Northern District of Iowa
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Possession of a Stolen Gun Sends Man to Federal Prison for over Six YearsRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a stolen gun, while also in the possession of marijuana and cocaine that he intended to sell, was sentenced today to more than six years in federal prison.
Abraham Johnson, Jr., age 27, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 2, 2018, guilty plea to possession of a firearm as a felon and drug user and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a felony drug trafficking crime.
In a plea agreement, Johnson admitted that, during a traffic stop in December 2016, police found marijuana, cocaine, and a revolver in Johnson’s backpack. Johnson admitted that he knew the revolver was stolen. Johnson acknowledged that he was going to sell the marijuana and cocaine, and that he carried the revolver to protect the drugs. Johnson also admitted that he has a prior felony conviction for willful injury resulting in bodily injury, and that he was an unlawful user of marijuana.
Johnson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Johnson was sentenced to 75 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.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Johnson 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 Justin Lightfoot and 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 17-CR-93.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Partnering with Community Organizations to Reduce RecidivismRead the Press Release
In recognition of “Second Chance Month,” the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa is collaborating with local partners to reduce recidivism by helping individuals leaving prison. In a presidential proclamation, President Trump designated April 2018 as “Second Chance Month,” urging communities to raise awareness about crime prevention and providing those offenders who have served their time “an opportunity for an honest second chance.”
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa has been deeply involved with many community partners in crime prevention and reentry efforts for the past several years. Some recent initiatives surrounding “Second Chance Month” include:
- A partnership with the Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services, Neighborhood Transportation Service, the RISE program, Cedar Rapids Police Department, the FBI, and neighborhood leaders, in which individuals coming from state prison into the Cedar Rapids area attend a mandatory gathering where they learn about resources available to them in the community as well as the consequences of continued criminal activity.
- A partnership with the FBI and the State Training School, Iowa Department of Human Services, to meet with juvenile offenders at the Eldora State Training School. During this meeting, these juveniles learn about resources available to them as they become adults. They also learn about the unfortunate paths that some State Training School alum took, leading to lifelong interactions with the adult criminal justice system.
- Hosting several recent “Reentry Simulations,” which provide participants an opportunity to “step inside the shoes” of someone being released from prison, to allow them to see the obstacles that exist in an ex-offender’s transition from prison back to the community. Recent simulations included area employers, education professionals, treatment professionals, and community members.
United States Attorney Peter Deegan indicated that the United States Attorney’s Office continues to be supportive of community reentry efforts, noting that, “Our number one goal as prosecutors is to increase public safety. A successful transition from prison back to the community is a critical component in reducing recidivism and keeping our communities safe.” Deegan encouraged community members and organizations to get involved, noting that “Second Chance Month provides a great opportunity for employers, local organizations, and community members to find out what role they can play in the effort to reduce recidivism and provide an opportunity for an honest second chance.”
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- A partnership with the Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services, Neighborhood Transportation Service, the RISE program, Cedar Rapids Police Department, the FBI, and neighborhood leaders, in which individuals coming from state prison into the Cedar Rapids area attend a mandatory gathering where they learn about resources available to them in the community as well as the consequences of continued criminal activity.
Media AdvisoryRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Opioid and prescription drug abuse is at an all-time high in the United States. Part of the opioid epidemic facing the country is the prevalence of counterfeit pills being sold as prescription drugs over the Internet. These pills often contain substances other than what is promised and lead to overdoses and deaths.
On April 26, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., the United States Attorney’s Office will hold a press conference to highlight and discuss the danger of these counterfeit pills. U.S. Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr. will be present at the press conference along with law enforcement officials from other agencies.
Event Details
When: Thursday, April 26, 2018
Where: Cedar Rapids Federal Courthouse (United States Attorney’s Office), 111 7th Ave. SE
Time: 10:00 a.m.
A press release will be provided and interview opportunities will be available. Please RSVP to Tony Morfitt at [email protected] if you plan to attend.
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Assault Leads to Felon’s Guilty Plea for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A man who assaulted a woman with a firearm pled guilty on April 19, 2018, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Gage Ferdinand Skola, age 28, from Marion, Iowa, was convicted of one count of possessing a firearm as a felon.
At the plea hearing, Skola admitted he possessed a handgun in February 2018. Evidence at an earlier hearing and court documents reflect that, on February 10, 2018, Marion Police responded to a call of a woman bleeding from the head. The woman stated that she and her fiancée, Skola, had engaged in an argument that escalated throughout the day. Skola then obtained a handgun and hit her in the back of the head with it. The woman fled to a neighbor’s residence, and Skola followed her there shortly thereafter. Skola then entered the neighbor’s residence, pointed a revolver at his fiancée, then at his own head, stating that there was going to be a “double homicide.” One of the neighbors took the revolver from Skola, and Skola left the house. Marion Police officers arrested Skola a few hours later when he returned to the neighbor’s house. Skola later told officers that he drank an entire bottle of Fireball whiskey earlier in the day on February 10, and did not remember anything from the day after that.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Skola remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Skola faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The case is being investigated by the Marion Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-CR-00007-LRR.
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Sanborn Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Drug UserRead the Press Release
A convicted felon and user of methamphetamine who unlawfully possessed a firearm pled guilty on April 17, 2018, in federal court in Sioux City.
Marc Gibbons, 29, from Sanborn, Iowa, was convicted of one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and unlawful user of a controlled substance.
On March 9, 2017, law enforcement officers observed Gibbons, who was on parole, driving a vehicle in which his sole passenger was a man suspected of burglarizing a residence and stealing seven firearms. Officers approached Gibbons and questioned him regarding the suspected burglar. During the questioning, officers observed Gibbons in possession of drug paraphernalia, and informed him he would be taken into custody. Prior to leaving the residence, Gibbons, who was wearing only a t-shirt and jeans, declined to take his jacket in spite of the cold weather. Then, without warning, Gibbons bolted for the jackets, and began fumbling through them. It was during this time that the officer observed what later turned out to be a.45 caliber handgun. The handgun was one of the seven stolen firearms.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Gibbons remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Gibbons faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ajay J. Alexander and was investigated by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office, Spencer Police Department, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-4042-LTS.
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Terril, Iowa Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who received and possessed child pornography pled guilty on April 17, 2018, in federal court in Sioux City.
James Sorter, age 41, from Terril, Iowa, was convicted of one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography after a conviction for lascivious acts with child in the District Court for Linn County, Iowa.
In a plea agreement, Sorter admitted that between August 1, 2014, and May 31, 2017, in the Northern District of Iowa and elsewhere, he knowingly received and attempted to receive visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including a depiction involving a prepubescent minor or a minor that had not attained 12 years of age. Sorter was previously convicted of lascivious acts with a child in the Iowa District Court for Linn County in 2005.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Sorter remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Sorter faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy T. Duax and was investigated by Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is CR17-4077.
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Fayette Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawful Possession of Multiple FirearmsRead the Press Release
A convicted felon who possessed stolen firearms was sentenced today to two years in federal prison.
Joshua Glen Sargent, age 34, from Fayette, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 27, 2017, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Information at sentencing showed that Sargent possessed multiple firearms that had been stolen during burglaries in Lacrosse County, Wisconsin. He sold two of these firearms to a person who did not know the firearms were stolen. Law enforcement later seized these firearms. During a search warrant at Sargent’s residence, law enforcement officers recovered two additional stolen firearms. Sargent had previously been convicted of theft in the second degree and going armed with intent, both felonies. Sargent has also been previously convicted of violating a protective order and unlawfully possessing a weapon.
Sargent was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Sargent was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $1,100 in restitution to the person who bought the firearms from him. 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), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Sargent is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Fayette Police Department, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lacrosse County, Wisconsin, Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-02061.
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Illegal Alien Sentenced to Federal Prison for Document FraudRead the Press Release
A Guatemalan man who unlawfully used fraudulent identification documents was sentenced April 17, 2018, to four months in federal prison.
Cesar Mendez-Chavez, age 26, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Tama, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 12, 2018, guilty plea to three counts of unlawful use of identification documents.
Evidence in the case showed that on June 9, 2016, and June 13, 2016, Mendez-Chavez, an illegal alien, used a fraudulent social security card when completing employment forms to obtain jobs using an alias name in Tama and Northwood, Iowa. Mendez-Chavez also used the social security card on February 12, 2012, to obtain employment in Postville, Iowa. The social security account number on the card used by Mendez-Chavez was not his. Mendez-Chavez falsely claimed to be a United States citizen on the employment forms.
On January 26, 2018, Mendez-Chavez used a different social security card in applying for a State of Iowa Identification Card using a different alias name in Tama, Iowa. The social security account number and name on the social security card used by Mendez-Chavez belonged to a real United States citizen. Mendez-Chavez also used a fraudulent birth certificate in that alias name as proof of identity. These documents were seized by the Iowa Department of Transportation.
On January 31, 2018, Mendez-Chavez was arrested by immigration officers at his place of employment in Tama, Iowa, where he worked under an alias.
Mendez-Chavez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Mendez-Chavez was sentenced to four 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.
Mendez-Chavez 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 the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-CR-04-LRR.
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Guatemalan Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Returning to the United States Following Prior DeportationRead the Press Release
A Guatemalan man who illegally returned to the United States was sentenced April 17, 2018, to almost three months in federal prison.
Vicente Raymundo-Lopez, age 51, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 15, 2018, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
At the guilty plea, Raymundo-Lopez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States on July 30, 2008, and that he illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. On January 12, 2018, Raymundo-Lopez was found by immigration officers at the Linn County Jail in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, following his arrest for a traffic offense. Raymundo-Lopez claimed to have illegally reentered the United States in 2012.
Raymundo-Lopez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Raymundo-Lopez was sentenced to 83 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. Raymundo-Lopez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the 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 18-CR-02-LRR.
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Cedar Rapids Marijuana & Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who sold over 100 pounds of marijuana was sentenced on April 17, 2018, to 23 months in federal prison.
Vichit Kho, age 37, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 6, 2017, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and cocaine. At the guilty plea, Kho admitted he agreed to distribute more than 110 pounds of marijuana and quantities of cocaine in the Cedar Rapids area between 2011 and 2016.
Kho was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Kho was sentenced to 23 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.
Kho is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Reinert 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 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 17-CR-00063.
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Guatemalan Sentenced to Nearly Two Years in Prison for Returning to the United States Following Prior DeportationRead the Press Release
A Guatemalan man who illegally returned to the United States after having been deported following a felony conviction was sentenced today to 22 months’ in federal prison.
Benjamin Aguilar-Ramirez, age 35, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 11, 2018, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States following a felony conviction.
At the guilty plea, Aguilar-Ramirez, an illegal alien, admitted that he was deported from the United States on May 5, 2017, and that he illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Aguilar-Ramirez was previously convicted on March 8, 2017, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa of one count of unlawful use of identification documents and one count of misuse of a social security number, both felonies. On the document fraud convictions, Aguilar-Ramirez was sentenced to 114 days’ imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release. On November 13, 2017, Aguilar-Ramirez was found by immigration officers at the Black Hawk County Jail in Waterloo, Iowa, following his arrest for violating a State of Iowa No Contact Order.
Aguilar-Ramirez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Aguilar-Ramirez was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment on the illegal reentry conviction. Aguilar-Ramirez was also sentenced to 6 months’ imprisonment for violating the terms of his supervised release on the document fraud convictions. The terms of imprisonment are to be served consecutively. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release on the illegal reentry conviction after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Aguilar-Ramirez 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 the 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 numbers are 16-CR-2055-LRR and 17-CR-2089-LRR.
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Repeat Offender Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who received child pornography was sentenced on April 12, 2018 to 15 years in federal prison.
David Myers, age 54, from Greene, Iowa, received the sentence after a February 6, 2018 guilty plea to one count of receipt of child pornography. At the plea hearing, Myers admitted that, between 2005 and 2014, he used the Internet to receive child pornography. In a plea agreement, Myers admitted that, in 1998, he was convicted of three charges of sexual abuse in the third degree.
Myers was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Myers was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and Myers must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release. He must comply with all sex offender registration and public notification requirements.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
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 17-2077.
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Dubuque Drug Dealer to Serve over 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who sold crack cocaine out of his Dubuque residence was sentenced today to more than 15 years in federal prison.
Desmond Williams, age 30, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 25, 2017, guilty plea to distribution of a controlled substance near a protected location.
In a plea agreement, Williams admitted selling crack cocaine from February 2016 through September 2016. Some of the sales took place inside his home, which was located near multiple playgrounds. At the sentencing hearing, the Court noted that Williams resided in the home with his then-girlfriend and a three-month old infant, during the time that he was selling drugs out of the home. Williams has two prior felony drug convictions.
Williams was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. He was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 6-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Williams 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 Justin Lightfoot and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force, the Dubuque Police Department, and the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 16-CR-1046.
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Cedar Rapids Bicyclist Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Meth to Distribute to OthersRead the Press Release
A man who police stopped when he was riding his bicycle while in possession of more than 5 grams of methamphetamine that he intended to share with others was sentenced today to almost 6 years in federal prison.
Kenneth John Pena from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 20, 2017, guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
In previous hearings, evidence showed that Pena was riding his bicycle in Cedar Rapids at 4:50 am without the proper lighting equipment. Police officers stopped him and discovered Pena had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. While officers were arresting him, they found methamphetamine, marijuana, pipes, and a scale in his possession. Pena has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple prior convictions for assault or battery, a prior drug trafficking conviction in 1994, and a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Pena was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Pena was sentenced to 71 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.
Pena is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 17-CR-30.
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Justice Department Announces Nationwide Initiative to Combat Sexual Harassment in HousingRead the Press Release
Today, as the Department of Justice recognizes the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the nationwide rollout of an initiative aimed at increasing awareness and reporting of sexual harassment in housing. The announcement includes an interagency task force between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Justice Department to combat sexual harassment in housing, an outreach toolkit, and a public awareness campaign. This three-pronged approach will strengthen the Department’s efforts to combat sexual harassment in housing.
“Sexual harassment in housing is illegal, immoral, and unacceptable," said Attorney General Sessions. “It is all too common today, as too many landlords, managers, and their employees attempt to prey on vulnerable women. We will not hesitate to pursue these predators and enforce the law. In October, I ordered a new initiative to bring more of these cases, and we have already won relief for 15 victims. Today we announce three new steps to make the initiative more effective and to win more cases. I want to thank the dedicated and committed professionals in our Civil Rights Division and our partners in the Department of Housing and Urban Development for their hard work in this effort. We will continue to aggressively pursue harassers, because everyone has a right to be safe in their home.”
“All discrimination stains the very fabric of our nation, but HUD is especially focused on protecting the right of everyone to feel safe and secure in their homes, free from unwanted sexual harassment,” said Secretary Ben Carson. “No person should have to tolerate unwanted sexual advances in order to keep a roof over his or her head. Part of our mission at HUD is to provide safe housing and we will remain diligent in this mission to protect those we serve. I look forward to working with Attorney General Sessions and the Department of Justice as part of this task force to bring an end to this type of discrimination.”
“Everyone has the right to look for housing without having to fear sexual harassment and discrimination,” said United States Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr. “Ensuring the citizens of Iowa have an opportunity to find safe housing is a priority for the Justice Department and this office. I urge anyone who has experienced sexual harassment or discrimination to report it to authorities.”
In October 2017, the Justice Department announced an initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing and launched pilot programs in D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. The initiative sought to increase the Department’s efforts to protect women from harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, security guards, and other employees and representatives of rental property owners. During the pilots, the Department developed and tested ways to better connect both with victims of sexual harassment in housing and with those organizations that victims may turn to first for help – including law enforcement, legal services providers, public housing authorities, sexual assault services providers, and shelters. The Department also tested certain aspects of the initiative in other jurisdictions, including New Jersey, the Central District of California, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Michigan.
The two pilot programs generated an upswing in harassment reporting to the Department from both D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. In D.C., the Department generated six leads since the October 2017 launch. In Virginia, the Department generated three leads. While the Justice Department recognizes that leads and investigations do not always lead to enforcement actions, the pilot program’s results—when extrapolated across all the U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country—could lead to hundreds of new reports of sexual harassment in housing across the country. Because of these promising results, the Department is rolling out three major components to the Initiative.
First, the new HUD-DOJ Task Force to Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing will drive a shared strategy between the Department and HUD for combatting sexual harassment in housing across the country. It will focus on five key areas: continued data sharing and analysis, joint development of training, evaluation of public housing complaint mechanisms, coordination of public outreach and press strategy, and review of federal policies.
Second, the outreach toolkit is designed to leverage the Justice Department’s nationwide network of U.S. Attorney’s Offices. The toolkit provides templates, guidance, and checklists based on pilot program feedback. It ultimately will amplify available enforcement resources and help victims of sexual harassment connect with the Department.
Third, the public awareness campaign has three major components: a partnership package with relevant stakeholders, launch of a social media campaign, and Public Service Announcements (PSAs) run by individual U.S. Attorney’s offices. The campaign is specifically designed to raise awareness, and make it easier for victims all over the country to find resources and report harassment.
More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment in housing should call the Department at 1-844-380-6178, send an e-mail to [email protected], or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777. If you have information or questions about any other housing discrimination, you can contact the Department at 1-800-896-7743.
Attached to this release are two PSAs recorded by United States Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr.
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housing_psa_scripts_0.pdf
Audio file
Audio fileDubuque Woman Sentenced to over 2 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Ice Methamphetamine for SaleRead the Press Release
A Dubuque woman who possessed approximately 30 grams of ice methamphetamine and intended to distribute it to others was sentenced April 11, 2018, to 31 months in federal prison.
Ashley Ann Laufenberg, age 28, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 6, 2017, guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In a plea agreement, Laufenberg admitted she possessed about 2 grams of ice methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it while driving a car in Dubuque. At the time, Laufenberg had a warrant for her arrest and law enforcement officers initiated a traffic stop on her car. She unsuccessfully attempted to flee from officers by driving away during the traffic stop. After she was caught, officers found more than $400, a bullet, and a cell phone on her person. Officers at the jail also found 2 grams of methamphetamine on her person. Laufenberg admitted to possessing and selling about 30 grams of ice methamphetamine.
Information at the sentencing hearing showed that Laufenberg’s criminal conduct escalated over time. She was previously convicted of theft and possession of marijuana at ages 17 and 20 and assault while displaying a dangerous weapon at age 27. Laufenberg was selling methamphetamine while on probation for possession of methamphetamine as a third offender, as well as while on probation for assault while displaying a dangerous weapon. Laufenberg previously had a deferred judgment in state court revoked after she tried to stab a man with a knife.
Laufenberg was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Laufenberg was sentenced to 31 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Laufenberg 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 Timothy L. Vavricek and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-1046-LTS.
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Woman Who Schemed to Collect Insurance Money by Burning Down a House in Martelle Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A woman who participated in a scheme to submit a fraudulent insurance claim when her boyfriend intentionally set fire to his vacant house was sentenced today to 12 years in federal prison.
Beth Galloway, age 42, from Camanche, Iowa, and formerly of Olin, received the prison term after a March 16, 2017, jury verdict finding her guilty of one count of mail fraud, one count of using fire to commit mail fraud, and money laundering.
The evidence at trial showed that, between Spring 2013 and Spring 2014, Galloway and her boyfriend, James Plower, made up and participated in a scheme to defraud Plower’s insurance company. The evidence showed that Galloway twice drove a minor to Plower’s vacant home in Martelle, Iowa, to attempt to set fire to the home, but that both attempts failed. Further evidence showed that Plower then deliberately set fire to his vacant home and submitted an insurance claim in which he falsely claimed the fire was accidental. As a result of the fraudulent insurance claim, the insurance company mailed Plower a check for $66,497.46. Evidence also showed that Galloway and Plower agreed to launder the proceeds from the fraudulent insurance claim in February and March of 2014 when the two agreed to take $10,000 of the proceeds from Plower’s bank account after learning that law enforcement was investigating the cause of the fire,. They then gave the $10,000 to a friend to hold for them to prevent law enforcement from seizing the money.
Plower had previously pled guilty to charges of mail fraud and use of fire to commit mail fraud. He also had previously been sentenced to 13 years’ in federal prison.
Galloway was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Galloway was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment. She was ordered to make $152,874.58 in restitution to the insurance company. She 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 Attorneys Ravi Narayan and Tony Morfitt and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, and the Jones County Sheriff’s Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 16-CR-68.
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Phoenix Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Prison for Meth Trafficking and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
A man who mailed at least 45 pounds of methamphetamine from Phoenix, Arizona, to Dubuque, Iowa, was sentenced today to more than 15 years in federal prison.
Anthony Robert McCarron, age 38, originally from Dubuque, received the prison term after an October 30, 2017, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine near a school and money laundering.
Evidence presented in court established that McCarron was living in Phoenix when he started shipping packages of “ice” methamphetamine to codefendant Derek Richard Rath in Dubuque. McCarron mailed at least 45 pounds of methamphetamine into Iowa from July 2016 to July 2017. Rath paid for the methamphetamine by shipping packages of cash to McCarron. McCarron and Rath used aliases when shipping the drugs and money.
McCarron was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. McCarron was sentenced to 190 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. McCarron 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 Drew O. Inman and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force, 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 17-CR-1042-LTS.
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Guatemalan Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Document FraudRead the Press Release
A Guatemalan man who unlawfully used fraudulent identification documents was sentenced today to more than three months in federal prison.
Tomas Perez-Cobo, age 34, a citizen of Guatemala residing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 31, 2018, guilty plea to one count of unlawful use of identification documents.
At the guilty plea, Perez-Cobo, an illegal alien, admitted that on August 13, 2017, he used a fraudulent social security card and a fraudulent permanent resident card when completing employment forms to obtain a job in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The social security account number and the immigration number on the cards used by Perez-Cobo were not his. Earlier that year, on January 15, 2017, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested Perez-Cobo and his minor child in Texas after they illegally entered the United States. On January 16, 2017, Lopez-Morales was released pending immigration proceedings.
Perez-Cobo was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Perez-Cobo was sentenced to 98 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Perez-Cobo 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 the 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 17-CR-101-LTS.
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Westside Man Pleads Guilty to Meth Conspiracy and Possessing a Firearm to Further the ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A felon who conspired to distribute over 100 pounds of methamphetamine and possessed a GSG, MP5, .22-caliber firearm to further the conspiracy pled guilty today, April 5, 2018, in federal court in Sioux City.
Robert “Bobby” Whitenack, 37, from Westside, Iowa, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm during and in furtherance of the methamphetamine conspiracy.
In a plea agreement, Whitenack admitted that from January 2014 through May 2017, he conspired to distribute over 100 pounds of methamphetamine. Whitenack admitted that he made multiple trips to Denison, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska, to pick up pound-quantities of methamphetamine, and recruited at least four individuals to do the same. Whitenack received or expected to receive compensation for every pound of methamphetamine sold by his recruits. Whitenack admitted that, in January 2016, he directed a coconspirator to pick up approximately $10,000 in cash from a customer in Milford, Iowa, and bring it to Whitenack so that he could pay his source. In February 2017, Whitenack admitted that he possessed a GSG, MP5, .22-caliber firearm to further the conspiracy.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Whitenack remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Whitenack faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life years’ imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and 10 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney
Ajay J. Alexander and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations, DEA Tri-State Drug Task Force, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Denison Police Department, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, and Carroll Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-3020-LTS.
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Spencer Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced, April 3, 2018, to ten years in federal prison.
Alauna Gaye Morris, 58, from Spencer, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 8, 2017, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
During prior court proceedings, the government presented evidence that on September 8, 2016, law enforcement arrested Morris on a statewide warrant for an unrelated matter. After executing search warrants on her residence and vehicle, officers seized close to 200 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine, $10,108.82 in cash, a digital scale, and multiple electronic devices.
At sentencing, the government presented evidence that, during the course of the conspiracy, two co-conspirators reached an agreement with Morris in which they would pay $50,000 for ten pounds of methamphetamine. Morris intended to recruit family members out of Utah to manufacture the ten-pound quantity.
Morris was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Morris was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. She must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Morris is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Ajay J. Alexander and investigated by the Iowa Great Lakes Drug Task Force, including the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office, and the Department of Criminal Investigations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 16-CR-4096-LTS.
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Waterloo Man Sentenced to Prison for Selling Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
A man who sold crack cocaine and had a shotgun in his house was sentenced today to more than a year in federal prison.
Johnston Phillips, age 64, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 30, 2017, guilty plea to distribution of crack cocaine. At the guilty plea, Phillips admitted that he sold crack cocaine on March 14, 2017. During a search warrant at Phillips house a week later, law enforcement recovered a Mossberg shotgun. Phillips’ residence was also being used by other crack cocaine dealers to make sales. Phillips had previously been convicted of possession of crack cocaine and forgery in state court.
Phillips was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Phillips was sentenced to 14 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.
Phillips 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 Ravi T. Narayan and Emily K. Nydle and were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Waterloo Police Department, the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, the Cedar Falls Police Department, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Iowa City Police Department, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa State Patrol.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-cr-2050.
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Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Second Federal Felony for Unlawfully Possessing a Gun or AmmunitionRead the Press Release
A convicted felon who unlawfully possessed ammunition was sentenced today to more than two years in federal prison.
Donald Joseph Boyce, age 59, from Guttenberg, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 5, 2017, guilty plea to possession of ammunition by a felon. At the guilty plea, Boyce admitted that on March 28, 2017, he possessed .303 caliber ammunition. Boyce had previously been convicted of a state felony drug manufacturing offense in 2002 and the federal felony offense of being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm in 2003. Officers from the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office found the ammunition in Boyce’s car during a traffic stop. They also located an Enfield .303 caliber rifle in the backseat. Boyce asked the officers to throw the gun in the river because he was felon and would be facing significant jail time. Boyce had methamphetamine in his pocket and was under the influence of a controlled substance at the time of his traffic stop.
Boyce was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Boyce was sentenced to 30 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), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Boyce is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Clayton County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-cr-1019.
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Man Previously Convicted of Domestic Abuse Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing GunRead the Press Release
A Linn County man who unlawfully possessed a rifle as a domestic violence misdemeanant was sentenced March 28, 2018, to more than two years in federal prison.
Nathan Lee Lyon, age 33, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 9, 2017, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. At the guilty plea, Lyon admitted that on May 10, 2017, he unlawfully possessed a rifle. Lyon had previously been convicted of assault causing bodily injury, a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Information at sentencing established that Lyon was driving a stolen a truck on May 10 when police officers stopped him. Lyon had placed the stolen firearm in the back of the truck. The firearm had been stolen from another person other than the owner of the truck.
Lyon was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Lyon was sentenced to 30 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), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Lyon 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 Drew O. Inman and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-75.
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Sex Offender Sentenced to More Than a Year in Prison for Failing to Register in IowaRead the Press Release
A convicted sex offender who lived in Iowa for three weeks without registering was sentenced today to more than a year in federal prison.
Lucas Hertrampf, age 30, from Lancaster, Wisconsin, received the prison term after a December 1, 2017, guilty plea to failing to register as a sex offender.
Information from the sentencing hearing showed that Hertrampf was required to register as a sex offender because he was previously convicted of sexual assault involving the use of force. While still on probation for that conviction, Hertrampf had his supervision revoked seven times. In April 2017, Hertrampf was charged with stealing a car in Grant County, Wisconsin. He was scheduled to appear in court on that charge on June 26. Hertrampf failed to appear for that hearing. Instead, law enforcement found Hertrampf in Clayton County, Iowa, on June 29. Hertrampf had been living in Iowa for three weeks. During that time, he did not register as a sex offender as he was required to do.
Hertrampf was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Hertrampf 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. Hertrampf is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service and the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 17-cr-57.
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Marshalltown Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Ice MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A man who trafficked ice methamphetamine for months in 2015 was sentenced on March 26, 2018, to more than 12 years in federal prison.
Jason Nauman, age 36, from Marshalltown, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 5, 2017, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Nauman admitted that he agreed with others to traffic methamphetamine between the spring and fall of 2015. Information at sentencing showed that during this time, Nauman trafficked more than 3 pounds of ice methamphetamine.
Nauman was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. He was sentenced to 150 months’ imprisonment. Nauman must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Nauman 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 Patrick Reinert and Ravi Narayan. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 17-CR-85.
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Illegal Alien Arrested in Iowa for Operating While Intoxicated Sentenced to Federal Prison for Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
A Guatemalan man who illegally returned to the United States was sentenced today to more than two months in federal prison.
Sebastian Mejia-De La Cruz, age 27, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Stewart, Minnesota, received the prison term after a January 31, 2018, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
At the guilty plea, Mejia-De La Cruz admitted he had previously been deported from the United States on June 10, 2011, and that he illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government in 2012. On December 3, 2017, Mejia-De La Cruz was found by immigration officers at the Tama County Jail in Toledo, Iowa, following his arrest for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. On December 21, 2017, Mejia-De La Cruz was convicted of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Mejia-De La Cruz had also been convicted of identity theft in Renville County, Minnesota, in January 2015. In that case, Mejia-De La Cruz had used falsified or stolen documents to obtain employment under a false name.
Mejia-De La Cruz was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Mejia-De La Cruz was sentenced to 77 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.
Mejia-De La Cruz 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 the 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 18-CR-01.
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Guatemalan Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
A man entered the United States illegally from Guatemala was sentenced on March 26, 2018, to 6 months in federal prison.
Isidro Mendez-Lopez, age 24, from Guatemala and residing in Denison, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 14, 2018, guilty plea to one count of illegal re-entry.
At the guilty plea, Mendez-Lopez admitted he had illegally entered the United States from Guatemala in 2015 after previously being deported from the U.S.
Mendez-Lopez was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Mendez-Lopez was sentenced to 6 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 1-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Mendez-Lopez 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 Enforcement and Removal Office of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-04078.
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Chicago Man Who Sold Crack Cocaine in Cedar Rapids Sentenced to over Fifteen Years’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
A man who sold crack cocaine in Cedar Rapids for a year was sentenced on March 27, 2018, to more than 15 years in federal prison.
Soy Franklin, age 36, originally from Chicago, Illinois, received the prison term after a November 6, 2017, guilty plea to distribution of cocaine base near a protected location.
In a plea agreement, Franklin admitted that he sold crack cocaine in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, from July 2016 to July 2017. Franklin further admitted that he sold crack cocaine to a confidential police informant on five separate occasions. On two occasions, Franklin sold crack cocaine while near an elementary school.
Franklin was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. He was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment. Franklin must also serve a six-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Franklin 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 Drew O. Inman and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 17-CR-40.
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Mexican Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Returning to the United States Following Two Prior DeportationsRead the Press Release
A Mexican man who illegally returned to the United States after two prior deportations was sentenced today to more than three months in federal prison.
Noel Ramirez-Bonifacio, age 31, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Humboldt, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 11, 2018, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
At the guilty plea, Ramirez-Bonifacio admitted he had previously been deported from the United States on February 24, 2007, and November 14, 2007, and that he illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. On November 10, 2017, immigration officials learned of Ramirez-Bonifacio’s illegal reentry into the United States following his arrest in Hamilton County, Iowa, for driving while license under suspension. On November 28, 2017, Ramirez-Bonifacio was found by immigration officers during a traffic stop in Hamilton County. Ramirez-Bonifacio had been convicted of possession of drug paraphernalia in Humboldt County in November 2014.
Ramirez-Bonifacio was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Ramirez-Bonifacio was sentenced to 105 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.
Ramirez-Bonifacio 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 the 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 17-CR-3054.
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Jury Convicts Tipton Man of Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who produced child pornography involving a prepubescent child and traded child pornography with others was convicted by a jury on Friday, March 23, 2018, after a four-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Christian Hansen, age 40, from Tipton, Iowa, was convicted of one count of sexual exploitation of a child, one count of sexually exploiting a child while being required to register as a sex offender, one count of distribution of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography, and five counts of possession of child pornography.
The evidence at trial showed that, in July 2017, Hansen took photos of a prepubescent child’s genital area and e-mailed the photos to others. Hansen also traded child pornography with others and possessed child pornography on multiple devices. At the time of these offenses, Hansen was required to register as a sex offender based on his 2011 Nebraska convictions for three counts of possession of child pornography.
Sentencing before Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Hansen remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Hansen faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 35 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 240 years’ imprisonment, a $2,250,000 fine, $45,900 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 Homeland Security Investigations, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Tipton Police Department, and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 17-99.
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Iowa Hospital to Pay $1.88 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Improper Inpatient Admission ClaimsRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – Genesis Medical Center, an acute care hospital in Davenport, has agreed to pay $1.88 million to the United States to resolve allegations it violated the False Claims Act.
The settlement resolves claims that, from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2016, Genesis violated the False Claims Act by improperly retaining Medicare overpayments for hospital inpatient admission claims when those claims should have been billed at the lower reimbursement rate for either outpatient or observation services. The False Claims Act claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
“Our office will aggressively use the False Claims Act to ensure all health care providers play by the same rules and taxpayers do not pay the bill for unnecessary services,” said Marc Krickbaum, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa. “This recovery sends the message to health care providers there will be consequences if they fail to comply with state and federal regulations. We also note and appreciate the hospital’s cooperation throughout the investigation.”
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa, in conjunction with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa, initiated this case. False Claims Act cases can also be brought under the qui tam provisions of the Act, which encourage whistleblowers to bring suit on behalf of the United States and share in any recovery.
Dubuque Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing GunRead the Press Release
A convicted felon and drug user who unlawfully possessed a loaded gun was sentenced on March 26, 2018, to more than two years in federal prison.
Todd Richard McDonald, age 49, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 16, 2017, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon and drug user. At the guilty plea, McDonald admitted that on June 15, 2017, he possessed a loaded revolver. McDonald had previously been convicted of a felony theft offense in 1994. He was also an unlawful user of methamphetamine and marijuana. Officers from the Dubuque Police Department found the loaded gun in McDonald’s car during a traffic stop. McDonald also had ammunition, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia in the car.
McDonald was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. McDonald was sentenced to 27 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), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
McDonald is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-cr-1033.
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Guatemalan Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Returning to the United States Following Prior DeportationRead the Press Release
A Guatemalan man who illegally returned to the United States was sentenced today to more than three months in federal prison.
Miguel Gallego-Cobo, age 45, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 18, 2018, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
At the guilty plea, Gallego-Cobo admitted he had previously been deported from the United States on December 6, 2013, and that he illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. On December 6, 2017, Gallego-Cobo was found by immigration officers during a traffic stop in Cedar Rapids.
Gallego-Cobo was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Gallego-Cobo was sentenced to 100 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.
Gallego-Cobo 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 the 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 17-CR-100.
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Mexican Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Returning to the United States Following Prior DeportationRead the Press Release
A Mexican man who illegally returned to the United States was sentenced today to three months in federal prison.
Alberto Garrido-Garrido, age 40, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Patch Grove, Wisconsin, received the prison term after a January 11, 2018, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
At the guilty plea, Garrido-Garrido admitted he had previously been deported from the United States on December 26, 2010, and that he illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Garrido-Garrido was also granted voluntary returns to Mexico in April 2004 and June 2009. On December 13, 2017, Garrido-Garrido was found by immigration officers at the Clayton County Jail in Elkader, Iowa, where he was serving jail time associated with a November 2007 conviction for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Garrido-Garrido violated the terms of his probation on the 2007 conviction and absconded from supervision in January 2008. Garrido-Garrido had also been convicted of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated in Winneshiek County in December 2006.
Garrido-Garrido was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Garrido-Garrido was sentenced to 92 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Garrido-Garrido 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 the 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 17-CR-1049.
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Wisconsin Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Enticing a MinorRead the Press Release
A man who enticed a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison on March 19, 2018.
Carson Sibley, age 26, from Lacrosse, Wisconsin, received the prison term after pleading guilty to one count of enticement of a minor. At the plea hearing, Sibley admitted that, in 2017, he persuaded a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. Information from the sentencing hearing showed that Sibley met minors while playing online video games. Sibley then communicated with these minors, sometimes while pretending to be female, to entice the minors into sending him sexually explicit pictures and videos. Sibley also twice travelled to Grundy County, Iowa, while hoping to have sex with a minor. Sibley had previously been convicted of child pornography offenses and was still on probation at the time he was enticing the minors in this case.
Sibley was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Sibley was sentenced to 360 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.
Sibley 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 Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the LaCrosse Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-53.
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Waterloo Drug User Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a Gun and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
A man who unlawfully possessed a loaded handgun and ammunition was sentenced on March 19, 2018, to nearly a year in federal prison.
Kamechie Coffer, age 20, originally from Mississippi but now residing in Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to one count of being a drug user in possession of ammunition. Information from the sentencing hearing showed that Coffer possessed a loaded handgun and multiple rounds of ammunition while riding in a car in Waterloo on July 16, 2017. Waterloo police stopped the car and then found the loaded handgun and individually packaged bags of marijuana. Coffer was arrested. While he was being transported to jail, he removed multiple bullets from his pockets and dropped them in the police car. While on release pending trial, Coffer violated his conditions of release by possessing a second gun.
Coffer was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Coffer was sentenced to ten 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. He is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-2075.
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Odebolt Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced March 20, 2018, to five years in federal prison.
Dennis Yorgensen, 59, from Odebolt, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 31, 2017, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Yorgensen was twice previously convicted of felony drug trafficking.
At the guilty plea, Yorgensen admitted his involvement in a conspiracy that distributed more than 350 grams of mixed methamphetamine from 2012 through March 2015 in the Sac, Ida and Crawford County, Iowa areas. Yorgensen purchased methamphetamine in various quantities, including ounce to multiple ounce quantities from various sources and would then break down the methamphetamine into smaller quantities to distribute to other persons.
Yorgensen was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Yorgensen was sentenced to 60 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. Yorgensen 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 Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Sac County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa DCI Criminalistics Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 15-4043.
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Eagle Grove Man Sentenced to over 28 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting and Extorting a ChildRead the Press Release
A thirty-year old man who sexually exploited a child and then extorted the minor was sentenced to more than 28 years in federal prison on March 19, 2018.
Jason Marvets, age 30, from Eagle Grove, Iowa, received the prison term after pleading guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of extortion. At the plea hearing, Marvets admitted that, between 2016 and 2017, he persuaded or coerced a child to send him sexually explicit depictions of herself. In a plea agreement, he admitted that this child was 11 and 12 years old and that he threatened to distribute depictions of her in order to get more depictions of her. In the plea agreement, he also admitted he obtained sexually explicit depictions from a 15-year-old child and threatened to ruin her life when she did not communicate with him.
Marvets was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Marvets was sentenced to 344 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a seven-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Marvets 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 Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Michigan State Police.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-3034.
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Guatemalan Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Document FraudRead the Press Release
A Guatemalan man who unlawfully used a fraudulent identification document was sentenced today to more than two months in federal prison.
Jose Lopez-Morales, age 36, a citizen of Guatemala residing in Independence, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 25, 2018, guilty plea to one count of unlawful use of identification documents.
At the guilty plea, Lopez-Morales admitted that on November 2, 2017, he used a fraudulent permanent resident card, bearing a fake name, when completing employment forms to obtain a job in Fairbank, Iowa. The social security account number used by Lopez-Morales on the employment forms belonged to a United States citizen and the lawful permanent resident number on the card was not assigned to him. On October 24, 2017, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested Lopez-Morales and his minor child in Arizona after they illegally entered the United States. On October 25, 2017, Lopez-Morales was released pending immigration proceedings. On December 5, 2017, Lopez-Morales reported to the immigration office in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and initially denied being illegally employed in the United States before admitting he worked under a false name in Fairbank.
Lopez-Morales was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Lopez-Morales was sentenced to 76 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Lopez-Morales 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 the 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 17-CR-2095.
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Nebraska Man to Federal Prison for Iowa Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced March 13, 2018, to sixteen years in federal prison.
Ryan Wilcox, 30, from Omaha, Nebraska, received the prison term after an October 13, 2017, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the guilty plea, Wilcox admitted his involvement in a conspiracy that distributed more than 500 grams of methamphetamine in the Sioux City area from January 2017 through about April 29, 2017. During a search of a hotel registered to Wilcox, law enforcement seized a digital scale, approximately 25 grams of methamphetamine, and a bag of syringes in the safe within the room and a large quantity of plastic baggies on top of the safe. During a post-Miranda interview, Wilcox admitted ownership of the methamphetamine and supplies in the hotel room.
Wilcox was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Leonard T. Strand. Wilcox was sentenced to 192 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve an 8-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Wilcox 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 Mikala M. Steenholdt and investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force consisting of officers from the Sioux City Police Department, South Sioux City Police Department, Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Drug Enforcement Administration, Iowa Criminalistics, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-4044. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Dubuque Felon Who Stole a Gun Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A convicted felon who stole a firearm from a vehicle and led police officers on a foot chase through residential backyards was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.
Friday Gardner, age 20, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 28, 2017, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. At the guilty plea, Gardner admitted he illegally possessed a loaded Taurus PT 740 handgun in April and May of 2017.
Information at the sentencing hearing showed that Gardner stole the gun from a car in Dubuque in April 2017. He was then caught in May 2017 after leading Dubuque police officers on a foot chase through residential backyards. Gardner threw the gun on the ground during the chase, but police found it that day. Gardner was a convicted felon with an active warrant out of Cook County, Illinois.
Gardner was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Gardner was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Gardner 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 Lyndie M. Freeman and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Guns, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17_CR-1035.
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Brothers from Ossian Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Two brothers from Ossian, Iowa, who sold opioids and illegally possessed numerous guns were each sentenced today to nearly four years in federal prison.
Kaleb Breitsprecher, age 22, received the prison term after an August 25, 2017 guilty plea to distributing heroin and possession of a firearm as an unlawful drug user. Cole Breitsprecher, age 24, received the prison term after a September 1, 2017 guilty plea to distribution of furanyl fentanyl and possession of a firearm as an unlawful drug user.
Evidence at a prior hearing showed that law enforcement purchased drugs from the brothers multiple times in April and May 2017. During one of the controlled buys, Cole Breitsprecher sold an aerosol bottle of liquid containing furanyl fentanyl, a potent analogue of fentanyl. During other controlled buys, Kaleb Breitsprecher sold baggies of heroin. During June 2017 searches at their respective residences in Ossian, law enforcement seized 12 guns. Each brother possessed a Bushmaster rifle with multiple high-capacity magazines. Both brothers admitted to being unlawful users of heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana.
“The Breitsprechers endangered the entire community by unlawfully possessing guns while using drugs,” said United States Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr. “They also sold heroin and furanyl fentanyl, presenting a grave risk to everyone who bought these incredibly dangerous opioids.”
The Breitsprechers were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Kaleb Breitsprecher was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment. Cole Breitsprecher was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment and fined $5,000. Each must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Both men are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Northeast Iowa Drug Task Force and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-2053-LRR.
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Waterloo Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison after Illegally Possessing Gun Used in Shooting of 17 Year-Old BoyRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man who illegally possessed a gun he used to shoot a minor was sentenced today to the maximum allowed under the law, ten years in prison.
Eric Cortez Sallis, age 27, from Waterloo, Iowa received the prison term after a July 14, 2017, guilty plea to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon.
At the guilty plea, Sallis admitted that on December 10, 2016, he illegally possessed a loaded Sig Sauer 9mm handgun. Police located the gun during a search of an apartment in Waterloo. Evidence at the sentencing hearing established that Sallis had shot another person on November 27, 2016. On that day, while at a residence in Waterloo, Sallis confronted a 17 year-old boy. During the confrontation, Sallis shot the boy three times. The victim was taken to Allen Memorial Hospital and treated for gunshot wounds. Law enforcement examined the gun that police seized on December 10 and determined it was the gun used in the shooting. Sallis admitted to shooting the victim at the sentencing hearing.
Sallis was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Sallis was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Sallis is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams and was investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-2017.
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Settlement Between Department of Justice and Western Union will Provide $586 Million to Victims of FraudRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa is reminding consumers that if they lost money to a scammer through Western Union between January 1, 2004, and January 1h, 2017, they can submit a claim to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to potentially get their money back. The deadline to do so has been extended to May 31, 2018.
These potential refunds for consumers are the result of joint investigations by the FTC, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Western Union agreed to pay a $586 million settlement, and that money will be used to provide refunds. Once a consumer’s claim is verified by the DOJ, the amount of money returned to the consumer will depend on the total number of valid claims submitted.
Consumers who wish to file a claim or learn more about the refund process can visit the Western Union Refunds page on the FTC’s website at FTC.gov/WU. Consumers may also call 1-844-319-2124 to start a claim.
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Sioux City Man Sentenced for Child Pornography Offense and Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
A lawful permanent resident who possessed child pornography and more than a half pound of cocaine was sentenced on March 12, 2018, to more than seven years in federal prison.
Jose Ramon Ortega-Ramirez, 23, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 1, 2017 guilty plea to one count of possession of child pornography and one count of possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing cocaine.
In a plea agreement, Ortega-Ramirez admitted that he possessed images conveying nude images of a minor. Ortega-Ramirez admitted that he also possessed images and videos of the minor engaging in sexually explicit activity. Ortega-Ramirez was aware that the minor was under the age of 18 at the time.
In a plea agreement, Ortega-Ramirez also admitted that law enforcement intercepted a package from Mexico containing approximately 290.70 grams of cocaine. The package was addressed to “Jhon Smith” and had Ortega-Ramirez’s address on it. On August 4, 2017, law enforcement executed a controlled delivery of the package at Ortega-Ramirez’s residence. On this day, Ortega-Ramirez approached the undercover agent, identified himself as “Jhon Smith,” signed for the package, and brought it into his home. Shortly thereafter, officers executed a search warrant on the residence and found the package in Ortega-Ramirez’s bedroom hidden underneath a blanket on his bed. After his arrest, Ortega-Ramirez claimed that he had accepted the package on behalf of the tenants in the upstairs apartment who he knew to sell cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. He claimed he expected to receive marijuana as compensation. Shortly after the interview ended, Ortega-Ramirez attempted to escape from police custody by running approximately thirty feet and jumping over a second floor railing that was approximately twenty feet off the ground. Before defendant could escape, five law enforcement officers subdued him.
Ortega-Ramirez was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Ortega-Ramirez was sentenced to 90 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Ortega-Ramirez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Duax and Special Assistant United States Attorney Ajay Alexander, and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-4049 and 17-CR-4066.
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Monticello Man Charged with Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gregory Stephen, age 42, from Monticello, Iowa, has been charged with one count of knowingly transporting child pornography across state lines. The charge is contained in a Complaint filed today in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Complaint alleges that, in January 2018, Stephen transported a recording device containing child pornography from Illinois to Iowa. The Complaint alleges the recording device contained video clips believed to depict young, non-adult disrobed male individuals. Based on the investigation, the male individuals do not appear to be aware they were being recorded.
If convicted, Stephen faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of twenty years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Stephen appeared today in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was held without bond. Stephen’s next appearance for a preliminary hearing and detention hearing is set for March 15, 2018.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Monticello Police Department, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-MJ-74.
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Dubuque Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Trafficking and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute pounds of methamphetamine and launder drug proceeds pled guilty on March 12, 2018, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Derek Richard Rath, age 35, of Dubuque, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Evidence at a prior court proceeding showed that Rath received several multi-pound shipments of ice methamphetamine through the mail, which he then resold in Dubuque. Evidence showed that Anthony McCarron mailed the methamphetamine from Phoenix, Arizona, to Rath from September 2016 to June 2017. Rath also shipped large quantities of cash to McCarron to pay for each shipment of methamphetamine. At the plea hearing, Rath admitted that he and McCarron used aliases when shipping the drugs and money. McCarron previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to commit money laundering on October 30, 2017.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Rath remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Rath faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $40,000,000 fine, and at least 10 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman and was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force, 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 17-CR-1042-LTS. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Clarion Man to Prison for Escape ConvictionRead the Press Release
A man who escaped from custody was sentenced today to more than two years in federal prison. Chad Stocks, age 37, from Clarion, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 13, 2017, guilty plea to one count of escape from custody. Stocks was also sentenced on a revocation of supervised release based on his admissions to several violations of the terms and conditions of his supervised release following his prior federal felony drug and firearm convictions.
At the guilty plea, Stocks admitted he escaped from the residential facility in Mason City, Iowa. In 2007, Stocks was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He was released from prison on April 14, 2017, and entered the Beje Clark Residential Release Center on April 19, 2017. He was to be released from the center on July 3, 2017. However, on June 21, 2017, after violating several conditions of his release, Stocks left the facility without permission and did not return.
Stocks was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Stocks was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment on the escape conviction and 21 months’ imprisonment on the release violations, for a total of 33 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Stocks 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 U.S. Marshals Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-3038. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sanborn Man Pleads Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty today, on March 9, 2018, in federal court in Sioux City.
Mark Jenkins, 51, from Sanborn, Iowa, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
In a plea agreement, Jenkins admitted that from 2015 through January 10, 2018, he was involved in the distribution of multi-pound quantities of methamphetamine while residing less than a block away from a public middle school. Jenkins admitted to transporting up to five-pound quantities of methamphetamine at a time from a source in Omaha, Nebraska. Jenkins admitted to selling numerous firearms in the past and keeping as much as $100,000 stashed away. At the time of his arrest, Jenkins and a co-conspirator were found in possession of approximately 177.89 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Jenkins remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Jenkins faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, $100 in special assessments, and 5 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The arrest and prosecution of Jenkins was the result of a long-term investigation spanning over three years and involved extensive cooperation between various law enforcement agencies. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Ajay Alexander and was investigated by the Iowa Great Lakes Drug Task Force, assisted by the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office, Sheldon Police Department, Sanborn Police Department, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa Department of Public Safety, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the DEA Tri-State Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-CR-4004-LTS.
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