 19, 2019, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
In a plea agreement, Felix-Manuel admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. On January 16, 2008, Felix-Manuel was ordered deported from the United States in absentia. His whereabouts were unknown until he was arrested on an unrelated state charge in Florida in February 2010. Felix-Manuel was deported in March 2010.
On October 22, 2019, Felix-Manuel came to the attention of immigration agents during a traffic stop in Waterloo where he admitted being in the United States illegally. Further investigation showed that Felix-Manuel had been working illegally in Waterloo since May 2019, falsely claiming to be a permanent legal resident of the United States and using the social security number of another person for employment purposes.
Felix-Manuel was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Felix-Manuel was sentenced to 96 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.
Felix-Manuel 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 19-CR-2070.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to Nearly Nine Years in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing over a Dozen GunsRead the Press Release
A convicted felon who unlawfully possessed over a dozen guns in a small northern Iowa town was sentenced today to nearly nine years in federal prison.
Michael Duane Strain, age 63, who was most recently residing in Montana and previously lived in Elma, Iowa, and Minnesota received the prison term after an October 16, 2019 jury verdict finding him guilty of two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence at trial showed that Strain was living in Elma, Iowa, in late 2010 and early 2011. During that time, Strain frequented a firearms dealer in Elma. Strain was told he could not purchase any guns without filling out paperwork, which he refused to do. Strain was a convicted felon. Strain did purchase ammunition and firearms accessories. He also brought a rifle into the dealer for repair.
Law enforcement started investigating Strain for unlawfully possessing guns. They eventually searched the home Strain shared with his brother and a woman. During the search, officers found thirteen guns in the open, some of which were staged near windows and doors. One of the guns was a sawed-off shotgun. Officers also found ammunition and accessories Strain had purchased.
Following the search, Strain left Iowa at some point. He was indicted in 2011 for two counts of unlawfully possessing guns. The United States Marshal’s Service located Strain in July 2019. Strain was living in rural Montana. The Marshal’s Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives arrested Strain and searched his residence. They found dozens of guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition staged around the residence.
Strain’s criminal history includes multiple prior felony convictions out of Minnesota. He was convicted of fleeing from police in 2001. He was also convicted of possessing a pipe bomb and a pistol later in 2001. The pipe bomb was found in Strain’s vehicle, which he had parked near a courthouse while attending a court hearing. In 2003, Strain was convicted of possessing a short-barreled shotgun.
Strain was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Strain was sentenced to 105 months’ imprisonment and fined $12,500. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Strain 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 Anthony Morfitt and Richard Murphy and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the United States Marshal’s Service. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 11-CR-2039.
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.
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Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who possessed child pornography was sentenced today to two years in federal prison.
Troy French, age 29, of Cedar Rapids, received the sentence after a July 8, 2019, guilty plea to one count of possession of child pornography. At the plea hearing, French admitted that, between 2012 and 2017, he knowingly possessed child pornography, including one or more depictions of prepubescent children.
French was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. French was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and he was ordered to make $3,000 in restitution to victims depicted in images he possessed. French must also serve a ten-year term of supervised release, and he must comply with all sex offender registration and public notification requirements.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 19-5.
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Cedar Rapids Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
A man who sexually exploited children in the Philippines pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
William Meyer, age 64, from Cedar Rapids, was convicted of one count of sexual exploitation of children. At the plea hearing, Meyer admitted that, between 2012 and 2019, he persuaded, induced, or enticed one or more minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions or for the purpose of transmitting live visual depictions of this conduct. The live visual depictions included Skype video transmissions from minors in the Philippines.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Meyer remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Meyer faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $5,100 in special assessments, and supervised release for 5 years to life following any imprisonment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc 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 19-105.
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Fort Dodge Man to Federal Prison for Meth and Gun ConvictionsRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine while possessing guns was sentenced January 31, 2020, to more than 11 years in federal prison.
Matthew Guthrie, 34, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 15, 2019, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy 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 he and others distributed more than 500 grams of methamphetamine in the Fort Dodge area. On three separate occasions Guthrie 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, 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 135 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 4-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Guthrie is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: 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.
Tama Man Who Purchased 8 Handguns While A Drug User Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who unlawfully possessed firearms while using drugs was sentenced on January 28, 2020, to 18 months in federal prison.
DeAngelio Noye, age 27, from Tama, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 9, 2019 guilty plea to unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Noye admitted to being a marijuana user when in possession of at least 8 firearms.
Noye purchased the firearms between August 2017 and September 2018. Seven of the 8 firearms were 9mm pistols. Information at sentencing indicated that juveniles possessed at least two of the firearms prior to Noye filing a police report indicating that the guns had been stolen. Information at sentencing further showed that, at the time of a search of Noye’s residence, officers found a scale and baggies consistent with the unlawful distribution of drugs.
Noye was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Noye was sentenced to 18 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 its Project Guardian partners. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
Noye was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on February 12, 2020.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacob Schunk and investigated by the Marion Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-078-CJW.
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