Northern District of Iowa
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Iowa Businessman Pleads Guilty to Failing to Pay Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA—A Forest City, Iowa, businessman pleaded guilty today in federal court to failing to pay employment taxes, announced U.S. Attorney Kevin W. Techau of the Northern District of Iowa and Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
Darrell Smith, 60, was charged in an indictment in January 2016 with multiple counts of willfully failing to collect, truthfully account for and pay federal employment taxes that were withheld from the wages of employees of Permeate Refining Inc., an ethanol-production business in Hopkinton, Iowa.
“Mr. Smith’s attempt to dodge his legal obligation to account for and pay employment taxes did not go unchecked, and he will now be held accountable for his criminal conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Techau.
“Today’s plea reaffirms commitment to prosecuting employers who willfully fail to comply with their employment tax obligations,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo. “Working with our law enforcement partners in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Department of Justice will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute those who seek to cheat the U.S. Treasury and gain an unfair advantage over their competitors.”
At his guilty plea hearing, Smith admitted that he collected and willfully failed to account for and pay over to the IRS $85,267 for the second quarter of 2012. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Smith faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison as well as a term of supervised release and monetary penalties. Smith’s co-defendant Randy Less pleaded guilty on June 14 to failing to pay employment taxes and violating the Clean Water Act.
A sentencing date has not yet been set. Smith faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison as well as a term of supervised release and monetary penalties.
U.S. Attorney Techau and Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo thanked special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, who investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Vavricek of the Northern District of Iowa and Trial Attorney Matthew Hoffman of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division’s Employment Tax Enforcement efforts may be found here.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 16-CR-2002-LTS.
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Crawford County Woman to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced June 21, 2016, to five years in federal prison.
Katja Bails, 36, from Kiron, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 17, 2015, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the guilty plea, Bails admitted that from about 2012 and continuing through November 2014 she was involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than 5,000 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine. Bails traveled periodically from the Denison, Iowa, area to Omaha, Nebraska to obtain large quantities of methamphetamine which she then distributed in the Denison and Ida Grove, Iowa areas.
Bails was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Bails was sentenced to 60 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.
Bails is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Ida County Sheriff’s Office, Denison Police Department, and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 14-4086.
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Former City Clerk Sentenced to Prison for Stealing More Than $470,000Read the Press Release
A woman who used her position as the city clerk for the City of Garwin to steal more than $470,000 in public funds was sentenced yesterday to 28 months in federal prison.
Anna Leytham from Garwin, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to theft of public funds.
In a plea agreement, Leytham admitted that she held a position of public trust as the city clerk and that her position of trust contributed significantly to the commission and concealment of her crime. At sentencing, she agreed that she stole more than $470,000 from the city, including $397,601.12 she stole to make payments on her personal credit cards. Leytham also agreed she owes more than $485,000 in restitution, which includes costs the city incurred to conduct the audit that discovered the breadth of her crime.
Leytham was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Leytham was sentenced to 28 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and she was ordered to make a total of $485,629.01 in restitution to the city and the city’s insurance company. She must also serve term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The citizens of Garwin deserve better from their public officials as do all Iowans,” stated United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau. “Betraying the public’s trust and wasting tax dollars is a crime we take very seriously. Those who choose to ignore federal law will be held accountable, just as this sentence holds Ms. Leytham accountable.”
Leytham was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacob A. Schunk and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 16-CR-7.
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Elder Justice Task Force Launched and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day RecognizedRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Nursing facilities and other institutions do not always provide the care and dignity that elderly residents deserve, and millions of elderly Americans suffer each year from other forms of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Facility and institutional failures to provide the care the government pays for results in the waste of government resources and potentially lethal consequences to beneficiaries. Speaking only of the financial impact of elder abuse, it is estimated that elderly Americans lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to financial abuse or exploitation. It occurs in every demographic, and it can happen to anyone.
With this backdrop, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa was selected as one of 10 nationwide districts to form an Elder Justice Task Force (http://go.usa.gov/cSngj). The task force is being assembled to foster a collaborative working relationship among all levels of government officials, advocacy groups for the elderly and the disabled, and others charged with the care and protection for these vulnerable groups. The goals include ensuring the integrity of all government expenditures by eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse in health programs, and protecting some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens from harm, whether it occurs in nursing homes or other institutions or involves financial fraud schemes.
Earlier today, United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau discussed the goals of the task force during a press conference held at the Oakhill Jackson Community Church in Cedar Rapids. The church serves as a Senior Center during the week.
Techau stated, “It is most appropriate that last Thursday World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was celebrated globally, and that I am now able to announce that the Elder Justice Task Force will have its first meeting June 27th. The charge of the task force is simple—protect the state’s most vulnerable citizens by making certain that those charged with serving them provide the care to which they are entitled and to hold accountable those who seek to financially exploit them.”
Techau noted that the office has rededicated its efforts and resources to investigate and hold accountable those who have been involved in activities incompatible with ensuring that the state’s more vulnerable citizens are treated with dignity and respect. A health care fraud auditor and paralegal have joined the office and are working closely with an Assistant United States Attorney and health care fraud paralegal. Bolstering the commitment to hold accountable those who take action inconsistent with recognized rules, regulations and criminal laws has paid dividends.
Last year the office held accountable a national home health care agency for not following the rules when making claims for payment. The rules of both Medicare and the state of Iowa’s Medicaid program required an independent physician to certify that home healthcare services were medically necessary and to order the specific type and amount of healthcare services to be provided by the home health agency. Additionally, Medicare and Iowa Medicaid rules required these independent physicians to perform an in-person “face-to-face” assessment of each patient before the home health agency could bill the government for any home healthcare services. The home health care agency ignored these rules and by doing so violated the False Claims Act. A settlement was reached resolving allegations that for the five year period beginning 2009 the company billed the government for services provided to Medicare and Medicaid patients in Iowa without documenting compliance with these requirements. The company agreed to pay $5.6 million to the United States and the State of Iowa to resolve the allegations.
More recently the office indicted a woman who prayed on an out of state elderly couple. This mail fraud scheme involved the defendant making false representations and promises to an elderly woman claiming she had won a lottery, sweepstakes, or otherwise was entitled to large sums of money. The victim was told the winnings or funds could be claimed only if she would first mail the defendant money for purported taxes, fees, or similar alleged prerequisites for payment. In truth, no such winnings existed and the telephone calls were designed only to permanently deprive the victim and her husband, a resident of a long-term care facility with dementia, of their money. Like many senior citizens in the United States, the couple received unsolicited telephone calls; they even changed their telephone number to avoid unsolicited calls, but such calls nonetheless resumed after they changed their phone number. The defendant has recently pled to two counts of mail fraud and one count of using a fictitious name in that fraud. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was launched on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. It is celebrated annually on or around June 15th. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.
The United States Attorney’s Office celebrates this day and is committed to being vigilant each and every day to ensure our senior citizens are treated with the dignity and respect they so deeply deserve.
To learn more about the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative, visit: https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/
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Media Advisory: Elder Justice Task Force LaunchedRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The United States Attorney’s Office was selected as one of 10 nationwide districts to form an Elder Justice Task Force (http://go.usa.gov/cSngj). The task force’s charge is to foster a collaborative working relationship among all levels of government, advocacy groups, and others charged with the care and protection of our more vulnerable citizens. Ensuring the integrity of all government expenditures by eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse in health programs and protecting seniors from financial fraud schemes are primary goals of the task force.
U.S. Attorney Kevin W. Techau will be present at the press conference and will be joined by some task force members. This event is being held at an area church that serves as a senior center and congregate lunch location during the week. Seniors will be present.
Event Details
When: Monday, June 20, 2016
Where: Oakhill Jackson Community Church, 1202 10th St. S.E., Cedar Rapids, IA
Time: 11:00 a.m.
A press release will be provided and interview opportunities will be available.
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Iowa Businessman Pleads Guilty for Failing to Pay Employment Taxes and Violating Clean Water ActRead the Press Release
An Iowa businessman pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to failing to pay employment taxes and violating the Clean Water Act, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Kevin W. Techau of the Northern District of Iowa.
Randy Less, 49, of Hopkinton, Iowa, was charged in an indictment in January 2016 with multiple counts of willfully failing to collect, truthfully account for and pay federal income, social security and Medicare taxes that were withheld from the wages of employees of Permeate Refining Inc., an ethanol production business in Hopkinton.
“Mr. Less made the choice to ignore his employment tax obligations, and will now pay a price for his criminal conduct,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo. “We are committed to holding accountable those employers who take advantage of their employees, their competitors and the U.S. Treasury.”
“The United States takes very seriously its obligation to ensure that employers collect, account for and pay taxes withheld from the wages of their employees,” said U.S. Attorney Techau. “Environmental crimes that involve polluting Iowa’s waterways are serious matters. Violations of our environmental laws impact our communities both now and in years to come.”
“Business owners have a responsibility to withhold income taxes for their employees and then remit those taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS),” said Special Agent in Charge Karl Stiften of IRS Criminal Investigation. “The failure to pay over withheld taxes is a serious offense. IRS Criminal Investigation vigorously pursues anyone who collects taxes and fails to timely remit those taxes.”
“Iowa’s waterways are not dumping grounds,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Justin Oesterreich of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) criminal enforcement program in Iowa. “Mr. Less admitted that he knowingly discharged or caused to be discharged production wastewater into a tributary of the Maquoketa River without a permit to do so, putting public health, wildlife and the environment at risk. This case demonstrates that EPA takes seriously its commitment to protect our natural resources and the communities that rely upon them.”
At his guilty plea proceeding, Less admitted that as the majority owner, general partner and general manager of Permeate Refining, he had the responsibility to collect, truthfully account for and pay over to the IRS the taxes withheld from his employees’ wages.
Less also pleaded guilty yesterday to an information, which the government filed the same day, charging him with violations of the Clean Water Act. Less admitted that in July 2013, he knowingly discharged or caused to be discharged ethanol, a pollutant, from Permeate Refining Inc. into an unnamed tributary of the Maquoketa River without a permit to do so.
A sentencing date has not yet been set. Less faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the tax charge and a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on the Clean Water Act charge.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo and U.S. Attorney Techau thanked special agents of the IRS-Criminal Investigation, FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and EPA, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Vavricek of the Northern District of Iowa and Trial Attorney Matthew Hoffman of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Iowa Businessman Pleads Guilty for Failing to Pay Employment Taxes and Violating Clean Water ActRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – An Iowa businessman pled guilty yesterday in federal court to failing to pay employment taxes and violating the Clean Water Act, announced U.S. Attorney Kevin W. Techau of the Northern District of Iowa and Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
Randy Less, 49, of Hopkinton, Iowa, was charged in an Indictment in January 2016 with multiple counts of willfully failing to collect, truthfully account for and pay federal income, social security and Medicare taxes that were withheld from the wages of employees of Permeate Refining Inc., an ethanol production business in Hopkinton.
At his guilty plea proceeding, Less admitted that as the majority owner, general partner and general manager of Permeate Refining, he had the responsibility to collect, truthfully account for and pay over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) the taxes withheld from his employees’ wages.
Less also pled guilty yesterday to an Information charging him with violations of the Clean Water Act that the government filed on the same day. Less admitted that in July 2013, he knowingly discharged or caused to be discharged ethanol, a pollutant, from Permeate Refining Inc. into an unnamed tributary of the Maquoketa River without a permit to do so.
“The United States takes very seriously its obligation to ensure that employers collect, account for, and pay taxes withheld from the wages of their employees,” stated United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau. He further added, “Environmental crimes that involve polluting Iowa’s waterways are serious matters. Violations of our environmental laws impact our communities both now and in years to come.”
“Mr. Less made the choice to ignore his employment tax obligations, and will now pay a price for his criminal conduct,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo. “We are committed to holding accountable those employers who take advantage of their employees, their competitors, and the U.S. Treasury.”
“Business owners have a responsibility to withhold income taxes for their employees and then remit those taxes to the Internal Revenue Service,” said Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. “The failure to pay over withheld taxes is a serious offense. IRS Criminal Investigation vigorously pursues anyone who collects taxes and fails to timely remit those taxes.”
“Iowa’s waterways are not dumping grounds,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Justin Oesterreich of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) criminal enforcement program in Iowa. “Mr. Less admitted that he knowingly discharged or caused to be discharged production wastewater into a tributary of the Maquoketa River without a permit to do so, putting public health, wildlife and the environment at risk. This case demonstrates that EPA takes seriously its commitment to protect our natural resources and the communities that rely upon them.”
A sentencing date has not yet been set. Less faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the tax charge and a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the Clean Water Act charge.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo and U.S. Attorney Techau thanked special agents of the IRS Criminal Investigation, FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Vavricek of the Northern District of Iowa and Trial Attorney Matthew Hoffman of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
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Cold Case Murder SolvedRead the Press Release
The men responsible for Tony “T-Bone” Canfield’s death pled guilty today in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa.
Courtland Clark, age 26, from Flowery Branch, Georgia, Robert Beaver, age 35, from Sioux City, Iowa, and Devery Hibbler, age 26, from Dumas, Arkansas, were convicted of one count of interference with commerce by robbery. In addition, Clark and Hibbler also pled guilty to one count of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence causing death.
Evidence at the change of plea hearings revealed: at about 11:00 pm on May 1, 2011, in Sioux City, Iowa, Beaver, Clark, and Hibbler, armed with a single loaded handgun, entered Tony Canfield's home to rob him of his marijuana and his marijuana proceeds. Beaver beat and held Canfield's wife while Clark and Hibbler struggled with, and physically robbed Canfield. Canfield resisted his attackers and attempted to escape the robbery by fleeing from his home. Canfield did not make it to safety; he was shot to death on his front porch by Hibbler.
The three defendants escaped the crime scene and successfully concealed their crimes for nearly five years. They were charged in a Superseding Indictment on April, 19, 2016.
Canfield was targeted for robbery because he was a marijuana dealer whose illegal interstate business earned him large sums of cash. The robbery and murder affected interstate commerce allowing for federal prosecution of the case.
United States Attorney Kevin Techau stated: “This case is a fine example of persistence and cooperation by the Sioux City Police Department, Woodbury County Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Despite a number of obstacles along the way, these three agencies, along with the United States Attorney’s Office, never stopped working toward solving this murder, and bringing those responsible to justice. This case gives notice to those who would commit acts of violence in our communities that no matter what the difficulties, and no matter how long it takes, we will investigate and prosecute such acts of violence to the full extent of the law.”
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative local, state and federal program aimed at the enhanced prosecution of gun crimes. The case was referred to the United States Attorney’s Office by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Clark, Hibbler, and Beaver remain in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Pursuant to plea agreements: Hibbler has agreed to serve 35 years in federal prison without the possibility of parole or the right to appeal his conviction and Beaver has agreed to serve 20 years in federal prison without the possibility of parole or the right to appeal his conviction. As charged, all three defendants, (i.e., Clark, Beaver, and Hibbler, each) faced up to life in prison without the possibility of parole, fines of up to $500,000.00, $200.00 in special assessments and up to five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sioux City Iowa Police Department, and the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 16-4009.
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Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Senior CitizensRead the Press Release
Tea Lynette Ware, 36, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids to two counts of mail fraud and one count of using a fictitious name in that fraud.
At the plea hearing, and in a plea agreement, Ware admitted that from about September 2015 through February 2016, Ware intentionally participated in a scheme to defraud an elderly Illinois woman in which false representations and promises were made to the elderly woman claiming she had won a lottery, sweepstakes, or otherwise was entitled to large sums of money. The victim was also told the winnings or funds could be claimed only if she would first mail Ware money for purported taxes, fees, or similar alleged prerequisites for payment. In truth, no such winnings existed and the telephone calls were designed only to permanently deprive the victim and her husband, a resident of a long-term care facility with dementia, of their money. Like many senior citizens in the United States, the couple received unsolicited telephone calls; they even changed their telephone number to avoid unsolicited calls, but such calls nonetheless resumed after they changed their phone number.
In her plea agreement, Ware admitted that, in October 2015, she received $29,000 in two checks from the victim. In the plea agreement, Ware has agreed to make full restitution to the victims. She also agreed to forfeit any proceeds of her crime. The government seized $40,000 prior to Ware’s Indictment.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Ware remains free on terms and conditions of release previously set pending sentencing. Ware faces a possible maximum sentence of 45 years’ imprisonment, a $750,000 fine, $300 in special assessments, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 16-CR-27-LRR.
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Waterloo/Black Hawk County Town Hall Discusses Heroin Epidemic and Treatment OptionsRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Last night the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Northern District of Iowa hosted a town hall at the Waterloo Center for the Arts to discuss treatment options available to tackle the opioid and heroin epidemic facing the greater Waterloo and Black Hawk County community. The community joined Cedar Rapids and Dubuque to fight this threat with the assistance of the Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative, which recently held a meeting in Davenport sponsored by the USAO for the Southern District of Iowa.
Every day, 44 people in the United States die from overdose of prescription painkillers. Yearly, overdose deaths exceed motor vehicle or firearms deaths. The most recent data available indicates that in 2014, over 47,000 people in the U.S. died from drug overdoses with more than half of that number being caused by prescription painkillers and heroin. The most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated over 900,000 Americans reported using heroin in 2014, reflecting a 35% increase from the previous year.
United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau offered his assessment of the challenge facing the community in his opening comments stating, “The rise of heroin and the misuse of prescription opioids in Iowa is one of our biggest challenges to public health and public safety. It threatens our communities, families, and children. Heroin use and the prescription drug misuse are intertwined and both must be addressed. The meeting tonight will discuss all aspects of the problem so we can work together with our federal, state, and local partners to fight this growing epidemic through a combination of enforcement, prevention, education, and treatment.”
Following comments made by U.S. Attorney Techau and Black Hawk County Sheriff Tony Thompson, the Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative Coordinator, Cedar Rapids Police Office Al Fear, discussed how the initiative was started and the importance of community involvement to address the epidemic. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Reinert provided a detailed picture of the threat facing eastern Iowa. The threat was made more real when a mother who lost her son to heroin spoke about how his drug use and death impacted their family. Treatment options were outlined by Pathways Behavioral Services, Inc. and Horizons Family Centered Recovery Program.
A Question and Answer panel discussion engaged those attending and was followed by the Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative launching C.R.U.S.H. (Community Resources United to Stop Heroin), which is a community outreach initiative designed to involve schools, law enforcement, treatment providers, community leaders and health care organizations to address the growing epidemic. This community response was recently initiated in Linn, Dubuque and Clinton counties. Attendees were encouraged to join and told they could do so by texting “Heroin” to 51555.
To learn more about the Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative, visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/EasternIowaHeroinInitiative.
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Railroad Derailments: Preparedness is the Key to Ensure Public SafetyRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Last August, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa organized and hosted the Iowa Railroad Safety Symposium on the Des Moines Area Community College campus in Ankeny, Iowa. The purpose of the program was to bring together members of the various disciplines and agencies that work in all aspects of public safety at the federal, state and local level to better understand and be better prepared to address safety challenges connected to railroad, pipeline, and hazardous materials transportation.
Since the Symposium was held, the Iowa Department of Transportation and the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department completed a study of crude oil and biofuels railroad transportation incident response preparedness in Iowa, which provides excellent information and analysis on several of the topics discussed last August. The final study is called the Iowa Crude Oil and Biofuels Rail Transportation Study.
The full study as well as summary documents can be found at: http://www.iowadot.gov/iowarail.
The oil train derailment that occurred in Oregon last week again demonstrates the importance of continued vigilance of federal, state and local agencies in working together to be prepared to address safety challenges connected to railroad, pipeline, and hazardous materials transportation. An AP story on that derailment can be found at:
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/oil-train-derailment-fire-damaged-oregon-city-water-39626260.
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Peosta Warehouseman Pleads Guilty to Stealing over $400,000 and to Making False Statements to Obtain LoansRead the Press Release
A Dubuque area man, who sold over $400,000 worth of goods from his employer using the Internet, pled guilty today to mail and financial fraud charges in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Chad Michael Saeugling, 39, currently from Asbury, Iowa, was convicted of one count of mail fraud and two counts of making a false statement to a financial institution.
At the plea hearing, and in a written plea agreement, Saeugling admitted he was employed as a supervisor at a Peosta, Iowa, warehouse between 2004 and 2014. Beginning no later than calendar year 2009, and continuing until August 2014, Saeugling executed a scheme to defraud his employer by selling the company’s goods on the Internet. Specifically, Saeugling advertised goods found in the warehouse on eBay, an Internet marketplace. Once an eBay shopper paid him for items, often using PayPal, Saeugling placed his own UPS or FedEx shipping label on the stolen goods, and then shipped the stolen goods out of the warehouse along with the items the company was shipping to its customers. Saeugling then, to further evade detection, used his access to the computerized inventory system to falsely adjust the stolen item out of the company’s inventory.
Shortly after Saeugling’s mail fraud scheme was discovered (and his employer fired him), Saeugling agreed to purchase a house from his father. In order to secure a home mortgage loan for the property in late 2014, Saeugling made a false statement concerning his income to a federally insured credit union. Saeugling also falsely told the credit union that his father had gifted him $22,000 to purchase the home when, in truth, Saeugling had previously supplied his father with the money, which his father then routed through two different bank accounts before providing the it back to Saeugling at the time of closing on the home.
Finally, in early 2015, Saeugling and his wife applied for a home-equity loan on the house he had purchased from his father. In that application he submitted false statements to his credit union. To receive the home equity loan, Saeugling later made another false statement to the credit union concerning his income.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Saeugling remains free subject to certain terms and conditions pending sentencing. He faces a possible maximum sentence of 80 years’ imprisonment, a $2.25 million fine, $300 in special assessments, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by 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-1023-LRR.
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Black Diamond Dog Kennel Owner Indicted for Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - Gerhard L. Felts, aka Gary Felts, age 61, from Kingsley, Iowa, has been charged with three counts of making false statements to the United States in connection with a civil judgment obtained against Felts for Animal Welfare Act violations. The charges are contained in an Indictment unsealed yesterday, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictment alleges the United States obtained a civil judgment against Gary Felts dba Black Diamond Kennel on March 25, 2011, based upon the conditions of his dog kennel. The Indictment further alleges Felts repeatedly provided false financial information to the United States in connection with the United States’ efforts to collect the debt. In doing so, Felts failed to disclose a checking account opened in April 2011, a savings account opened in April 2013, and his receipt of workers compensation payments in the amount of $25,000 in April 2013.
“The United States takes very seriously its obligation to collect debts from those who violate the Animal Welfare Act. False statements in that process will not be tolerated,” stated United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau.
If convicted on all charges, Felts faces a sentence of up to fifteen years’ imprisonment; a fine of up to $750,000; $300 in special assessments, and three year of supervised release following any imprisonment.
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 Matthew J. Cole and was investigated by US Department of Agriculture. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 16-cr-49.
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Media Advisory: Waterloo/Black Hawk County Town Hall Meeting Heroin Epidemic & Community Treatment OptionsRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The United States Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative, has scheduled a Waterloo/Black Hawk County Town Hall Meeting on June 8th to discuss the heroin epidemic making its way into Eastern Iowa. Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S., with 47,055 lethal drug overdoses in 2014. Opioid addiction is driving this epidemic, with 18,893 overdose deaths related to prescription pain relievers, and 10,574 overdose deaths related to heroin in 2014. Waterloo joins other Iowa cities facing this threat.
Viewed as a national challenge requiring a community solution, the meeting will bring the community together to exchange information and to discuss strategies to address the epidemic plaguing our state. A guest speaker will share her story of her son’s involvement and death from heroin use. A “Call to Action” will be introduced to the community by the Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative.
Visit www.faceboook.com/EasternIowaHeroinInitiative to learn more.
U.S. Attorney Kevin W. Techau will be present. The event is open to the public.
Event Details
When: June 8, 2016 (flyer is attached)
Where: Waterloo Center for the Arts, 225 Commercial Street, Waterloo, IA
Time: Begins at 6:00 p.m., and ends at 8:00 p.m.
waterloo_town_hall_flyer.pdf
Press wishing to attend should contact AUSA Steve Young at 319-731-4037, or by emailing him at [email protected].
20 People Charged in Methamphetamine and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
Michael Vincent Woodbury Bent, 37, Dennis Sharkey II, 50, Adam Fullbright, 37, Chris Nauman, 30, John Husemann, 51 all of Dubuque, Iowa, Heather Harris, 37, Zach Miller, 27, and Jacob Burton, 35, all of Waterloo, Iowa, and Edward Behrens, 50, of Benton, Wisconsin, have been charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Bent and Fullbright have been charged with an additional count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Chad Ellis Weyland, 38, Deis Ray, 40, Jay Seehase, 37, and Kevin Hemmer,41, all of Waterloo, Iowa, have been charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Weyland has been charged with an additional count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Aldo Omar Lopez Martinez, 22, Adan Sanchez-Chavez, a/k/a Osbaldo Nieto Arreola, a/k/a Osbaldo Martinez Arreola, 25, Roque Rodriguez Arellano, 32, Susana Martinez Arreola, 29, and Michael Corwin, 30, all of Marshalltown, Iowa, and Alejandro Hernandez, 38, and Alfredo Morales, 25, of Des Moines, Iowa, have been charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Lopez Martinez, Sanchez-Chavez, and Martinez Arreola have been charged with an additional count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The charges are contained in three Indictments filed on May 26, 2016, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictments allege that, starting as early as the summer of 2013, and continuing until May 2016, the defendants conspired with each other and persons known and unknown to the grand jury to distribute methamphetamine.
If convicted, unless noted below, these individuals face a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, $100 in special assessments, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment. Weyland, Lopez Martinez, Sanchez-Chavez, Ray, Seehase, Bent, and Sharkey face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, $100 in special assessments, and five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Weyland, Fullbright, Lopez Martinez, Sanchez-Chavez, Rodriguez Arellano, Martinez Arreola, Hernandez, Morales, Bent, Sharkey, and Behrens appeared on June 3, 2016, in federal court in Cedar Rapids and all were held without bond, except for Rodriguez Arellano and Fullbright. Their next appearance for trial is set for July 18, 2016.
Ray, Hemmer, Harris, and Burton appeared on May 31, 2016. Ray and Burton were held without bond. Harris and Hemmer were released on bond. Their next appearance for trial is set for July 18, 2016. Nauman and Husemann appeared on June 2, 2016. Husemann was released on bond and Nauman was held without bond. Their next appearance for trial is set for July 18, 2016.
Corwin’s, Seehase’s, and Miller’s, first appearance in federal court in Cedar Rapids for an arraignment will be set for a future date.
Weyland, Sharkey, Bent, Behrens, Lopez Martinez, Sanchez-Chavez, Rodriguez Arellano, Martinez Arreola, Morales, and Hernandez were previously arrested via a federal criminal complaint which was executed simultaneously with the execution of 29 federal search warrants across Iowa and in Wisconsin.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of Federal Bureau of Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force (Waterloo Police Department; Cedar Falls Police Department; Waverly Police Department; Bremer County Sheriff’s Office; Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office; LaPorte City Police Department; Evansdale Police Department; Hudson Police Department), Mid Iowa Drug Task Force (Marshalltown Police Department; Marshall County Sheriff’s Office; Tama County), and Dubuque Drug Task Force (Dubuque Police Department; Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office).
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file numbers are 16-cr-1021, 16-cr-2027, and 16-cr-2028.
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Dubuque Hosts Forum to Discuss Hate CrimesRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa invited the citizens of Dubuque to participate last night in a forum to discuss hate crimes and bias incidents. A representative from the Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service (CRS) served as the moderator.
Pursuant to the Hate Crimes Protection Act, CRS is authorized to work with communities to help them develop the capacity to prevent and respond more effectively to violent hate crimes allegedly committed on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or disability. CRS is a remarkably unique federal component dedicated to assisting state and local units of government, private and public organizations, and community groups develop local capacity to prevent racial and ethnic tensions.
Joining in the forum were representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Dubuque County Attorney and Sheriff’s Offices, Dubuque Police Department, and the city’s Human Rights Commission. The forum was sponsored by “4 the People, Inc.,” an Iowa nonprofit corporation that focuses on education, civic engagement, economic well-being, safety and health.
United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau expressed appreciation to the agencies involved and the community members attending for their willingness to discuss in a positive way an issue communities across the country sometimes encounter. Techau stated, “The Department of Justice is committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of all people. Last night’s meeting was an opportunity to discuss the topic of hate crimes in a safe environment. Hate crimes represent an attack not just on the individual victim but also on the victim's community. The impact is broader because they send a message of hate. They are intended to create fear. Hate crimes diminish us all. We are committed to working with all communities to address the issue by working to prevent hate crimes as well as investigate and prosecute hate crimes whenever and wherever necessary.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Morfitt provided information on the federal statutes that criminalize various types of hate crimes. He covered the evolution of federal hate crime law and the recent expansion of the groups protected by federal hate crime laws.
Morfitt emphasized that the defining characteristic of a federal hate crime is that the actions must have been motivated by hate and that an individual cannot be found guilty federally unless the government proves the person acted “because of” the victim’s status as a member of a protected group. As an example, Morfitt pointed to the case of United States of America v. Randy Metcalf, where the government recently proved at trial that a Dubuque resident had assaulted an African American man in a local bar because of his race.
Presentations were made by the Dubuque County Attorney and Sheriff, Chief of Police, FBI Resident Agent in Charge for Iowa-Nebraska, and the local Human Rights Commission. A conciliation specialist with DOJ’s Community Relations Service served as the moderator and engaged the presenters and those attending with fact-building hypotheticals designed to challenge the meaning of hate crimes and bias incidents. Those attending actively engaged the panel in a Q&A session.
Because a recent cross burning in the city is under investigation by local authorities and the FBI, this matter could not be discussed.
To learn more about the Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service, visit: https://www.justice.gov/crs.
USA Kevin W. Techau meets with the press to discuss the purpose of the forum.
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Central City Woman Charged with Financial Abuse of Her Elderly GrandfatherRead the Press Release
Jessica Lynn Roloson, 40, from Central City, Iowa, has been charged with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The charges are contained in an Indictment unsealed earlier this week in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictment alleges that, beginning no later than October 2015, and continuing through about January 2016, Roloson stole her grandfather’s identity and participated in a fraudulent scheme to obtain money and property by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. It was part of the scheme that Roloson, knowing her grandfather’s social security number, aware of his date of birth, and living in his former home, applied to various credit card companies for accounts in his name. Roloson then used the credit cards on the Internet to purchase goods. She also obtained secondary credit cards in her true name, or a variant thereof, to facilitate in-person transactions at local stores. For example, the Indictment alleges that Roloson used her grandfather’s name and social security number without his permission to apply for an American Express card on October 29, 2015. Then, on November 5, 2015, Roloson used a card bearing the name “JLynn Roloson” to purchase “Pink Yoga Pants,” a “Pink Knit Top,” and a “Bombshell Push Up Brasierre” at a Victoria’s Secret store in Cedar Rapids.
If convicted on all charges, Roloson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of two years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 32 years’ imprisonment, a $1 million fine, $200 in special assessments, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Roloson appeared earlier this week in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was released pending trial. Roloson’s next appearance for a status conference is set for July 6, 2016.
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 Tim Vavricek and was investigated by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 16-CR-43-LRR.
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Town Hall Discusses Heroin Epidemic and Treatment OptionsRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Last night the downtown Cedar Rapids Main Library hosted a follow-on Town Hall to discuss treatment options available to tackle the opioid and heroin epidemic facing the greater Cedar Rapids community.
To help raise awareness and to educate young people on the dangers of addiction, the FBI and DEA released the documentary Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict, a compilation of heart-wrenching first-person accounts by addicts and family members of addicts about their experiences. This 49 minute film was shown. A Q&A session followed with a discussion of drug treatment options from four service providers that are available in Linn County.
The Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative launched C.R.U.S.H. (Community Resources United to Stop Heroin), which is a community outreach initiative designed to involve schools, law enforcement, treatment providers, community leaders and health care organizations to address the growing epidemic. This community response was recently initiated in Dubuque and Clinton counties. Attendees were encouraged to join and told they could do so by texting “Heroin” to 51555.
United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau described the forum as a necessary step to address the heroin and opioid threat facing the community. He stated, “The three-prong approach includes not only engaging treatment but includes prevention and prosecution, when necessary.”
To learn more about the Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative, visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/EasternIowaHeroinInitiative.
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Media Advisory: Dubuque Hosts Hate Crimes/Bias Incident ForumRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa is joining with the FBI, DOJ’s Community Relations Service, Dubuque County Attorney and Sheriff’s Offices, Dubuque Police Department, and the city’s Human Rights Commission to host a forum designed to identify and address key issues related to hate crime reporting, investigation, prosecution and prevention. The forum is designed to build collaboration among key partners in an effort to prevent and respond to bias incidents and hate crimes.
U.S. Attorney Kevin W. Techau will be present and joined by Darryck Dean, a DOJ Conciliation Specialist with the Community Relations Service located in Kansas City. Mr. Dean was actively involved in community conciliation efforts following the incidents in Ferguson, Mo. A flyer announcing the forum is attached.
Event Details
When: Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Where: Mindframe Theaters, 555 John F. Kennedy Rd (behind Kennedy Mall), Dubuque, IA
Time: Starts at 6:00 p.m., ends at 8:00 p.m.
hate_crimes_forum_flyer.pdf
This is a “pen and pad” opportunity for the press. Photography permitted. A press release will be provided and interview opportunities will be available.
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Jury Convicts Omaha Woman for Sioux City Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine and possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine was convicted by a jury May 26, 2016, after a two-day trial in federal court in Sioux City.
Elizabeth Lopez, 29, from Omaha, Nebraska, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The verdict was returned following about two hours of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that Lopez conspired to distribute 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine from 2015 through August 2015 in the Sioux City, Iowa area. The evidence also showed that on August 4, 2015, Lopez had travelled from Omaha, NE to Sioux City, IA to distribute 5 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine. Lopez had hidden the methamphetamine in her bra.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Lopez was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the verdict was returned and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Lopez Name faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, $200 in special assessments, and five years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde 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 15-4051. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Media Advisory: Cedar Rapids/Linn County Town Hall - Opioid/Heroin CrisisRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The United States Attorney’s Office is joining with the Cedar Rapids Police Department to hold a second Town Hall to discuss the opioid and heroin epidemic that has impacted the city. To help raise awareness and to educate young people on the dangers of addiction, the FBI and DEA have released the documentary Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict, a compilation of heart-wrenching first-person accounts by addicts and family members of addicts about their experiences. This 49 minute film will be shown.
After the film, there will be a Q&A session followed by a discussion of drug treatment options available in Linn County. The Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative will launch C.R.U.S.H. (Community Resources United to Stop Heroin), which is a community outreach initiative designed to involve schools, law enforcement, treatment providers, community leaders and health care organizations to address the growing epidemic. This community response was recently initiated in Dubuque, Iowa.
U.S. Attorney Kevin W. Techau will be present. The event is open to the public. Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/268612736818992/.
Event Details
When: May 31, 2016
Where: Cedar Rapids Downtown Public Library (Whipple Aud.), 450 5th Ave SE
Time: Begins at 6:00 p.m., and ends at 8:00 p.m.
Press wishing to attend should contact AUSA Steve Young at 319-731-4037, or by emailing him at [email protected].
Law Day 2016 Celebrated in Cedar Rapids: Students Urged to Push for Positive ChangesRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Law Day is an annual event originally conceived in 1957 when the American Bar Association suggested recognizing a special national day to mark our Nation’s commitment to the rule of law. It was made official in 1961 when Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official recognition date.
Last year the Cedar Rapids community came together for the first time to celebrate Law Day with area high school students. The theme, “From Selma to Cedar Rapids” highlighted civil rights workers’ fight for civil rights and included a discussion of the Selma marches for the right to vote. The connection between historical events and current day issues were examined. Area students participated in a symbolic march along the river starting at the Federal Courthouse and ending at the Veterans Memorial Building, which was followed by a day of programming.
Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa joined community leaders in a special day of celebrating Law Day 2016. The theme, Mighty Times: The Children’s March highlighted how youth can serve as catalysts for positive social change. This historical event eventually brought segregation to its knees when in 1963 young people in Birmingham, Alabama braved arrest, fire hoses, and police dogs to protest injustice. The connection between this event and current day issues were examined in a series of breakout sessions.
Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett made opening remarks during which he delivered a Proclamation declaring today as Law Day 2016 to three students from area high schools. The Proclamation read, “Law Day is an occasion of public acknowledgement of our Nation’s and Iowa’s heritage of justice, liberty and equality under the law.” By celebrating Law Day in Cedar Rapids, it is hoped to promote a better understanding of the roots of our freedoms and serves as a reminder that even the youngest members of our society can effect positive social change.
United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa, Kevin W. Techau, stated that today’s program is aimed at challenging students to think about the fundamental ideals upon which this country was founded and reminded them that they have the power to put their energy and skills to work for the common good. Techau added, “To challenge one another – and our nation – to aim higher; to become better.”
The keynote speaker for this year’s event was Betty C. Andrews who serves as the President of the Iowa-Nebraska NAACP. She touched on the subject of racial equity and stressed engagement by young people to make a difference in their community by serving as positive change agents. Andrews challenged the students to dream big and dream bold.
Metro High School Principal, Dr. Carlos Grant, has been a key participant in the planning and execution of Law Day this year and last. He stated, “Law Day is a special time for people to appreciate the liberties afforded to us as Americans. The core essence of it is to cultivate a sound respect for the law and our democratic way of life. I believe it is critical that we engage young people in relevant activities related to the law. Oftentimes, our young people do not know about the power they possess and how their passion can ensure their ability to thrive. This year's focus on how young people fight against segregation laws in 1960's Birmingham, AL will be a catalyst for modern teens to impose positive social change.”
Area high school students were invited to participate in program activities designed to encourage them to be a positive change agent in their community. Follow this event at: #CRLawDay2016.
L to R: USA Kevin Techau, Betty C. Andrews, Dr. Carlos Grant
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Gang Member Convicted of Making False Statements at the Jamal Dean SentencingRead the Press Release
A member of the same gang as Jamal Dean, who made false statements while testifying as a witness at the sentencing of Jamal Dean, was convicted by a jury on April 12, 2016, after a two-day trial in federal court in Sioux City.
Cesar Ramos, age 27, from Sioux City, Iowa was convicted of three counts of making false material declarations. The verdict was returned following about one hour of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial revealed the following facts. Ramos and Jamal Dean were in the same gang and Jaime Espinoza was in another gang. After Espinoza was shot, Ramos – according to statements he gave to investigators – drove Jamal Dean away from near the scene of the shooting. When he was asked about these observations at the sentencing of Jamal Dean, however, he feigned a memory lapse repeatedly answering: “I don’t remember.” The jury found these answers were made under oath, were false, that Ramos knew they were false, and were material to district court’s sentencing inquiry; and, therefore, constituted perjury.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Lenard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Ramos remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Ramos faces a possible maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $100 special assessment, and up to three years of supervised releases following any imprisonment, on each of the three charges.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department and the United States Department of Justice – Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 15-4058.
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Department of Justice Continues to Refine Strategies to Fight Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
SIOUX CITY, IA - The United States Attorney’s Office and the Mercy Child Advocacy Center held a joint press conference today at Mercy Medical Center to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Duax and Child Advocacy Center Forensic Interviewer Sherrie Schweder, discussed national and local strategies designed to combat the sexual exploitation of children.
Although originally intended to combat technology-facilitated sexual exploitation of children, the success of the PSC over the past 10 years resulted in its expansion to encompass all federal child exploitation offenses. Just last year, 61 coordinated Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task forces nationwide, representing more than 3,500 federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement, conducted investigations leading to the arrest of more than 8,500 individuals. Those prosecutions not only rescued victims already being harmed, but also helped prevent other children from becoming victimized.
However, to continue their success, law enforcement agencies and prosecutorial agencies must respond to emerging technological advances, such as encryption technologies, and anonymization networks, which are used by online sex offenders to obscure their identities. These offenders have also increasingly migrated to organized group enterprises, where they can collaborate with other like-minded predators to perpetrate their offenses.
In addition to investigating child exploitation offenses, the United States Attorney’s Office and its partners are also committed to providing community-based outreach efforts. These outreach efforts include internet safety presentations at local schools, and for community groups.
United States Attorney Kevin Techau stated, “Public awareness and education about the current and future threats to children in our district are fundamental to any successful strategy to combat child exploitation. Although the identification of those threats and the investigation and prosecution of offenders are essential, our greatest achievement would be to prevent those crimes from happening in the first place. Consequently, we intend to take measures to positively impact the awareness, understanding, and responses of parents, educators, community members, and children of potential dangers.”
A particular area of emphasis will be placed on combatting the ever-increasing incidence of sextortion offenses. Sextortion is a form of exploitation where an offender obtains information or an image from a child and then uses the compromising information or image to extort the child to create sexually explicit images. Sextortion offenders typically threaten minors ages 10-17, the typical age range for juvenile Internet users, but increasingly, investigations have revealed that offenders manipulate the victim to abuse younger siblings or friends, thereby extending the threat to even younger and more vulnerable victims.
Going forward, the United States Attorney’s Office and its partners in the fight against child exploitation will continue to utilize a victim-centered approach in pursuing justice. Investigative and prosecution agencies, educational institutions, mental health professionals, victim advocates, medical experts, child service agencies, juvenile justice systems, non-profits, and others who are engaged in responding to sexually exploited children and youth will prioritize the provision of timely, victim centered, individualized, trauma informed, culturally competent, and comprehensive services to these victims.
To learn more about Project Safe Childhood, visit: https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of a Sawed-Off ShotgunRead the Press Release
A Sioux City man who threatened another man with a sawed-off shotgun was sentenced on March 30, 2016 to more than a year in federal prison.
Billy Williams Navarrete, 22, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 10, 2015 guilty plea to one count of Possession of a Sawed-Off Shotgun.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearing showed Navarrete threatened an unarmed man with a hammer, threw a rock at the unarmed man, and when that unarmed man retreated, followed him to his home where he again confronted him with a loaded sawed-off shotgun. Later law enforcement found the loaded weapon in Navarrete’s car and additional rounds of ammunition on his person.
Navarrete was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Lenard T. Strand. Navarrete was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Navarrete is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative local, state, and federal program aimed at the enhanced prosecution of gun crimes. The case was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department, the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office, and the United States Department of Justice – Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 15-4059.
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Drug User Involved in Exchange of Gunfire in Dubuque Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
An admitted user of a controlled substance who possessed a firearm and ammunition was sentenced yesterday to just over four years in federal prison.
Martin Lewis Smith, 21, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea on January 13, 2016, to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was prohibited from possessing a weapon and ammunition because he was a regular user of marijuana.
The evidence showed that Smith exchanged gunfire with another individual in a Dubuque neighborhood with residents present, including small children. When he was approached by one citizen, he advised that citizen to “Go inside before you get popped.” He had smoked marijuana the day prior. At sentencing, the Court noted that Smith created a serious danger to the public and was a high risk to reoffend because of his criminal background and attitude.
Smith was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. He was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Smith 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 Steve Young and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 15-CR-1028.
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Media Advisory: Mighty Times: The Children’s MarchRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa joins community leaders in a special day celebrating Law Day 2016. The theme, “Mighty Times: The Children’s March,” will highlight how youth can be catalysts for positive social change. The connection between historical events involving young people in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963 and current day issues will be examined in a series of breakout sessions. A Proclamation proclaiming May 25th as Law Day in the city will be signed by Cedar Rapids Mayor, Ron Corbett.
The keynote address will be given by the Iowa-Nebraska NAACP President Betty C. Andrews. Area high school students have been invited and will participate in program activities designed to encourage them to be a positive change agent in their community. Follow this event at: #CRLawDay2016.
Event Details
When: Wednesday, May 25, 2016.
Where: Event begins at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, 450 5th Ave SE, Iowa, with a keynote address, viewing of a video, then followed by a symbolic march to the Veterans Memorial Building where the program will continue with breakout sessions there and in City Hall.
Time: 9:00 am. – 2:00 p.m.
Felon and Gang Member Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Meth DistributionRead the Press Release
A felon who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced March 29, 2016, to 15 years in federal prison.
Israel Grimaldo 26, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 21, 2015, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Grimaldo was previously convicted of a felony drug offense in Woodbury County, Iowa, on August 28, 2008.
Evidence presented at the guilty plea and sentencing hearings revealed that Grimaldo was involved in a conspiracy from about January 2013 through January 2014 that distributed at least 50 grams of pure methamphetamine. During and in relation to this conspiracy, defendant repeatedly obtained, possessed, and re-distributed methamphetamine. For example, he did so on both November 25, 2013 (distributing 7 grams of methamphetamine while armed with a firearm) and December 2, 2013 (distributing 3.5 grams of methamphetamine in a city park) among other times.
In furtherance of his illegal drug trafficking activities, defendant possessed firearms to intimidate his drug customers, guard himself, protect his illegal drugs and drug proceeds, and even rob individuals with whom he had drug disputes. For example, on November 25, 2013, defendant possessed a firearm in his waistband while involved in the 7 gram meth deal previously described, and on December 13, 2013 defendant participated in the robbery of a man (in the presence of a child) in connection with an illegal drug dispute. After the robbery, defendant and an accomplice fled from Iowa into Nebraska where they were later captured.
Grimaldo was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Grimaldo was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve an eight-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Grimaldo is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 14-4068.
The case was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration , Sioux City, Iowa Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HIS); 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. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
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Cedar Rapids Felon Sentenced to 87 Months’ Imprisonment for Possessing a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
A felon was sentenced yesterday to more than seven years in federal prison for possessing a loaded firearm on the streets of Cedar Rapids last fall.
Gregory Ray Nevels, 38, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 4, 2016 guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. In a plea agreement and at his sentencing, Nevels admitted he was involved in a disturbance in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on October 24, 2014, that resulted in a 911 call to the police department. Nevels ultimately discarded a loaded firearm near a shed behind a residence on Mount Vernon Road (in Cedar Rapids). Law enforcement officers later recovered the firearm and determined the firearm was stolen.
Nevels was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Nevels was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Nevels is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Cedar Rapids Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 15-CR-0004-LRR.
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Man Who Attempted to Flush Heroin Down Cedar Rapids Police Department Toilet Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
A man who tried to discard his heroin in a toilet at the Cedar Rapids Police Department pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Julius Montgomery, Jr., age 48, from Chicago, IL, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute heroin.
In a plea agreement, Montgomery admitted that the DEA conducted a controlled buy of heroin from a Toyota Echo in which Montgomery was a passenger on November 10, 2015. The Echo was subsequently stopped and searched for drugs. An officer at the scene noticed Montgomery was standing with his buttocks clenched tightly, but defendant denied he was concealing anything. Montgomery was transported to the CRPD for questioning, and later asked to use a bathroom. Investigators offered a bathroom for defendant to use, but the bathroom offered to defendant was equipped with a toilet designed for prisoners. The toilet cannot be flushed by the prisoner inside the room, and can only be flushed from an exterior location. Prior to Montgomery using the bathroom, investigators searched the toilet and noted it was empty. After Montgomery finished in the bathroom, investigators entered and found a bag in the toilet water. The bag contained 23 individual packages of heroin, totaling 2.1 grams. Montgomery also admitted in the plea agreement to selling heroin to confidential informants twice in 2014.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Montgomery remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Montgomery faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, $100 in special assessments, and a lifetime of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Marion Police Department; the Iowa City Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and 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 16-CR-12-LRR.
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Dubuque Woman Charged with Harboring a Federal Fugitive and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
Vivian Rochelle Weakley, age 28, from Dubuque, Iowa, has been charged with one count of concealing a person from arrest and one count of obstruction of justice. The charges are contained in an Indictment unsealed on May 18, 2016, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictment alleges that, on or about April 19, 2016, Weakley harbored and concealed Antwain Deshaun Spratt, who at the time was a federal fugitive. It further alleges that, while knowing that Spratt was inside her residence, Weakley falsely told a Deputy United States Marshal that she did not know Spratt or where he was located.
If convicted on all charges, Weakley faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, $500,000 in fines, $200 in special assessments, and not more than 6 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Weakley appeared on May 18, 2016, in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was released on bond. Weakley’s trial is set for July 18, 2016.
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 investigated by the United States Marshals Service 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 16-CR-30-LRR.
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Former Director of World Ambassadors, LTD Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man pled guilty yesterday in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Jon S. Petersen, 55, was convicted of one count of filing a false tax return for the calendar year 2013.
At the plea hearing, Petersen admitted filing a fraudulent income tax return. The return failed to include as income donations he diverted from World Ambassadors into his own personal checking account. In a plea agreement, Petersen admitted he used approximately $114,581 of those funds in 2013 for his own personal use, and such funds constituted taxable income to him. World Ambassadors is a nonprofit corporation.
From 2005-2015, Petersen claimed to struggle with a sex addiction. It became costly so Petersen would pay for this addiction through his credit cards, home equity lines of credit, and World Ambassadors donations.
From 2010-2014, the number of contributors to World Ambassadors ranged from 31 to 38 people. From January 2010 through December 2014, World Ambassadors received total deposits in the amount of $476,466.37. Of these deposits, $475,555.47 was deposited into Petersen’s personal checking account either by bank transfers from the World Ambassador’s account or checks payable to himself from that account. During this time period, World Ambassadors did not benefit from the use of these funds.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Petersen remains free on bond. Petersen faces a mandatory minimum sentence of three years’ imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a fine of not more than $250,000, a $100 special assessment, and up to 1 year of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Cole and was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 16-CR-39-LTS.
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Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Heroin and Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
A man who sold heroin and crack cocaine pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Chanord Hawkins, age 23, from Cedar Rapids, was convicted of one count of distributing heroin and crack cocaine.
In a plea agreement, Hawkins admitted that, in July 2015, he sold heroin and crack cocaine to another person. Hawkins also admitted that he again sold heroin to another person in September 2015 and had previously sold heroin to other people in larger amounts. Overall, Hawkins admitted he was responsible for distributing at least 40 grams of heroin.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Hawkins remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Hawkins faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and at least 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Marion Police Department; the Iowa City Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Linn County Medical Examiner’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 16-CR-00008-1.
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Seven Charged with Distributing Heroin Near Schools and Playgrounds in DubuqueRead the Press Release
Seven men have been charged with distributing heroin in Dubuque in early 2016. The charges are contained in two indictments filed yesterday in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids. All seven men were previously charged in separate federal Complaints filed in April.
One indictment alleges Derrick Jermaine Brown (a/k/a “Big D”), D’Anthony Lamont Moore (a/k/a “Lil D”), Antwain Deshaun Spratt (a/k/a “T”), Tywone Derrel Matthews, and Jeffery Donta Hitchcock (a/k/a “Buddha”) conspired to distribute fentanyl and 100 grams of heroin near Jackson Park and Prescott Elementary School in Dubuque. That indictment also charges various counts of distribution of heroin against each defendant, and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin by Brown, Moore, and Matthews. If convicted of the conspiracy charge, Brown, Moore, Spratt, Matthews, and Hitchcock each face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, a possible maximum sentence of 80 years’ imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and up to a lifetime term of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The second indictment alleges Antrell Desherron Lewis (a/k/a “Lucky” and “Star”) and Antoine Tavares Mitchell (a/k/a “Nephew”) conspired to distribute heroin near Jackson Park and Prescott Elementary School in Dubuque. It also alleges one count of distribution of heroin by each defendant, and possession with intent to distribute heroin by Mitchell. If convicted of the conspiracy charge, Lewis and Mitchell face a mandatory minimum sentence of one year imprisonment, a possible maximum of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $2,000,000 fine, a $100 special assessment and up to a lifetime term of supervised release following any imprisonment.
If convicted of the various distribution and possession with intent to distribute charges, the defendants would face additional punishments.
All seven men previously appeared in federal court following their arrests in April and early May. Brown, Moore, Spratt, Matthews, Lewis, and Mitchell were all held without bond. Hitchcock appeared in Chicago, Illinois, and was ordered returned to the Northern District of Iowa in custody pending further proceedings. Initial appearances for the defendants on the indictments have not yet been set.
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 investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Marion Police Department; the Iowa City Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number for Brown, Moore, Spratt, Matthews, and Hitchcock is 16-CR-01018-LTS.
The case file number for Lewis and Mitchell is 16-CR-01017-LTS.
The case file numbers for the previously filed Complaints are:
Derrick Brown – 16-MJ-102
Antoine Spratt – 16-MJ-103
Tywone Matthews – 16-MJ-104
Antrell Lewis – 16-MJ-106
D’Anthony Moore – 16-MJ-107
Jeffery Hitchcock – 16-MJ-113
Antoine Mitchell – 16-MJ-117
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Illegal Alien to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced May 10, 2016, to six years in federal prison.
Jose Mejia-Fraijo, 23, from Mexico but residing in Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 25, 2016, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the guilty plea, Mejia-Fraijo admitted his involvement in a conspiracy that distributed at least 500 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine from September 2015 through November 2015. Mejia-Fraijo further admitted to obtaining the methamphetamine from sources in Colorado for further distribution in Sioux City, Iowa.
Mejia-Fraijo was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Mejia-Fraijo was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Mejia-Fraijo 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 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 15-4088.
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Fugitive from Justice Sentenced to Federal Prison on Meth Conspiracy, Possession of Firearm and Failure to Appear ConvictionsRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine, possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and fled prosecution was sentenced May 10, 2016, to more than 13 years in federal prison.
Somsock Senlouangrat, 45, from Tacoma, Washington, received the prison term after a January 11, 2016, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and failure to appear.
At the guilty plea, Senlouangrat admitted that in September 2003, he and Daosadeth Keophounsouk were stopped by law enforcement in Monona County, Iowa. At the time, Senlouangrat and Keophounsouk were transporting approximately two pounds of methamphetamine from California to Minnesota for further distribution. Also located in the vehicle was a Smith and Wesson handgun Senlouangrat had purchased for their protection during the transport of methamphetamine. Senlouangrat further admitted to absconding from pretrial supervision sometime during November 2003 until his apprehension by the United States Marshals Service on June 19, 2015 in Tacoma, Washington.
Senlouangrat was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Senlouangrat was sentenced to 160 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $300 was imposed. He must also serve a four-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Senlouangrat 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 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 16-4001 and 03-4106.
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Sioux City Woman to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced May 10, 2016, to more than seven years in federal prison.
Brooke Franke, 37, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 18, 2016, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the guilty plea, Franke admitted her involvement in a conspiracy that distributed more than 150 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine from 2014 through July 2015 in the Sioux City, Iowa area. During Franke’s arrest, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Franke’s person (body cavity search) and seized approximately four ounces of methamphetamine.
Franke was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Franke was sentenced to 90 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. She must also serve a 4-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Franke is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by 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 15-4052.
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Felon and Drug User in Possession of a Stolen Firearm Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A convicted felon and admitted user of a controlled substance who possessed a stolen weapon with an obliterated serial number was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in federal prison.
Antonio Karlos Thigpen, 35, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea on January 15, 2016, to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was prohibited from possessing a weapon and ammunition because he was a convicted felon and used marijuana.
The evidence showed that Thigpen was in a verbal argument with others within Cedar Rapids city limits while armed with a loaded Glock pistol and under the influence of marijuana. At his plea, he admitted to having two felony convictions and being a regular user of marijuana. At sentencing, the Court noted that Thigpen created a very dangerous situation by his actions.
Thigpen was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. He was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Thigpen 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 Steve Young and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 15-CR-102.
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Iowa Woman Convicted of Making a False Statement in an Immigration PetitionRead the Press Release
A woman who made a false statement in an immigration petition was convicted by a jury on May 9, 2016, after a one-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Tamie Marie Samuels, age 46, from North Liberty, Iowa, was convicted of one count of making a false statement in an immigration matter. The verdict was returned Monday afternoon following about thirty minutes of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that on March 11, 2015, Samuels filed an immigration petition to help her husband, who she married on February 3, 2015, gain legal status to remain in the United States. Samuels’ husband is from Jamaica and he entered the United States on a visitor visa on February 1, 2015. In the immigration petition, Samuels falsely claimed she had never filed a petition for an alien relative before. Samuels had previously filed a petition for an alien relative in 1997 for her second husband who was from Peru. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews immigration petitions and investigates whether the marital relationships indicate marriage fraud. By denying that she filed a previous immigration petition, USCIS was unaware of Samuels’ previous filing which could have impacted USCIS’ review of the new petition.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Samuels remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Samuels faces a possible maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $100 in special assessments, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 16-CR-0001.
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Media AdvisoryRead the Press Release
There will be a press conference held on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at the United States Attorney’s Office, 111 7th Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52401. Randall C. Thysse, Special Agent in Charge of the Omaha Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and others will discuss the arrests and search warrants executed at various locations across Iowa and Wisconsin during a multiagency investigation of a suspected methamphetamine ring.
The investigation is coordinated through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program of the United States Department of Justice and is being investigated by the FBI, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force (Waterloo Police Department; Cedar Falls Police Department; Waverly Police Department; Bremer County Sheriff's Office; Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office; La Porte City Police Department; Evansdale Police Department; Hudson Police Department), Mid Iowa Drug Task Force (Marshalltown Police Department; Marshall County Sheriff's Office; Tama County), and Dubuque Drug Task Force (Dubuque Police Department; Dubuque County Sheriff's Office).
Press releases and interview opportunities will be available. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Local Employers and Agencies Participate in National Reentry WeekRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - The United States Department of Justice has designated April 24-30, 2016, as National Reentry Week. During this week, communities nationwide will focus on what can be done to break the cycle of incarceration that is prevalent in communities across the nation, including here in Iowa.
Ninety three percent of offenders currently behind bars will be eligible for release. State workforce and corrections agencies are working to address this issue that affects thousands of Iowans. Each year, more than 600,000 individuals return to our communities after serving time in federal and state prisons. In 2015, Iowa released 5,166 individuals from prison.
An additional 11.4 million people cycle through local jails nationally. Many of these individuals commit new crimes and end up back in prison. Research has shown a strong correlation between employment and recidivism. Simply put, individuals coming out of prison are much less likely to commit a new crime if they are employed with a good job.
“Too often, justice-involved individuals who have paid their debt to society confront daunting obstacles to good jobs, decent housing, adequate health care, quality education, and even the right to vote,” noted United States Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch. “National Reentry Week highlights the many ways that the Department of Justice is working to tear down the barriers that stand between returning citizens and a meaningful second chance – leading to brighter futures, stronger communities, and a more just and equal nation for all.”
“Making the criminal justice system more effective at reducing recidivism by helping formerly incarcerated individuals contribute to their communities with employment is a priority for the Department of Justice. An important part of that task is addressing obstacles to successful reentry that too many returning citizens encounter,” stated United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa, Kevin W. Techau.
Later today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa, Iowa Workforce Development, Iowa Department of Corrections, the United States Probation Office, and America’s Job Honor Awards, will attend a proclamation signing with Iowa Governor Terry Branstad in Des Moines, where the Governor will proclaim April 24-30 Reentry Week in Iowa.
Earlier this week the United States Attorney’s Office hosted a focus group consisting of a select group of Cedar Rapids area business leaders. The aim of the focus group was to discuss perceived issues facing employers when deciding whether to hire individuals with criminal backgrounds. This group engaged in a candid discussion of the issues relating to the business community’s involvement to assist in reducing recidivism. The feedback received will assist in formulating programs to reduce recidivism while at the same time allaying the related concerns facing the business community. At least two other employer focus groups are in the planning stages and will be held at other locations across the District. Following this, a job fair will be held where employers and justice-involved individuals can interact.
To learn more about this inaugural event, visit: http://go.usa.gov/cuDh5.
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Discard Unwanted Drugs: DEA’s Pill Take Back DayRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS – On Saturday, April 30th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will provide the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. This is the eleventh opportunity in six years that DEA has offered this free service.
The American Society of Addiction and Medicine reported in a 2016 opioid addiction factsheet that drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. with 47,055 lethal drug overdoses in 2014. Opioid addiction is driving this epidemic, with 18,893 overdose deaths related to prescription pain relievers, and 10,574 overdose deaths related to heroin in 2014. For opiate-based drugs – both heroin and prescription pain-killers – a high potential for addiction exists no matter the type of drug. Eastern Iowa has experienced a rash of recent heroin overdoses and deaths.
United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau stated, “The Drug Enforcement Administration’s “Pill Take Back Day” has been very successful and offers an anonymous and free opportunity to rid our medicine cabinets of unwanted pills.” Techau went on to add, “The threat of prescription drug abuse leading to more serious drug addictions is real. This Saturday is a day our community should come together to fight the opioid and heroin epidemic crossing our nation and impacting our citizens.”
Last September, Americans turned in 350 tons (over 702,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 5,000 sites operated by the DEA and more than 3,800 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 10 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 5.5 million pounds—more than 2,750 tons—of pills.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.
DEA’s pill drop off sites available on April 30th can be accessed through the Iowa Governor’s Office on Drug Control Policy website at: http://www.iowa.gov/odcp/. Under the heading “Important Information,” click on Prescription Drug Disposal and link to its site identified under the heading “Take Back Events.” DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Those unable to participate next Saturday are offered year around opportunities in Iowa to discard unused, expired and unwanted medications at locations around the state. To find those locations, access the website above and select the same link. Iowa’s year around “Take Back Kiosks” link displays a map of disposal locations.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 30 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website. You may also follow the activities and events of the Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative on Facebook.
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US Attorney Kevin Techau with Assistant USA Pat Reinert and CRPD Officer Al Fear who heads up the Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative standing by a pill drop box at the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Bus Stop Accessibility in Waterloo ResolvedRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The U.S. Attorney’s Office reached a resolution to ensure access to bus stops in the City of Waterloo during winter conditions under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).
A complaint had alleged that bus stops in the City of Waterloo were not accessible to citizens with disabilities due to the failure to remove snow in a timely fashion that was covering sidewalks, curb cuts, or crosswalks. Persons with disabilities had to operate their wheelchairs in the streets. There are over 100 bus stops located throughout the city.
“The ADA guarantees people with disabilities equal access to transportation services so that they can travel freely and enjoy autonomy,” said Kevin W. Techau, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa. “This agreement is an important step toward fulfilling the promise of the ADA even during adverse weather conditions. We commend the City of Waterloo for entering into the consent decree to ensure equal access during winter weather.”
The settlement calls for the City of Waterloo to submit a plan six months from the signing of the agreement. That plan must list each bus stop and how the city will maintain the accessible features at each. The settlement agreement also calls for the city to submit a report to the United States Attorney’s Office relating to the completion of any construction work pertaining to the bus stops to ensure their accessibility. The city’s plan must include standard operating procedures covering snow removal. The United States Attorney’s office will monitor compliance.
Executive Director for Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI), Christopher Sparks, commended the efforts of the U.S. Department of Justice and the City of Waterloo for working together to reach a settlement to ensure bus benches are accessible and safe for all members of our community. Sparks stated, “Many of the people EPI serves rely on public transportation to meet basic needs – such as getting to and from work, medical appointments, grocery shopping, and more. A good number of those people use wheelchairs or other assistive devices for mobility. Accessible bus stops means not having to wait on a busy street for your transportation – it means safety, it means you’re welcome in the community. It’s invaluable.”
The settlement agreement detailing the terms of the agreement is attached to this release.
These matters were handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Wright and the Disabilities Rights Section of the United States Department of Justice.
The public may access the U.S. Attorney’s website to file an ADA complaint at www.justice.gov/usao/ian. After completing the form, it may be sent by mail, fax, or email. Those wishing for further guidance can telephone the office by dialing 319-363-6333.
You may learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act by going to the Department of Justice website at www.ada.gov.
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Cedar Rapids Man Charged with Robbery of Cab DriverRead the Press Release
Johnathan Dewayne Mitchell, 38, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been charged with one count of robbery affecting commerce. The charge is contained in an Indictment filed today in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictment alleges that, on or about April 29, 2011, Mitchell obstructed commerce by violently robbing cab driver Catherine “Cathy” Stickley.
If convicted Mitchell faces a possible maximum sentence of twenty years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Mitchell’s first appearance in federal court in Cedar Rapids for an arraignment has not yet been scheduled.
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 Attorneys Sean R. Berry and Peter E. Deegan, Jr., and was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 16-CR-29.
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Former Employee of Iowa City Pipe Dreamz Head Shop Sentenced on Federal Synthetic Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
A man who worked for the owner of a head shop in Iowa City was sentenced to more than nine years in federal prison yesterday in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Wayne Christopher Watkins, age 40, from Peoria, Illinois, received the prison term after an October 8, 2015 guilty plea to conspiring to manufacture and distribute a synthetic drug called AB-FUBINACA. The owner of Pipe Dreamz in Iowa City, Robert Carl Sharp, pled guilty on October 5, 2015, but has since filed a motion to withdraw his guilty plea.
In a plea agreement, Watkins admitted that shortly after Sharp was released from federal prison in 2012, he began selling, and later manufacturing, smokeable synthetic cannabinoid products which are commonly known as “Spice,” “incense,” or K2. Watkins initially worked for Sharp at a store in Peoria, Illinois, called Smoke-N-Ink. Both men moved to Iowa in 2013 when Sharp opened a head shop called Pipe Dreamz in Iowa City.
Sharp would order synthetic cannabinoid chemicals and also purchase bulk quantities of dried damiana leaves, a plant material that resembles dried marijuana. Watkins admitted Sharp would purchase the chemicals, packaging materials, and plant material (typically damiana leaf), from various suppliers and then they would manufacture the product. Watkins admitted he would dilute the chemical in acetone, and then spray the mixture onto the leaves. Watkins would then add some flavoring and package the substances into the various brands sold by Sharp.
Watkins and Sharp sold these products in packets that marketed the substances as incense, and contained a warning that the products were “not for human consumption,” although both men admitted they knew the products were actually intended for human consumption. The synthetic cannabinoids in these products were actually research chemicals that have not been tested or approved as safe for human consumption, and which have unpredictable short-term effects and unknown long-term effects on users.
On May 7, 2014, Sharp’s store, his house and storage unit in Center Point, Watkins’s house in Cedar Rapids, and the Pipe Dreamz store in Iowa City, were all searched by federal law enforcement. During the searches, officers seized thousands of synthetic cannabinoid products, including the sprayed-on plant variety and a liquid form of the chemicals that was designed for use in e‑cigarettes. Officers seized an active manufacturing operation in Watkins’s house, as shown in photographs admitted at an earlier hearing, /media/799201/dl?inline
Watkins claimed Sharp told him that the chemicals they were using were legal. However, Watkins admitted he believed there was a high probability that the substances he received and distributed were regulated by federal drug laws and he deliberately avoided learning of the true identity of the substances.
Watkins was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Watkins was sentenced to 115 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department and as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA, the Linn County Sheriff's Office, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Marion Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services; and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information available https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 15-CR-31-LRR.
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Head of Methamphetamine Organization Sent to Prison for Twenty-Five YearsRead the Press Release
A man who was responsible for distributing pounds of ice methamphetamine and tampering with witnesses was sentenced today to 25 years in federal prison.
Martin Lawrence, 53, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 28, 2015, jury verdict finding him guilty of three counts: conspiracy to distribute at least 50 grams of ice methamphetamine; possession of at least 5 grams of ice methamphetamine with the intent to distribute; and witness tampering.
Evidence at trial showed Lawrence was the head of a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing significant quantities of ice methamphetamine, a highly pure, crystalized form of methamphetamine, in Eastern Iowa. Lawrence obtained the drug from a source of supply located in Omaha, Nebraska, and transported it back to Iowa for redistribution. Lawrence relied on a network of retail-level distributors who distributed the drug throughout northeast Iowa.
Investigators learned of the organization after Lawrence’s step-son brought a stuffed animal containing methamphetamine to his elementary school. During the investigation of this case, law enforcement seized additional methamphetamine, cash, and numerous luxury vehicles from Lawrence including a Mercedes, BMW, Corvette, and Porsche.
After his arrest on federal charges, Lawrence instructed government witnesses to avoid contact with law enforcement in order to prevent these witnesses from testifying at their trial. Based on these instructions, Lawrence was found guilty of witness tampering.
During the same trial, Troy Lawrence was also convicted of conspiracy to distribute at least 50 grams of ice methamphetamine; distribution of at least 5 grams of ice methamphetamine with the intent to distribute; and witness tampering. On January 14, 2016, Troy Lawrence was sentenced to a 262 month term of imprisonment.
Lawrence was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Senior Judge Mark W. Bennett. Lawrence was sentenced to 300 months imprisonment. A special assessment of $300 was imposed. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Lawrence is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams and was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, and the Dubuque Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 15-CR-0069.
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Four Charged with Distributing Heroin in DubuqueRead the Press Release
Four men have been charged with distributing heroin in Dubuque in 2016. The charges are contained in four Complaints unsealed yesterday in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Complaints allege distributions of heroin on the following dates by the following individuals:
Derrick Jermaine Brown on February 1, 2016;
Tywone Derrel Matthews on March 29, 2016;
Antrell D. Lewis on March 31, 2016; and
D’Anthony Lamont Moore on April 11, 2016.
If convicted, each man faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, $100 in special assessments, and up to a lifetime term of supervised release following any imprisonment.
All four men appeared Thursday in federal court in Cedar Rapids and were held without bond. Their next appearances for detention hearings are set for 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 18, 2016.
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 investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Marion Police Department; the Iowa City Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file numbers are:
Derrick Brown – 16-MJ-102
Tywone Matthews – 16-MJ-104
Antrell Lewis – 16-MJ-106
D’Anthony Moore – 16-MJ-107.
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Clear Lake Felon and Drug User Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who accidentally shot his girlfriend was sentenced yesterday to more than five years in federal prison.
Norris O’Dell Hughes, age 30, from Clear Lake, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 2, 2015, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon. He was also an illegal user of controlled substances.
The evidence showed that on February 24, 2015, Hughes accidentally shot his girlfriend at a residence in Forest City, Iowa. After being alerted to the shooting by a neighbor, officers stopped a vehicle occupied by Hughes and his girlfriend. Officers observed Hughes’ girlfriend had a gunshot wound to the leg. Officers recovered Hughes’ loaded handgun from the vehicle, which was determined to be stolen. Hughes was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had a prior felony conviction for burglary and was an illegal user of marijuana and meth.
Hughes was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Hughes was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Hughes 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 Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, 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 15-CR-3037.
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Hopkinton Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempting to Manufacture Meth with his WifeRead the Press Release
A Hopkinton felon who attempted to manufacture methamphetamine with his wife in June 2015 was sentenced yesterday to nearly twenty years in federal prison.
Jody Lee Davis, 47, from Hopkinton, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 16, 2015 guilty plea to one count of Attempted Manufacture and Aiding and Abetting the Attempted Manufacture of Methamphetamine. At the guilty plea, Davis admitted he had three prior methamphetamine-related Iowa felony convictions when, on June 20, 2015, he tried to manufacture methamphetamine and helped his wife, Lisa Ann Davis, try to do the same. Deputies with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested the Davises following the execution of a search warrant at their Hopkinton home on June 20, 2015. In November 2015, a jury convicted Lisa Ann Davis of three federal methamphetamine-related charges. She is awaiting sentencing.
Davis was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Davis was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Davis is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and Special Assistant United States Attorney Erin Eldridge and investigated by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 15-CR-2028-1.
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Illegal Alien Sentenced to Prison for Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
An illegal alien who possessed a firearm was sentenced yesterday to one year in federal prison.
Rufino Rolon-Polo, age 36, a Mexico citizen residing in Hampton, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 29, 2015, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully in the United States.
The evidence showed that on November 1, 2015, defendant was seen firing a gun in an alley in Hampton, Iowa. On November 2, 2015, Rolon-Polo was interviewed by officers from the Hampton Police Department and gave consent to search his apartment. During the search of the apartment, officers found a stolen .22 caliber revolver in Rolon-Polo’s dresser. Rolon-Polo later admitted he was a citizen of Mexico and was illegally and unlawfully in the United States. Federal law prohibits illegal aliens from possessing firearms.
Rolon-Polo was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Rolon-Polo was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Rolon-Polo 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 Hampton, Iowa Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement Removal Operations, 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 15-CR-3046.
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