Northern District of Iowa
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement Collaborate to Combat Slavery and Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau joined forces with representatives from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Marion Police Department, Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Enforcement and Cedar Rapids Gives to reinforce their commitment to combat all forms of slavery and to assist victims of this heinous crime.
President Barack Obama proclaimed January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. In his proclamation, the President stated that all nations have a part to play in keeping our world safe for all people and that this month we should recognize the victims of trafficking. He further stated, “Let us resolve to build a future in which its perpetrators are brought to justice and no people are denied their inherent human rights of freedom and dignity.”
Last year the United States Attorney’s Office partnered with Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Enforcement to bring awareness to this issue. They engaged truck drivers at two Waterloo truck stops to discuss the criminal enterprise of human trafficking. This was in support of the Truckers Against Trafficking (or TAT) initiative. TAT is a nonprofit organization created to bring education, awareness and empowerment to truck drivers across the nation to spot and report signs of human trafficking.
U.S. Attorney Kevin W. Techau stated during a press conference held at the Marion Police Department, “Human trafficking threatens lives globally and even happens in our state. It happens every minute of every day. Traffickers are sophisticated and use force, fraud or coercion to lure victims and then force them into labor or commercial sexual exploitation. These vulnerable victims need to be identified and rescued.” He further noted, “In addressing this scourge, we work best when we work together, and I thank our federal, state and local partners and Cedar Rapids Gives for joining us today to address this issue, not only during the investigative stage, but also providing the essential services after the investigation is complete.” Techau offered a special thank you to Christi Geisler, herself a victim-survivor of human trafficking, for sharing her thoughts.
Highlighted during the press conference was the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign. “HSI investigates international and domestic cases of human trafficking and provides support to victims,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge William Lowder of HSI St. Paul. “Our special agents accomplish this through the use of our unique authorities and expertise stripping away the traffickers’ assets and profit incentives, and working with U.S. and foreign partners to attack networks worldwide and working in partnership with non-governmental organizations to identify, rescue, and provide assistance to trafficking victims.” Informational material used in the Blue Campaign was made available. To learn more visit: http://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign.
Marion Police Chief Harry R. Daugherty stated, “We recognize that this crime is not confined by geo/political boundaries.” He further noted that, “This is why the Marion Police Department has taken a pro-active approach by crossing jurisdictional lines and working with other agencies, to bring justice to victims and by holding offenders responsible for their crimes.”
Chief David Lorenzen with Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Enforcement serves on the Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) national board and has been active in addressing this issue within the state. “It was common sense that thrust Iowa into becoming active in fighting this hideous criminal nightmare. Our officers take this initiative seriously and interact with trucker drivers and concerned citizens daily. We believe this program will have a positive impact.”
Lorenzen recounted a recent tragic trafficking event involving a woman taken from the Des Moines area and trafficked at a truck stop in Virginia. A truck driver working for a company training its drivers with TAT materials made a call to authorities when he saw something suspicious. His awareness was the result of his company’s culture and its commitment to train their drivers to be on the lookout for possible trafficking. As a result of that call, the victim was rescued and the traffickers, also from the Des Moines area, were arrested and eventually convicted and sentenced to 40 years in prison. Chief Lorenzen concluded his comments stating, “We welcome the opportunity to enhance partnerships as we move forward.” Visit TAT at: http://www.truckersagainsttrafficking.org.
The President of Cedar Rapids Gives, Teresa Davidson, an NGO in Iowa with a mission to provide prevention, rescue and restoration to victims and survivors of sex and labor human trafficking, stated, “While it is critical to have law enforcement and legislation to investigate, rescue and prosecute these cases, it is also important to provide the specific and unique services survivors of human trafficking require.” Cedar Rapids Gives is in the process of changing its name to “Iowa Stops Traffik” and is applying for a government grant to increase the amount of support and services it can provide human trafficking survivors in seven Iowa counties around Cedar Rapids. The organization’s website is: www.cedarrapidsgives.org.
Christi Geisler, herself a victim-survivor of human trafficking, spoke about how she was victimized and the signs law enforcement should look for when they come across a possible victim who might be too scared to seek help. She also noted how these victims can be further victimized within the judicial system when there is a lack of understanding. Geisler stated she was lucky to have a strong family support system when she was rescued, but not all victims have such support. Governmental and private support is essential for a successful return to normal life.
To learn more about victimization of this heinous crime and services that are available, visit DOJ’s Office of Justice Programs “Office for Victims of Crime” found at http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/humantrafficking/, and public service announcements:
http://www.dhs.gov/video/out-shadows-psa
http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/humantrafficking/publicawareness.html
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Rwandan Refugee Ordered Detained Pending SentencingRead the Press Release
After a detention hearing held yesterday, Ken Ngombwa, 56, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was ordered detained pending sentencing.
Last week, Ngombwa was convicted of one count of unlawfully procuring or attempting to procure naturalization or citizenship; one count of procuring citizenship to which he was not entitled; one count of conspiracy to unlawfully procure citizenship; and one count of making a materially false statement to agents of the Department of Homeland Security. The evidence at trial showed Ngombwa knowingly made several material false statements to procure entry into the United States as a refugee from Rwanda in 1998. Notably, Ngombwa falsely claimed to be the brother of a former Prime Minister of Rwanda, who now lives in exile.
Evidence presented at the detention hearing revealed that Ngombwa is currently under indictment in Rwanda for allegedly committing crimes against humanity before he fled the country in 1994. Evidence also showed that he would face sentences of 30 years’ imprisonment and life imprisonment on other prior judgments in Rwanda. Following the presentation of evidence at the detention hearing, Chief United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade found that Ngombwa had not shown by clear and convincing evidence that he was not a risk of flight. Accordingly, Chief Judge Reade ordered Ngombwa be detained.
The case was originally referred to the Department of Homeland Security in 2011 by the Prosecutor General of Rwanda. A sentencing date will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Ngombwa will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service until sentencing. He faces a possible maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, $400 in special assessments, and 12 years of supervised release following any imprisonment. Ngombwa also faces loss of his citizenship in the United States.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Richard L. Murphy and Ravi T. Narayan, and was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 14-CR-00123.
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Media Advisory: National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month Highlighted with Program EffortsRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa will join with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Marion Police Department, Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Enforcement, and Cedar Rapids Gives to hold a press conference on January 25th to discuss efforts to combat human trafficking and to assist victims touched by this crime. President Barack Obama signed a Presidential Proclamation declaring January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
Speakers from each organization will comment on their efforts to combat this crime and to assist victims. U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign will also be discussed. To learn more about this campaign visit: http://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign.
Also present and speaking will be a victim-survivor of human trafficking.
Event Details
When: Monday, January 25, 2016
Where: Marion Police Department (Training Center), 6315 US-151, Marion, Iowa
Time: 10:30 a.m.
A press release will be provided and interview opportunities will be available following the press conference.
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Man Who Injected Woman with Heroin Causing Her to Overdose Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who injected a woman with heroin causing her to overdose was sentenced today to two years in federal prison.
Richard Roberts, age 37, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 7, 2015 guilty plea to distribution of heroin.
In a plea agreement, Roberts admitted that, in August 2015, he injected a woman with heroin, after which she lost consciousness. Roberts called 911 to obtain medical assistance. When paramedics arrived, she was unconscious with labored breathing and a weak pulse. Emergency responders had to revive the woman with Narcan, an opiate antidote. Roberts admitted that, without the medical intervention by emergency responders, the woman had a substantial risk of anoxic brain injury and death.
Roberts was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade, who called Roberts’s crime and “extremely reckless act.” Roberts was sentenced to 24 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.
Roberts is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; the Iowa City Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case was 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-79-LRR.
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Former Iowa Police Officer and Disbarred Attorney Sent to Federal Prison for Dealing Counterfeit U.S. CurrencyRead the Press Release
A former Iowa police officer, who is also a disbarred Iowa attorney, was sentenced yesterday to two years in federal prison. Brian Loren Stowe, 43, from Waverly, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 30, 2015 guilty plea to the federal charge of dealing in counterfeit currency.
In 2013, the Iowa Supreme Court disbarred Stowe, once a partner at a Des Moines law firm, after he was convicted of felony forgery charges and received a deferred judgment for possession of methamphetamine in state court. Prior to becoming an attorney, Stowe was a sworn law enforcement officer with the police department in Nevada, Iowa, and worked on a local drug task force.
In a plea agreement dated September 14, 2015, Stowe admitted that, in November 2014, he offered to sell an undercover officer $500 in counterfeit U.S. currency for $100. Then, in February 2015, he accepted $250 for $900 in counterfeit currency.
At sentencing, Stowe admitted that, in fact, he manufactured the counterfeit currency. And when dealing the counterfeit currency, Stowe explained he used a “formula” to “wash” or remove ink from genuine bills. He also advised the undercover officer to put the counterfeit bills in a dryer with poker chips so that the bills would look wrinkled and worn. He also told the undercover officer to spend the bills on small items at fast food restaurants where teenagers work, because they are less likely to detect counterfeit bills.
During the sentencing hearing, the district judge found that Stowe intentionally misled a federal magistrate judge about the status of his law license. While discussing whether he might represent himself in these federal proceedings, he told the magistrate judge his law license was “expired” when, in truth, it had been revoked by the Iowa Supreme Court in 2013. In the written decision revoking Stowe’s license, the Iowa Supreme Court detailed his ethical failings and characterized Stowe’s “life story” as one that “mirrors that of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.”
Also at sentencing, the district court determined that Stowe had made a series of telephone calls from jail shortly after his arrest on the federal counterfeiting charge, in which Stowe demonstrated he was a “master manipulator” of his father, mother, and girlfriend by “grooming” them on what to say at an upcoming federal hearing. The district court indicated the jail calls proved Stowe’s “criminal thinking” and “substance abuse” “to the max”.
Stowe was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Stowe was sentenced to 24 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 prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Divisions of Narcotics Enforcement and Criminal Investigation, the Waterloo Police Department, the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 15-CR-2034-LRR.
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Ely Man Sentenced to Ten Years for Being a Felon and Unlawful Drug User in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A man who unlawfully possessed a shotgun was sentenced today in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Matthew Robbins, age 42, from Ely, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 22, 2016, guilty plea to one count of being a felon and unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm.
In a plea agreement, Robbins admitted that in 2014 he was an unlawful user of controlled substances, including methamphetamine, and had previously been convicted of eight felony offenses, namely:
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Conspiracy to Commit Robbery in the Second Degree (Sept. 6, 1991);
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Burglary in the Third Degree (Feb. 10, 1995);
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Dominion and Control of a Firearm as a Felon (Feb. 10, 1995);
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Operating While Intoxicated, Third Offense (Mar. 1, 1995);
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Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Dec. 4, 1998);
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Operating While Intoxicated, Third Offense (Aug. 29, 2007);
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Attempt to Elude (Aug. 29, 2007); and
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Operating While Intoxicated, Third Offense (April 4, 2013).
Robbins admitted that, in about the Spring of 2014, he took possession of an Iver Johnson, 12 gauge shotgun. The shotgun had been left at his residence near Ely, Iowa, by another person. Robbins later had a friend store the shotgun at the friend’s residence for safekeeping.
Robbins was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Robbins was sentenced to 120 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.
Robbins 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 C.J. Williams and Special Assistant United States Attorney Erin Eldridge. The case was investigated by the Marion Police Department, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 14-CR-129-LRR.
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Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to More than Six Years in Prison for Being an Unlawful Drug User in Possession of a HandgunRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a loaded handgun in July 2015, then used a different handgun to rob a pizza delivery driver later the same year, was sentenced yesterday to more than six years in federal prison. Treshawn Smith, age 19, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 31, 2015 guilty plea to one count of being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm.
In a plea agreement, Smith admitted he was an unlawful user of marijuana in 2015. On July 10, 2015, officers encountered Smith on the southwest side of Cedar Rapids. The officers saw Smith throw an object on the ground and when they investigated, they discovered it was a loaded .38 caliber handgun. Smith admitted having handled the firearm. At his sentencing hearing on January 21, 2016, the government presented evidence that on December 16, 2015, Smith used another handgun to rob a pizza delivery driver. When the driver and his companion attempted to follow him, Smith turned and fired one shot at them.
Smith was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Smith was sentenced to 81 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. 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 C.J. Williams and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 15-CR-0081-LRR.
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Former City of Garwin Clerk Pleads Guilty to Theft of City FundsRead the Press Release
A woman who used her position as the city clerk for the City of Garwin to steal public funds pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Anna Leytham from Garwin, Iowa, was convicted of Theft Concerning a Program Receiving 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. By using city funds to pay her personal credit cards or by causing the city to issue her unauthorized checks, Leytham admitted to stealing at least $70,000 from January 2001 to October 2013.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Leytham remains free on bond previously set. She faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment; a fine equal to the greater of twice the gross gain to defendant resulting from the offense, twice the gross loss resulting from the offense, or $250,000; $100 in special assessments, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacob Schunk and was 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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Rwandan Refugee Who Became Naturalized Citizen Is Convicted for Naturalization FraudRead the Press Release
A man who immigrated to the United States from Rwanda as a refugee in 1998, who was charged with having obtained his citizenship by fraud, was convicted by a jury today after a four-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Ken Ngombwa, 56, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of unlawfully procuring or attempting to procure naturalization or citizenship; one count of procuring citizenship to which he was not entitled; one count of conspiracy to unlawfully procure citizenship; and one count of making a materially false statement to agents of the Department of Homeland Security.
The evidence at trial showed Ngombwa knowingly made several material false statements to procure entry into the United States as a refugee from Rwanda in 1998. Notably, Ngombwa falsely claimed to be the brother of Faustin Twagiramungu, a former Prime Minister of Rwanda, who lives in exile in Belgium.
The case was referred to the Department of Homeland Security in 2011 by the Prosecutor General of Rwanda.
Ngombwa was ordered detained without bond following return of the verdict today. A detention hearing before Chief United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade has been set for Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
A sentencing date will be set after a presentence report is prepared.
If convicted on all counts, Ngombwa faces a possible maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, $400 in special assessments, and 12 years of supervised release following any imprisonment. Ngombwa also faces loss of his citizenship in the United States.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Richard L. Murphy and Ravi Narayan, and was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 14-CR-00123.
Methamphetamine Distributor Sent to Prison for over Twenty YearsRead the Press Release
A man who was responsible for distributing ice methamphetamine and tampering with witnesses was sentenced today to more than 20 years in federal prison.
Troy Lawrence, 54, 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 involved in a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing significant quantities of ice methamphetamine, a highly pure, crystalized form of methamphetamine, in Eastern Iowa. The organization, headed by Lawrence’s brother, Martin Lawrence, obtained ice methamphetamine from a source of supply located in Omaha, Nebraska. Investigators learned of the organization after Martin Lawrence’s step-son brought a stuffed animal containing methamphetamine to his elementary school.
Lawrence obtained ounce quantities of methamphetamine from his brother and distributed it to a network of customers in multiple gram quantities. 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, Martin 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. Sentencing for Martin Lawrence will take place on a later date.
Lawrence was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Senior Judge Mark W. Bennett. Lawrence was sentenced to 262 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $300 was imposed. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
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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Former Toddville Resident Sentenced to Prison for Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
A former Iowa resident, who made a series of fraudulent omissions in his Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, was sentenced last week to one year in federal prison.
Branden Patten, 40, of Colorado Springs, CO, formerly of Toddville, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 23, 2015, guilty plea to one count of making a false declaration in a bankruptcy proceeding.
In a plea agreement, Patten admitted that, in 2012, he was the owner and sole stockholder of a number of local companies, including National Glass, BLP (doing business as Apple Creek Carpet Care), and Patten Property Management. On August 15, 2012, after Patten and his companies experienced financial difficulties, a lender cut off his line of credit. Patten then filed a voluntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Iowa.
In Patten’s bankruptcy filings, which were made under penalty of perjury, he knowingly failed to disclose that, in the two weeks preceding his bankruptcy filing, he had signatory authority over three bank accounts that were opened for his son’s newly formed corporations. Patten also failed to disclose he had transferred two vans equipped with carpet cleaning equipment to his son. Finally, Patten failed to disclose a new corporation he had formed in June 2012 called “Mission Slimpossible, LLC”, a boat lift he had purchased, a $1,000 deposit to a Canadian resort, and a lease interest in a BMW.
As a part of his plea agreement, Patten admitted in 2009 he had drawn down $50,000 on his line of credit and purchased a 26-foot boat and trailer that was titled in his own name. In his bankruptcy petition, which was later denied, Patten unsuccessfully tried to claim the boat as his exempt homestead in an attempt to shield the boat from his creditors.
Patten was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Patten was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment and fined $3,000. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and he was ordered to repay the Federal Public Defender $3,300. Patten must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Patten was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal in Denver, Colorado, later this month.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and investigated by the United States Department of Justice, Office of the United States Trustee, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 15-CR-74-LRR. Patten’s bankruptcy filings are available in Case Number 12-01538.
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Area Police Chiefs Work Together on Gun Violence IssuesRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The Cedar Rapids Police Department hosted a summit this morning with area law enforcement leaders to discuss gun violence and other crime issues that have impacted various communities throughout the state of Iowa.
The summit was an opportunity for department leaders and members of their law enforcement agencies to collaborate, share intelligence information, and discuss methods to promote safe and secure communities.
The summit, which was held this morning at the Cedar Rapids Police Department, included Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Kevin W. Techau, Ames Police Chief Charles Cychosz, Davenport Police Chief Paul Sikorski, Dubuque Police Chief Mark Dalsing, Fayette Police Chief Richard Pisanti, Iowa City Police Chief Sam Hargadine, and Waterloo Director of Public Safety Daniel Trelka.Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Federal Jury Convicts Sioux City Man for Meth Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was convicted on January 8, 2016, after a two-day jury trial in federal court in Sioux City.
Alberto Sanchez, 46, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine. The verdict was returned January 8, 2016, following about three hours of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that from 2014 through June 2015, Sanchez was involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than 50 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine in the Sioux City, Iowa area. Evidence at trial also showed that on March 30, 2015, and April 10, 2015, Sanchez distributed 83.4 grams and 51.1 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine, respectively, to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. Further evidence at trial showed Sanchez utilized a minor to distribute methamphetamine for him.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Sanchez remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. On the conspiracy conviction Sanchez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment. On each distribution conviction, Sanchez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, a maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Nelson 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 15-4037. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Decorah Man Sentenced for Selling Goats and Farm Equipment Pledged as Collateral for a Federal Farm LoanRead the Press Release
A man who had pledged assets as collateral for a United States Department of Agriculture farm operating loan and then sold those assets without notifying the Department he was doing so, was sentenced today to five years’ probation.
Andrew Hansen, age 36, from Decorah, Iowa, received the sentence after a guilty plea to one count of conversion of property pledged to a farm credit agency.
In a plea agreement, Hansen admitted that he pledged assets, including farm equipment and dairy goats, as security on Farm Services Agency loans he procured to operate a dairy goat farm in northeast Iowa. Hansen further admitted that, in August 2013, without notifying the Farm Services Agency, he sold goats that he had pledged as security on the loans and then used the proceeds from the sale for his own purposes rather than to pay off the farm loans. He also admitted to selling various pieces of farm equipment that he had also pledged as security on the loans.
Hansen was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. He was sentenced to five years’ probation and 50 hours of community service. A special assessment of $100 was imposed and he was ordered to make $35,650 in restitution to the Farm Service Agency. Because Hansen was convicted of a felony offense, he can no longer legally possess firearms or ammunition.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov. The case file number is 15-CR-2039.
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Armed Career Criminal is Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Robert M. Hertz, age 52, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was sentenced in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids today, after pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon.
In an Indictment filed on June 11, 2015, Hertz was charged with possessing a .40 caliber rifle and 237 rounds of ammunition in May 2015, after he had previously been convicted of three felonies, namely, Arson, Second Degree Burglary, and Manufacturing Methamphetamine. Hertz pled guilty to that charge on July 22, 2015.
Today, Chief United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade sentenced Hertz to serve 188 months in federal prison, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release.
Evidence presented at the sentencing hearing showed that Hertz attempted to obstruct justice by trying to influence a witness to conceal information from the FBI about Hertz’s use and possession of guns. Other evidence presented showed Hertz possessed three guns and numerous ammunition magazines. Hertz was also shown to have made a number of concerning posts on his Facebook accounts including describing how he had: made a promise to kill another person for a friend, and remained committed to that promise, if called upon; offered to kill a woman and “bury her deep;” and on another occasion “burned the house down” around his unfaithful wife and brother-in-law. Hertz referred to himself on Facebook as a “professional convict” stating, “I used to say there’s one thing I do well and that’s time . . . I do it real good . . . and I am known for it out there.”
In sentencing Hertz, Judge Reade noted that Hertz’s Facebook messages reflect his “criminal thinking” and were very concerning, and although he had no recent criminal convictions, his “head is still not on straight.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard L. Murphy and was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations; Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 15-CR-00053.
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Waterloo Man Convicted of Firearm and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man who possessed a firearm as a felon and possessed crack cocaine with the intent to distribute it was convicted by a jury today after a two-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Marchello Rembert, 32, from Waterloo, Iowa, was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute. The verdict was returned this morning following about two hours of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that on June 4, 2015, Rembert was at the 200 block of Cottage Street on the East Side of Waterloo, when police placed him under arrest on an active state arrest warrant. During a pat-down search, police located 15 baggies of crack cocaine in Rembert’s front pocket. Further investigation that evening revealed a loaded 9mm Ruger pistol in Rembert’s girlfriend’s vehicle. During analysis of the firearm, police located Rembert’s left index fingerprint on the left side of the firearm near the trigger guard area. Rembert was a felon, having previously been convicted of felony drug crimes, as well as felony theft and fraud offenses.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Rembert remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Rembert faces a possible maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a $1,250,000 fine, $200 in special assessments, and at least three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams and was investigated by the Waterloo Police Department, which was assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Task Force, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, Cedar Falls Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol Tabaco and Firearms, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 15-CR-2038.
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Reinbeck Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who received child pornography pled guilty on January 5, 2016, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Robert Turner, age 34, from Reinbeck, Iowa, formerly from Cedar Falls, was convicted of one count of receipt of child pornography. At the plea hearing, Turner admitted that, between 2001 and 2013, he knowingly used the Internet to receive child pornography.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Turner remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Turner faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and supervised release for 5 years to life following any imprisonment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Cedar Falls Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 15-2049.
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Delaware County Dairy Cattle Farmer Sentenced for Illegal Alien HarboringRead the Press Release
A Delaware County, Iowa, man was sentenced on December 31, 2015, after having pled guilty in federal court in Cedar Rapids to one count of harboring, encouraging, and inducing an alien to reside in the United States for the purpose of commercial advantage or personal financial gain.
Michael Thomas Millenkamp, age 47, of rural Earlville, Iowa, owner and operator of Mike Millenkamp Dairy Cattle (MMDC), was sentenced to serve three months in the custody of the United States Bureau of Prisons. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $5,000 and to forfeit $245,000 to the United States. Millenkamp will serve a term of 3 years supervised release following completion of his sentence to imprisonment.
As part of the conditions of supervised release, Millenkamp will be required to complete Immigration Forms I-9 for all of his employees and to maintain copies of all identification documents provided for purposes of employment. Millenkamp will also be required to make at least two presentations at annual conventions sponsored by the Iowa Cattle Industry, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Farmers Union, or similar groups of statewide membership concerning his case. If he is unable to arrange such presentations, Millenkamp will be permitted to submit letters to the editor or guest editorials to newspapers concerning his case. Millenkamp also agreed to retain the services of a technical service provider to assess and audit any environmental concerns with his animal feeding operations and to ensure ongoing compliance with State of Iowa Water Quality Standards. If the environmental assessment indicates deficiencies in Millenkamp’s operations, he will be required to remediate those problems. Finally, Millenkamp agreed to participate in a government program that will help verify the validity of identity documents provided for employment.
In a plea agreement, Millenkamp admitted that between 2007 and 2011, he employed numerous illegal aliens at his business near Earlville. Some of the illegal alien employees were permitted to reside at one or more farms owned by him. Millenkamp admitted he told one illegal alien:
“these people I know, they’re my friends, and they’re like, Mike why are you hiring people that are illegal? Why are you hiring people illegal Mike? I said, I don’t know. But I knew I had to lie, I had to lie.”
In statements to the Court at sentencing, the prosecutor noted Millenkamp acknowledged at least five workers he had employed were illegally in the country. However, records showed at least 16 other foreign born workers had documents with invalid identification numbers or belonging to another person.
When imposing sentence, Chief United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade noted defendant’s prior criminal record, including two OWI convictions and 19 speeding tickets. The Court also noted it was important to hold employers accountable for compliance with the laws regarding employment eligibility verification.
United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau stated, “I hope Iowa business owners are listening. You can go to prison for knowingly employing undocumented workers. Violating federal law is not a good business strategy. We are committed to preserving the rule of law. Employers that seek to gain an unfair business advantage over their competitors by using illegal workers should take note of this sentence. Investigations like this one are an essential part of our enforcement strategy.”
Techau went on to note, “We remain resolute in our responsibility to hold employers accountable for their actions and to give law-abiding businesses a fair chance to compete. As an agricultural businessman, Mr. Millenkamp’s “lesson learned” presentations to the Iowa Cattle Industry and Iowa Farm Bureau members about his crimes, as well as the requirement that his animal feeding operations be monitored to ensure compliance with State of Iowa Water Quality Standards, are a significant component of his sentence.”
Recognizing the diligent investigative efforts, U.S. Attorney Techau concluded by stating, “I would like to thank our partners at Home land Security Investigations for their hard work on this important investigation.”
The case was being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard L. Murphy and was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 15-CR-02031-LRR.
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Waterloo Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man who conspired to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and was a felon in possession of a firearm was sentenced last Thursday to more than 23 years in federal prison.
Derrick Plunkett, 37, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 26, 2015, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with a prior felony drug conviction and one count of possession of a firearm with three or more felony convictions for violent or serious drug crimes.
At the plea hearing, Plunkett admitted that he worked with others to distribute well more than 500 grams of methamphetamine in the Waterloo, Iowa, area between the spring of 2013 and May 2015. Plunkett admitted that on April 7, 2015, he was in possession of a Glock firearm and had previously been convicted of at least three felony offenses, specifically: Robbery-Second Degree and two separate cases of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine.
Plunkett was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Plunkett was sentenced to 282 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $200 was imposed, and he must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Plunkett is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick J. Reinert and Lisa Williams, and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Tri-County Drug Task Force, comprised of the Waterloo Police Department, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, Cedar Falls Police Department, LaPorte City Police Department, Hudson Police Department, Evansdale Police Department, University of Northern Iowa Police Department, Waverly Police Department and the Bremer County Sheriff’s Office; the Mid-Iowa Task Force, comprised of the Marshalltown Police Department, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, Tama County Sheriff’s Office, Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Falls Police Department, Eldora Police Department and the Dysart Police Department; and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; the Iowa City Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is CR 15-2035.
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Former Effigy Mounds National Monument Superintendent Admits to Stealing Human RemainsRead the Press Release
Kevin W. Techau, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa, announced that the former Superintendent at the Effigy Mounds National Monument, Thomas A. Munson, age 76, from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, pled guilty this afternoon in federal court to one count of stealing human remains from Effigy Mounds National Monument.
The facts admitted at the plea hearing, and set forth in the plea agreement revealed that on about July 16, 1990, Munson voluntarily, intentionally and knowingly removed prehistoric skeletal human remains from the Effigy Mounds National Monument collection. He carried a box of human remains from the curatorial facility to his car, and directed a subordinate to do the same. Munson then drove the stolen items to his home in Wisconsin where he concealed them for more than twenty years. When the boxes were finally recovered, investigators discovered that several of the human bones were broken or fragmented beyond recognition.
As a direct result of Munson's crime, the National Park Service has spent $83,905 in restoration and repair costs and will spend at least another $25,000. Munson is responsible for at least $108,905 in restitution to the National Park Service.
Munson was an employee of the National Park Service from July of 1964 to May 1994. He served as Superintendent at Effigy Mounds National Monument from February 1971, until his retirement in May of 1994. At all times during his employment, Munson was entrusted with preserving and protecting the sacred site.
United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau said following the plea, “It is a very sad day when a public official betrays the public’s trust. This was a serious crime and the betrayal was compounded by a violation of the most sacred trust placed in Mr. Munson as the Superintendent of Effigy Mounds National Monument.”
The guilty plea proceedings were held before United States Chief Magistrate Judge Jon S. Scoles. Sentencing will also be held before Judge Scoles. The date for sentencing will be set after a presentence report has been prepared. Munson remains on pretrial release pending sentencing.
Munson faces a possible maximum sentence of one year’s imprisonment, a $100,000 fine, $25 in special assessments, and one year of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The Effigy Mounds National Monument located in Allamakee County, Iowa and operated by the National Park Service was established by a Presidential Proclamation by Harry S. Truman on October 25, 1949 under the Antiquities Act of 1906. The monument was established primarily to protect over 200 known prehistoric earthen burial mounds, some in the shape of animals, constructed between 700 and 2,500 years ago. The monument land is held in fee simple by the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior. The monument is an area of concurrent federal jurisdiction.
The following Tribes affiliate themselves with Effigy Mounds National Monument:
Crow Creek Sioux Tribe
Flandeau Santee Sioux
Ho-Chunk Nation
Iowa Tribe of Kansas & Nebraska
Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma
Lower Sioux Indian Community
Omaha Nation
Otoe-Missouria Tribe
Ponca Tribe of Nebraska
Prairie Island Indian Community
Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska
Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma
Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa
Santee Sioux Nation
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community of Minnesota
Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribe
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Upper Sioux Indian Community
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and
Yankton Sioux Tribe
The case was investigated by the National Park Service and 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 CR15-1030.
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Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
An admitted marijuana user who possessed a firearm and ammunition on the streets of Cedar Rapids was sentenced last week to 57 months in federal prison. Marcus Alexander Thomas, age 22, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 4, 2015, guilty plea.
At his plea hearing, Thomas admitted to possessing a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic handgun loaded with 9mm caliber Luger ammunition on March 16, 2015. He also admitted to be a marijuana user. The weapon was found in the trunk of the car Thomas was driving. He had been stopped by Cedar Rapids police for being suspected of prowling homes. Then, on May 21, 2015, police officers responded to a report of “shots fired.” Thomas was observed fleeing the area and seen throwing another firearm over a fence. One shot hit the windshield of a car. At his sentencing hearing, Thomas admitted he possessed and discharged this second firearm, which was stolen.
Thomas was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Thomas was sentenced to 57 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 prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The 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.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file numbers are 15-CR-56-LRR and 15-MJ-188-JSS.
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Cedar Rapids Felon and Domestic Abuser Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
A man who unlawfully possessed a loaded handgun in April 2015 was sentenced on December 31, 2015, to seven years in federal prison.
Darius Devon Flowers, age 26, from Cedar Rapids, received the prison term after a September 4, 2015, guilty plea to being a felon and domestic abuser in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
At the guilty plea hearing, Flowers admitted that prior to possessing the loaded handgun in April 2015, he had previously been convicted of two felony offenses and two misdemeanor domestic abuse offenses. Prior public filings show that on April 22, 2015, Cedar Rapids police was dispatched to a call of a male in possession of a firearm. A witness at the scene reported Flowers, who appeared to be intoxicated, displaying a firearm while informing a female to call him if she needed him to “handle anything.” The female called the Cedar Rapids Police Department and provided a description of the vehicle in which Flowers was a passenger. Cedar Rapids Police found the vehicle shortly thereafter, and found the loaded handgun underneath Flowers’s seat.
Flowers was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Flowers was sentenced to 84 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.
Flowers is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Safe Street Task Force. The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation; Cedar Rapids Police Department; Marion Police Department; Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services; Linn County Sheriff’s Office; and Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file numbers are 15-CR-0068-LRR and 15-MJ-00189.
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Cedar Falls Men Sentenced to Federal Prison on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Two men who downloaded and possessed child pornography were sentenced to federal prison on December 31, 2015.
Frank Martinez, age 50, from Cedar Falls, Iowa, received a sentence of over 10 years’ imprisonment after an August 10, 2015 guilty plea to one count of receipt of child pornography. His husband Donald Wall, age 51, from Cedar Falls, received a sentence of over 6 years’ imprisonment after an August 21, 2015 guilty plea to one count of possession of child pornography. Information presented at the sentencing hearings showed that both defendants used the Internet to download child pornography.
Both defendants were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Martinez was sentenced to 121 months’ imprisonment, he was fined $10,000, a special assessment of $100 was imposed, and he was ordered to make $2,500 in restitution. Wall was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment, he was fined $10,000, and a special assessment of $100 was imposed. Each defendant must serve a 10-year term of supervised release and must comply with all sex offender registration and public notification requirements.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 15-2022.
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Waterloo Man Sentenced for Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
A man who was found in possession of a handgun in relation to a shooting was sentenced today to more than four years in federal prison.
Dameon Harris, age 23, from Waterloo, Iowa, was convicted of being a felon and unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm. In a plea agreement, Harris admitted that on April 7, 2015, he was outside his girlfriend’s apartment complex when someone in a white vehicle drove by and shot at him. Defendant was, at the time, armed with a .22 caliber Mossberg firearm. Before the police arrived to investigate the shooting, Harris tried to hide his firearm in his girlfriend’s apartment. At the time Harris possessed the firearm, he was an unlawful user of marijuana. Harris had previously been convicted in 2013 of the felony offense of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Chicago, Illinois.
Harris was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Harris was sentenced to 57 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.
Harris 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 C.J. Williams and investigated by Waterloo Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 15-cr-2016-LRR.
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Fort Dodge Man to Federal Prison for Firearm ConvictionRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced December 22, 2015, to more than two years in federal prison.
Tayoune Herron, 35, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 28, 2015, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon. Herron was previously convicted of receiving stolen property and conspiracy, in the Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, on or about July 18, 2001.
At the guilty plea, Herron admitted that from about May 2014 through about August 2014, he possessed a Hi-Point 9mm pistol. Herron admitted he had obtained the firearm from convicted felon William Rees. Rees had asked Jacob Jamison to purchase two Hi-Point 9mm handguns for him, as Rees was unable to purchase or possess firearms since he was a felon. Rees in turn gave one of those firearms to Herron.
Herron was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Herron was sentenced to 30 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. Herron is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Pocahontas Police Department, Pocahontas Sheriff’s Office, and Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 15-3025.
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Former Anamosa Correctional Officer Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A former Anamosa Penitentiary Correctional Officer who possessed firearms while he was an unlawful drug user was sentenced yesterday to 17 months in federal prison.
Ethan Darrow, age 29, from Anamosa, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to one count of being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm. In a plea agreement, Darrow admitted that while employed as a Correctional Officer at the Anamosa Penitentiary between 2012 and 2015, he was assigned tower guard duty from time to time. When serving tower guard duty, he was issued semi-automatic assault rifle. He served guard tower duty on more than fifty times during 2014. Darrow admitted that during 2014, he was a regular, unlawful user of marijuana and cocaine.
Darrow was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Darrow was sentenced to 17 months’ imprisonment and fined $5,000. 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.
Darrow 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 C.J. Williams and investigated by the Anamosa State Penitentiary, the Iowa Department of Corrections, the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 15-cr-90-LRR.
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Dean Brothers’ Appeals Denied, Convictions for Robbery, Carjacking, and Weapons Offenses UpheldRead the Press Release
Today, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the convictions and sentences of Jamal and Levon Dean Jr. Previously, Jamal Dean, 23, of Sioux City, was sentenced to life imprisonment for conspiracy, felon in possession of a firearm, carjacking, robbery, and brandishing a gun in furtherance of a violent crime. Levon Dean Jr., 25, of Sioux City, was sentenced to 400 months imprisonment for conspiracy, felon in possession of a firearm, robbery and possessing a gun in furtherance of a violent crime.
In its opinion, the court rejected the Deans’ numerous arguments for a new trial and resentencing in their entirety. The opinion of the court can be found at http://media.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/15/12/151263P.pdf.
“The arrest, conviction and sentencing of Jamal and Levon Dean, and now the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeal ruling affirming their sentences and convictions are the result of law enforcement partners at the federal, state and local levels working together to help make Woodbury County and the surrounding region safer for everyone. Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild did an outstanding job of prosecuting this case and handling the appeal. " said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Kevin W. Techau.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde O. Fairchild and was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department, the South Sioux City Police Department, the Woodbury County, Iowa Sheriff Office the Dakota County, Nebraska Sheriff’s Office, The Woodbury County, Iowa Attorney’s Office, the United States Marshal’s Service, the Iowa Department of Public Safety, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Iowa Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-4082.
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Waterloo Man Sentenced for Possessing Ammunition as a Marijuana UserRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man who possessed ammunition as a marijuana user was sentenced today to more than two years in federal prison.
Marshondus Trenedale Brown, 23, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 28, 2015, guilty plea to being a marijuana user in possession of ammunition.
In a plea agreement, Brown admitted he walked into a convenience store in Waterloo on April 17, 2015 carrying a .45 caliber firearm loaded with .45 Remington ammunition. During a fight that began in the convenience store between two groups of individuals, Brown discharged his firearm in the direction of a SUV into which members of the other group had fled. Five bullets lodged in the rear bumper or back hatch door of the SUV.
Brown was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Brown was sentenced to 27 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 prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and investigated by the Waterloo Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 15-CR-2033-LRR.
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El Salvadoran Man with Serious Criminal History Sentenced for Illegally Re-Entering the United States and for Violating the Terms of Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
A man charged with illegal re-entry following an aggravated felony conviction, and with violating the terms of his federal supervised release was sentenced December 21, 2015, to 120 months (10 years), and 24 months imprisonment, respectively.
Inmar Hernandez-Pineda, age 25, from El Salvador, received the prison terms after a guilty plea to one count of illegally re-entering the United States following a conviction as an aggravated felon. At the guilty plea, Hernandez-Pineda admitted he had illegally re-entered the United States from El Salvador after prior aggravated felony convictions of criminal mischief 2nd degree, and theft 2nd degree in Woodbury County in 2009.
Hernandez-Pineda came to the attention of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after he was arrested on June 5, 2015, by the Sioux City police for robbery, and going armed with intent when he and another individual committed an armed robbery at Natalia’s Bakery in Sioux City. During the robbery, defendant was armed with an eight-inch knife and his accomplice was armed with a shotgun. During the robbery, the bakery owner’s son fought with the accomplice, who pulled a knife and stabbed the owner’s son in the shoulder and scalp. Defendant committed the armed robbery of Natalia’s Bakery on June 5, 2015, after his last deportation on September 29, 2014.
Hernandez-Pineda was sentenced in Sioux City, Iowa by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Hernandez-Pineda was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment for illegal re-entry, and 24 months imprisonment for violation of his federal supervised release. A special assessment of $100 was also imposed. He must serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Hernandez-Pineda is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to the Iowa Department of Corrections to begin to serve his state sentence prior to serving his federal sentence.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Fletcher and investigated by the Enforcement and Removal Office of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau and the Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 15-CR-4039.
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Iowa Hospice to Pay More than $1 Million to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Iowa Hospice, LLC, has agreed to pay $1,088,244.02 to resolve civil allegations that it violated the federal False Claims Act by submitting false bills to Medicare for hospice services.
The Medicare hospice benefit is only available to patients who elect palliative care (medical care focused on providing patients with relief from pain, symptoms, or stress) for a terminal illness and who have a life expectancy of six months or less if their illness runs the normal course. The government alleged that Iowa Hospice knowingly submitted false claims to the government for payment of these services because, during some or all of the period that certain patients were receiving hospice care, the patients did not have a medical prognosis of six months or less if their illnesses ran their normal course. The claims settled by the agreement are allegations only; there has been no admission or judicial determination of liability.
“The Medicare hospice benefit is only intended for terminally ill Medicare beneficiaries who need end of life care,” said United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau. “We will continue to diligently investigate and pursue all instances of misconduct in federal health care programs to ensure that no federal monies are misspent, all providers play by the rules, and patients receive the care to which they are entitled.”
“Being a hospice provider in the Medicare program is a privilege, not a right. Hospice providers that try to boost their profits by providing hospice care to Medicare beneficiaries who are not terminally ill compromise both the health of those patients as well as the financial integrity of Medicare,” said Special Agent in Charge Gerald T. Roy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Our agency will continue to hold such hospice providers accountable for their actions.”
The allegations resolved by the settlement arose from work performed by NCI Advancemed, and an investigation led by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. False Claims Act cases also arise under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party may file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in any recovery.
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Wisconsin Man Charged with Stealing Human RemainsRead the Press Release
Thomas A. Munson, 76, from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, has been charged with one count of embezzlement and theft. The charge is contained in an Information filed on December 8, 2015, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Information alleges that, between about July 16, 1990 and May 17, 2012, Munson knowingly concealed human remains in the possession of the United States.
If convicted Munson faces the following maximum penalties: (1) not more than one year imprisonment without the possibility of parole or a term of probation of not more than five years; (2) a fine of not more than $100,000; (3) a mandatory special assessment of $25; and (4) a term of supervised release of not more than one year following any prison term.
Munson appeared on December 16, 2015, in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was released without bond. Munson’s next appearance for a change of plea hearing is set for January 4, 2016, at 1:30 p.m.
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 investigated by the National Park Service and 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 15-CR-1030.
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United States Attorney’s Office Collects $16 Million in Fiscal Year 2015Read the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau announced today that the Northern District of Iowa collected $16,332,696 million in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, more than twice the office’s direct budget. Monies collected are returned to the federal treasury and victims of crimes.
Civil collections come from the government pursuing money lost to fraud, overpayments, or other misconduct, or collection of fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal financial, health, safety, civil rights, and environmental laws. Criminal collections involve actions related to victim restitution, fines, and court costs.
The Breakdown
The total $16 million collection effort is made up of the following:
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$8,690,693 was collected in criminal actions, which included victim restitution, fines, and court costs; and
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$7,642,003 was collected in civil actions.These civil actions are cases in which the office, acting on its own or with other components of DOJ, obtained judgments and settlements and collected those judgments and settlements; or where the office collected monies from individuals who failed to pay financial obligations owed to the United States.
In measuring collections recovered in FY 2015, these figures necessarily include some cases that were resolved in previous years but the proceeds of which were collected in the fiscal year 2015.
The top criminal collection involves Austin “Jack” DeCoster, his son Peter DeCoster, and their company, Quality Egg LLC. The criminal case involved bribery of a public official, introducing a misbranded food into interstate commerce with intent to defraud, and introducing adulterated food into interstate commerce. Adulterated eggs produced and distributed by Quality Egg were linked to approximately 1,939 reported consumer illnesses in multiple states—a nationwide outbreak of salmonellosis that led to the August 2010 recall of millions of eggs produced by them. In addition to both DeCosters being sentenced to serve prison time and fined $100,000, their company was sentenced to pay a fine of $6.79 million.
The top civil collection for the Cedar Rapids Office resulted from a settlement with ResCare Iowa Inc., which agreed to pay $5.63 million to the United States and the State of Iowa to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting false home healthcare billings to the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa, Kevin W. Techau, reinforced the importance of these collections, indicating “The recovery of ill begotten funds for the federal treasury and for victims of crimes is a top priority. I am very proud of the office’s efforts to hold accountable those who wrongfully profit at the expense of the United States.”
DOJ Collections
Nationally, the Department of Justice (DOJ) collected $23.1 billion in civil and criminal actions in fiscal year (FY) 2015. The amount collected represents more than seven and a half times the approximately $2.93 billion of the department’s combined appropriations for the 94 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the main litigating divisions in that same period.
The 23.1 billion includes all monies collected as a result of Justice Department-led enforcement actions and negotiated civil settlements. It includes more than $16.2 billion in payments made directly to the Justice Department, and more than $6.8 billion in indirect payments made to other federal agencies, states and other designated recipients.
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Man to Federal Prison for Iowa Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced December 3, 2015, to more than six years in federal prison.
Joe Edward Leal, 49, from Hartley, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 1, 2015, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the guilty plea, Leal admitted his involvement in a conspiracy from about July 2013 and continuing through May 2014 that distributed more than 50 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine. On three occasions in January and February 2014, Leal distributed over 53 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine to individuals cooperating with law enforcement.
Leal was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Leal was sentenced to 81 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 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.
Leal is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Sheldon, Iowa Police Department, Iowa Great Lakes Drug Task Force, and Iowa Division of Criminalistics Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 15-4005.
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Local Prosecutor Becomes Commanding General of Army Reserve Command Supporting Multi-State RegionRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Assistant United States Attorney, and Army Reserve Major General, Patrick J. Reinert, from Cedar Rapids, recently became the commanding general of the 88th Regional Support Command (RSC) during a change of command ceremony.
The 88th RSC, headquartered on Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, provides services and base operations support to more than 55,000 Army Reserve soldiers, civilians and families serving in 633 units at 278 sites dispersed across 19 states in the northern United States from the Ohio River Valley to the Pacific Coast.
Key services provided by the command include human resources, medical administration, funding, physical security, environmental compliance, training areas, safety, force management, equipment maintenance and storage, and facility management.
Reinert took command of the 88th RSC on December 4th. He acknowledged the complex world we live in and the necessity of having an Army Reserve that is ready to answer the nation’s call whenever needed. “This command is central to creating and sustaining readiness,” said General Reinert. “We are a critical component – and I know we are up to the challenge.”
“We greatly appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills all of our National Guard and Reserve service members bring to the Northern District of Iowa’s United States Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice,” United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau offered. He also noted, “We stand proudly with them as they answer our nation’s call to defend our way of life. Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation. General Reinert is the epitome of that service and sacrifice. He is a tremendous leader. ”
Reinert has proudly served the nation for more than 30 years as a commissioned officer. His most recent assignments have included commander of the U.S. Army Reserve Legal Command, commanding General of the Rule of Law Field Force in Afghanistan, and Commanding General of Combined Joint Inter-Agency Task Force 435 in Afghanistan.
In his civilian capacity, Reinert is the lead Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Attorney for the United States Attorney’s Office located in Cedar Rapids, and has been with that office for over 25 years.
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Two Sentenced for Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
A man and a woman who attempted to obstruct a federal court proceeding by providing a false document were each sentenced on November 25, 2015, to about two years in federal prison.
Asa Adams, age 26, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 29, 2015, guilty plea to one count of obstruction of justice.
Nicole Wells, age 36, also from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 6, 2015, guilty plea to one count of obstruction of justice.
In plea agreements, Adams and Wells admitted that they worked together to create a false letter to be presented in federal court in a failed attempt to help Adams evade a revocation of his supervised release. Adams was convicted in 2011 of being a felon in possession of a firearm. After serving a sixteen-month sentence in federal prison, Adams was placed on supervised release on October 2, 2014. One of the conditions imposed on supervised release was that Adams not use controlled substances. On December 24, 2014, Adams submitted a urine sample that tested positive for marijuana. His drug use was tested by random urinalysis. In an attempt to evade having his supervised release revoked and being sent back to prison, Adams recruited his coworker and friend, Nicole Wells, to fabricate a false letter. The letter, purportedly written by a supervisor at the restaurant where Adams and Wells worked, falsely claimed another employee had brought in marijuana-laced brownies to work. The letter was not written by the supervisor and there were no marijuana-laced brownies.
Adams provided the false and fictitious letter to his defense attorney, who unwittingly filed it with the federal court as an exhibit. At a hearing on a petition to revoke Adams’s supervised release, however, the letter was shown to be false when the supervisor and employee who allegedly brought the brownies to work testified to the contrary.
The court found Adams had tested positive for marijuana because he had used marijuana, and sentenced Adams to a year in federal prison for violating the terms of his supervised release.
Adams and Wells were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Adams was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment (to run consecutively to the one-year sentence previously imposed) and Wells was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed on each of them. Each must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Adams is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
Wells 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 C.J. Williams 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 15-CR-42-LRR.
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Cedar Rapids Man Pleads Guilty to Being Unlawful Drug User in Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
A man who was found in possession of two firearms during a traffic stop pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Tyshawn Bush, age 20, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of being an unlawful user of marijuana in possession of firearms.
In a plea agreement, Bush admitted that, on June 27, 2015, he purchased a Savage Arms, 12 gauge shotgun in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In purchasing the firearm, Bush falsely denied using illegal controlled substances. In truth, at the time Bush purchased the shotgun, he was a regular unlawful user of marijuana. On July 16, 2015, Cedar Rapids police officers made a vehicle traffic stop on the southwest side of Cedar Rapids. Bush was a passenger in the vehicle. On the floor of the back seat, where Bush was sitting, officers found a loaded Lorcin .25 caliber pistol, with an obliterated serial number. In the trunk, officers found a Westernfield 16 gauge shotgun which Bush admitted was his.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Bush remains in custody of the United States Marshal. Bush 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 C.J. Williams and was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of the Safe Streets Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 15-CR-0086-LRR.
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Emmetsburg Banker and Co-Schemers Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
On Tuesday, November 24, 2015, three men were sentenced for their roles in a scheme to defraud the Iowa Trust and Savings Bank in Emmetsburg, Iowa.
Richard Jones, age 62, a banker from Emmetsburg, Iowa, Michael Manning, age 68 of Milford, Iowa, and Aric Manning, age 37, of Phoenix, Arizona were each convicted of one count of bank fraud, and were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in the scheme. Two others, Russ Salton, age 55, of Ruthven, Iowa, (who pled guilty to bank fraud) and Sue Salton, age 52, of West Des Moines, Iowa, (who pled guilty to False Statement to a Bank), had already been sentenced in federal court.
During the five change of plea hearings and five sentencings in this case, it was revealed that for over six years (from about November 24, 2003 to about March 29, 2010) as Senior Vice-President of Iowa Trust and Savings Bank (“ITSB”), in Emmetsburg, Iowa, Jones used his position of trust to engage in two similar, but wholly separate, criminal schemes with two separate groups of criminals (i.e., the Mannings in one scheme, and the Saltons in another).
Jones side-stepped the safeguards the ITSB and FDIC had established to protect ITSB from making dangerous loans. Jones deceived the bank into thinking third parties were taking out new loans in small amounts, when in fact, Jones was actually directing the bank’s money to the Mannings and the Saltons, both of whom were struggling borrowers with worrisome amounts of debt.
During these schemes, Jones personally forged the signatures of unknowing bank customers, repeatedly lied to and tricked his fellow ITSB bankers, and repeatedly committed aggravated identity theft by stealing the identity of some of his customers to fraudulently direct money to his co-schemers.
The Jones-Salton scheme fraudulently obtained loans worth about $389,284.00 and the Jones-Manning scheme fraudulently obtained loans worth about $86,351.17. None of these fraudulent loans could have been obtained without Jones’s personal involvement in each of the schemes.
Jones and the Mannings were sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Jones was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and he was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $207,209.17 to ITSB. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison during which time he must make presentations warning others of the consequences of engaging in bank fraud. Finally, he was required (by his plea agreement with the United States) to make a public acknowledgment of guilt in several local papers. There is no parole in the federal system.
Aric Manning was sentenced to 12 months’ and 1 day imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and he was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $58,049.17 to ITSB. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term.
Mike Manning was sentenced to time served (about a day). A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and he was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $27,460.00 to ITSB. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term.
Sue Salton was sentenced in Sioux City on October 23, 2015, by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Sue Salton was sentenced to time served (about a day). A special assessment of $100 was imposed and she forfeited $10,000 to the United States. She must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term.
Russell Salton was sentenced in Sioux City on November 9, 2015 by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Russell Salton was sentenced to 13 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and he was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $121,700 to ITSB. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term.
Jones and Aric Manning (like Russell Salton before them) were released on the bond previously set and are to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number for Jones is 14-3061. The case file number for Russell Salton is 14-3058 and for Sue Salton is 14-3064. The case file number for Michael Manning and Aric Manning is 14-3057.
The case was investigated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General; The Iowa Department of Criminal Investigations; the Federal Bureau of Investigations; the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General; and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
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Don’t Flush; Drop Them Off. Medicines Can Kill!Read the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS – The Eastern Iowa Heroin Prevention/ Treatment/ Enforcement Initiative is a partnership between the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office in Cedar Rapids. The goal of the initiative is to stem the tide of heroin supply and use affecting Eastern Iowa. It is widely accepted that the goal cannot be reached by solely focusing on prosecuting drug traffickers. Prevention and treatment efforts must also be enhanced and engaged to reduce the demand for highly addictive and dangerous opioids.
The Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative operates with funding from the Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), which secured funding to dedicate a police officer to coordinate regional partnerships.
Federal, State and local law enforcement are working with medical, prevention, treatment and public health leaders to encourage Iowa families to clean out medicine cabinets and safely rid their homes of unwanted and expired prescription medications. Unused prescription drugs in homes create a public health and safety concern because the medications can be accidentally ingested, stolen, misused, and abused. Drop-off boxes provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of prescription drug disposal.
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office together with the Coralville, University Heights and Waterloo Police Departments join in this effort by offering drop-off boxes at their locations, which will be securely maintained and available to the public around the clock. There are two webpage links that can be used to search for the nearest law enforcement based drop-box. The National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators webpage can be found at: http://rxdrugdropbox.org/. The Iowa Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy features a map of sites and can be accessed at: http://www.iowa.gov/odcp/drug_information/takebacks.html. The goal is to have one box in every Iowa County.
Why Are Drop-Off Boxes Important?
The most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows prescription medicines to be the most abused drugs by Americans other than marijuana. Seven of the 10 drugs most commonly abused by teenagers are prescription medicines. One in 10 teens has used Vicodin non-medically. Almost three-fourths of teen prescription drug abusers get the drugs from family and friends. The home medicine cabinet is a major source. These medicines should not be thrown in the trash where others can find them.
Prescription drugs containing controlled substances are being misused and abused at alarming rates in America today, leading to cases of accidental poisoning, overdose, and addiction. A major factor contributing to their increased usage is their availability in the home medicine cabinet. In many cases, medicines containing controlled substances remain in the home medicine cabinet long after therapy has been completed, thus making these drugs easily accessible to others who would misuse or abuse them.
Why? Two-thirds of all teenagers who abuse prescription narcotics first obtain the drugs from family and friends. Parents and grandparents can help keep their kids safe. Start by assessing and securing the prescription narcotics in your home. Unneeded prescription narcotics should be disposed of in a safe manner and parents need to talk with their kids about the dangers of abusing prescription narcotics.
“We are urging all Iowans to safely dispose of prescription drugs. When prescription drugs, especially opiates, fall into the wrong hands, they are extremely dangerous and even deadly,” said United States Attorney Northern District of Iowa, Kevin W. Techau. “That's why we are urging the public to take some time to sort through their medicine cabinets and safely dispose of any unneeded medications at nearby take-back locations as soon as possible.”
Drop boxes are free, and the program is entirely anonymous. The public is urged to turn in their unused, unwanted, unneeded medicine, no questions asked.
Only pills and other solid prescriptions, such as patches, can be disposed of at a collection site. Liquids and needles will not be accepted
To learn more about local initiatives to combat the drug threat go to Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative on Facebook. A list of area drop-boxes is attached. area_drop-box_locations.pdf (61.6 KB)
Special thanks to the Johnson County Postmaster, Stacy St. John, for donating four unused mailboxes for this purpose along with Banacom Signs & Designs for the graphic work, and Cassill Collison Center for painting the boxes.
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Web Page and Telephone Line Available to Assist Potential Victims of Fraud in Cases InvolvingRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Iowa has established a link on its website and a dedicated telephone line to provide case updates and other information, including assistance in submitting victim impact statements or claims for restitution, for potential victims in the following cases:
United States v. William B. Aossey, Jr.,
Case Number 14-CR-00116
United States v. Jalel Aossey, Yahya Nasser Aossey, Midamar Corporation, and ISA, Inc., d/b/a Islamic Services of America,
Case Number 14-CR-0138
Under the Crime Victims Rights Act (Title 18, United States Code, Section 3771), victims of federal crimes have several rights, including: to be notified of certain Court proceedings; to be reasonably heard by the Court; and to submit claims for restitution. Through the website and telephone line, potential victims will be provided timely and accurate information about the criminal cases and their rights under the law.
Potential victims can view the Victim Witness Assistance link on the United States Attorney=s website to receive updated case information. The website provides victims with information about their statutory rights and includes links to court documents in the case. The website also contains a link to a victim impact statement, through which persons claiming to have been victims of one of the referenced cases can submit a statement to the Court and/or make a claim for restitution. The website may be found at: http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndia/victim-witness-assistance/information-victims-large-cases
Potential victims may also call (319) 731-4034 or toll free at (877) 398-2842 to learn more about their rights.
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Media Advisory: Expired, Unused and Unwanted Medicines Can KillRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa together with state law enforcement agency representatives will hold a press conference on November 24th to discuss a new program begun by the Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative. Deaths from drug overdoses in the United States surpassed deaths from either firearms or motor vehicle accidents each year since 2008, according to a newly released report. This new initiative has been developed to encourage the public to play a part in curbing prescription drug overdose deaths.
Four drug drop-off boxes will be placed in Johnson and Black Hawk County as part of the Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative, which will provide for an anonymous, no questions asked way for people to dispose of expired, unused, or unwanted medications. A drop-off box will be on display.
U.S. Attorney Kevin Techau will be present at the press conference.
Event Details
When: Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Where: Cedar Rapids Police Department (Community Room), 505 1st Street S.W., Cedar Rapids, IA
Time: 11:00 a.m.
A press release will be provided and interview opportunities will be available after the press conference.
Federal Jury Finds Hopkinton Woman Guilty of Conspiracy to Her Husband and Other Drug Charges Manufacture Methamphetamine withRead the Press Release
A woman who was conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine with her husband for approximately five years was convicted by a jury after a two-and-a-half day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Lisa Ann Davis, 48, from Hopkinton, Iowa, was convicted of all three counts charged against her in an Indictment filed October 27, 2015. In addition to the conspiracy charge, the jury found Davis guilty of attempting to manufacture methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the manufacture of methamphetamine, as well as possession of pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture and for use in the manufacture of methamphetamine. The verdict was returned yesterday afternoon following about 90 minutes of jury deliberations.
Davis’s husband, Jody Davis, 46, pled guilty the day before trial to a single count of attempting to manufacture and aiding and abetting the manufacture of methamphetamine on or about June 20, 2015.
The evidence at trial showed that Davis conspired with her husband and others to manufacture methamphetamine. She purchased approximately three boxes of pseudoephedrine per month from August 2010 to June 2015 to manufacture methamphetamine. Davis also purchased known methamphetamine supplies from various retail establishments throughout Eastern Iowa. On June 20, 2015, the Delaware County Sherriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Davis’s Hopkinton home. Officers found Davis in her kitchen surrounded by methamphetamine manufacturing materials. A pie dish in a microwave, and a snort tube in a kitchen cabinet, also tested positive for methamphetamine.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Davis was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the verdict and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing on Monday afternoon. Davis faces up to 20 years of imprisonment on each count, possible maximum sentence of up to 60 years’ imprisonment, a $2,250,000 fine, $300 in special assessments, and a lifetime of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tim Vavricek, Erin Eldridge, and C.J. Williams, and was investigated by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Office of Drug Control Policy, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Criminalistics Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 15-CR-2028.
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Dubuque Man Charged with Racially Motivated Hate CrimeRead the Press Release
Randy Metcalf, age 40, from Dubuque, Iowa, has been charged with committing a hate crime by causing bodily injury to a person because of that person’s race. The charges are contained in a Complaint unsealed yesterday in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Complaint alleges that, on or about January 12, 2015, Metcalf assaulted an African American male at the Northside Bar in Dubuque, Iowa, by stomping on and kicking his head. The complaint further alleges that Metcalf assaulted this man because he was African American and that Metcalf had been using racial slurs in reference to the man over the course of the night prior to the assault.
If convicted, Metcalf faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $100 in special assessments, and not more than 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Metcalf appeared today in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was held without bond. Metcalf’s next appearance for a detention and preliminary hearing is set for 9:00 a.m. on November 20, 2015.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Dubuque Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 15-MJ-325.
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Woman Sentenced to Time Served for Illegally Re-Entering the United States from MexicoRead the Press Release
A woman who used false identification documents to obtain employment was sentenced on November 9, 2015, to time served.
Ostolia Collazo-Pena, age 43, from Mexico, received the prison term after a September 1, 2015, guilty plea to one count of fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents.
In a plea agreement, Collazo-Pena admitted she presented a fraudulent Green Card and Social Security Card to apply for a job in Sioux City, Iowa, on June 11, 2014. Collazo-Pena came to the attention of authorities when the victim whose social security number Collazo-Pena had been using alerted the Social Security Administration that her disability social security payments for her two disabled children had been disrupted.
Collazo-Pena was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Collazo-Pena was sentenced to time served. She must serve a 1-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Fletcher and investigated by the Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration and Homeland Security Investigations.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 15-CR-4002.
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Man Sentenced to Time Served for Illegally Re-Entering the United States from MexicoRead the Press Release
A man who illegally re-entered the country was sentenced on November 9, 2015, to time served.
Isaias Zavala-Aguilar, age 27, from Mexico, received the prison term after an August 24, 2015, guilty plea to one count of illegal re-entry of a removed alien.
At the guilty plea, Zavala-Aguilar admitted he illegally re-entered the United States after being deported on April 26, 2008. Zavala-Aguilar came to the attention of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials on July 16, 2015, after his arrest for soliciting prostitution in Sioux City.
Zavala-Aguilar was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Zavala-Aguilar was sentenced to time served. He must serve a 1-year term of supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Fletcher and investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Enforcement and Removal Office of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 15-CR-4049.
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Felon Sentenced to Eight Months Prison for Illegally Re-Entering the United States from MexicoRead the Press Release
A man who illegally re-entered the country was sentenced on November 9, 2015, to eight months in federal prison.
Baudilio Perez-Ramirez, age 34, from Guatemala, received the prison term after a September 14, 2015, guilty plea to one count of felon found after illegal re-entry.
At the guilty plea, Perez-Ramirez admitted he illegally re-entered the United States after being deported on December 15, 2011. Perez-Ramirez came to the attention of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials on August 19, 2015, when he was arrested in Sioux City after fleeing from officers attempting to establish his identity. Perez-Ramirez had previously been deported after being convicted of fraud and misuse of documents to obtain employment and re-entry of a removed alien in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa on November 10, 2011.
Perez-Ramirez was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Perez-Ramirez was sentenced to eight months imprisonment. He must serve a 1-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Fletcher and investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Enforcement and Removal Office of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 15-CR-4056.
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Iowa Summit Discusses Heroin CrisisRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS - Over the last two decades, a perfect storm has led to skyrocketing rates of opiate painkiller addiction and subsequent drug overdoses. Patients have increasingly abused addictive opioid pain-killers, and then transitioned to heroin, which may be cheaper and more accessible but often times more deadly.
The United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa and the University of Iowa’s College of Public Health Injury Prevention Research Center (IPRC) hosted its first-ever summit today to discuss interagency collaboration on this critical public health issue. Around 200 professionals from the fields of law enforcement, medicine, treatment, and public health attended the summit at the University’s College of Public Health.
Nationally, drug overdoses caused 44,000 deaths in 2013, and over two million people misused prescription drugs. Iowa is not immune and has experienced alarming trends. From 2000 to 2013, the number of Iowans dying from prescription medication overdoses increased by 20 times. During that same timeframe, heroin overdose deaths increased from one to 20 per year.
A solution to this epidemic requires a coordinated effort by prevention specialists, treatment professionals, law enforcement and the entire medical community.
United States Attorney for Northern District of Iowa Kevin W. Techau offered his assessment of the importance of the summit, stating, “Heroin and opioid abuse takes a huge toll with Iowans every day. This summit is an excellent opportunity for the professionals who deliver treatment and prevention programs to come together with law enforcement to build partnerships that can effectively work together to impact these issues.”
Award winning journalist, Sam Quinones, was the keynote speaker at the summit. His new book, “Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic,” chronicles the rapid rise of prescription painkiller and heroin use in small town America. Federal and local authorities all over the county report the biggest drug epidemic today does not come from methamphetamines or cocaine, but heroin. Quinones stated, “It should not be viewed as just an inner-city problem because huge profits are being made in suburbs across this country, and Iowa is not immune to this threat.”
Potential solutions to the national epidemic were highlighted at the summit, which included Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs). This program educates prescribers and tracks overuse of prescriptions through state-run electronic databases. Another solution is the use of Naloxone, a drug that counteracts opiate overdoses. Some state PDMPs require prescribers to report the dispensing of controlled prescription drugs to patients, and this information could be shared more broadly.
Additional education, greater access to treatment, enhanced prescription drug take-back programs, and oversight of pain clinics can also be part of the solution to this complex problem.
Dr. Corinne Peek-Asa, Director of the University of Iowa Injury Prevention Research Center said, “Interagency collaboration by law enforcement, the courts, healthcare, substance abuse treatment, public health, and education, among others, is essential to stem this growing tide of heroin and opioid abuse.”
Learn more about today’s heroin epidemic by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at: http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/heroin.
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Media Advisory: Heroin Summit to Discuss Prevention, Treatment and Law Enforcement CollaborationRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS – The United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa together with the University of Iowa’s College of Public Health and Injury Prevention Research Center are hosting a collaborative interagency symposium on November 12th to discuss the skyrocketing rates of death occurring in Iowa from prescription medication and heroin overdoses. For the 13-year period beginning in 2000, Iowans dying from prescription medication overdoses increased twenty-fold. Heroin overdose deaths experienced the same alarming rate of increase, jumping from one to 20 deaths per year.
The keynote speaker is award-winning journalist Sam Quinones, author of Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic. Participating in the symposium will be federal and state representatives who will be discussing medical, prevention and treatment perspectives. Law enforcement and legal implications will be analyzed. A parent’s perspective will detail how the death of a loved one impacts the family.
Event Details
WHEN: Thursday, November 12, 2015
WHERE: University of Iowa College of Public Health (Callaghan Auditorium), 145 N. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, Iowa
TIME: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Opening remarks begin at 8:30 a.m. followed by keynote.)
Parking instructions are attached. heroin_-_parking_instructions.pdf (389.51 KB)
Media wishing to attend should contact Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Young no later than November 10th to confirm their attendance. His contact information is contained in this advisory.
A press release will be provided and interview opportunities will be available.
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Wholesale Synthetic Drug Distributor Convicted of Drug and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
A man who wholesale distributed synthetic drugs commonly known as “K2” and “bath salts” was convicted by a jury after a 3-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Muhammad Anwar, age 49, from West Des Moines, Iowa, was convicted of conspiring to distribute controlled substances and conspiring to launder drug money. The verdict was returned yesterday afternoon following approximately 8 hours of jury deliberations.
Evidence at trial showed that Anwar served as a wholesale distributor of the illegal substances and that, for a period nearly two years, members of the conspiracy were purchasing between $100,000 and $1,000,000 per month from the illegal products’ manufacturers. The products involved in the conspiracy were sold across Iowa, including to stores in Waterloo, Cambridge, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines.
The K2 products contained two synthetic cannabinoids, XLR-11 and AB-FUBINACA, with effects similar to THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, but they were marketed as potpourri or incense. The products were also given highly suggestible trade names, such as “Mr. Nice Guy,” “Mr. Happy,” “Mind Trip,” “Diablo,” “Scooby Snax,” “Hydro,” “Lol,” and “777.” The bath salt products included pentedrone, a synthetic cathinone, which is a stimulant similar to methamphetamine or cocaine. The bath salts were marketed as having cleaning properties but were sold in small jars containing less than half a gram of powder.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Anwar was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the verdicts were read and will remain in custody pending sentencing. He faces a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, $1,500,000 in fines, $200 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 Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; 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; the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Department of Homeland Security; the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Intelligence Division, the Des Moines Police Department; the Story County Sheriff’s Department; and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Chatham and Jacob Schunk.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR-15-2005-JAJ.
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Local Law Enforcement Officers Honored for Commitment to Drug Abuse PreventionRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS - Three local police officers were honored today by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for their commitment to reducing drug abuse in their communities. The recipients of the 2015 Enrique S. Camarena Award are Detective Jerry Blomgren and Officer David Schwindt of the Iowa City Police Department, and Sergeant David Dostal of the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
The award is named after Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was an 11 year veteran agent of the DEA before being kidnapped, brutally tortured and then murdered in Mexico in 1985 while working undercover gathering information and evidence about drug lords. This award is presented each year to local law enforcement officers who best exemplify the qualities and principles for which Agent Camarena gave his life—specifically, making their communities a safer place to live through outstanding drug prevention and enforcement efforts.
Kevin W. Techau, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa commented on this year’s award recipients, stating, “The communities these officers serve are safer because of their hard work and dedication. They richly deserve the honor of being this year’s award recipients.”
This year’s award recipients have gone above and beyond the call of duty in pursuit of a drug-free community:
- Recognizing the harm that synthetic drugs were having on the Iowa City area, Detective Jerry Blomgren and Officer David Schwindt worked with several law enforcement entities and utilized a variety of investigative techniques to remove over 100 pounds of synthetic drugs from the street. They also participated in numerous community meetings providing education regarding the hazards of synthetic drugs.Through their efforts, synthetic drugs are now virtually non-existent in the Iowa City area.
- As the supervisor of the Narcotics Division with the Cedar Rapids Police Department, Sgt. David Dostal has taken a leadership role in tackling the heroin problem that has plagued the Cedar Rapids community. In addition to presenting at schools, community groups, and youth academies regarding the dangers of heroin and other illicit drugs, Sgt. Dostal took the lead in a high-profile heroin case that resulted in two federal indictments and which seriously disrupted the heroin drug trade in the Cedar Rapids area.
Michael J. Sanders, the Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the DEA commented on this year’s award, stating “It is an honor to be a part of such a well-deserved, distinguished award, presented in memory of fallen DEA Special Agent Enrique S. Camarena, who spent his career fighting against the powerful drug cartels in Mexico. This eminent award exemplifies the outstanding investigative efforts of these three dedicated law enforcement officers in disrupting the illegal activities of these drug trafficking organizations and preventing the further distribution of these highly addictive, deadly drugs, in and around the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids communities.”
The Enrique S. Camarena Award is presented each year during Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco, and drug prevention awareness campaign observed annually in the United States. This year, Red Ribbon Week runs from October 23 through October 31.
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Two Cedar Rapids Brothers Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
Two brothers who conspired to distribute methamphetamine were convicted by a jury on October 28, 2015, after a three-day jury trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Martin Lawrence, 52 and Troy Lawrence, 54, both from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, were convicted of conspiracy to distribute ice methamphetamine, distribution of ice methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute ice methamphetamine, and witness tampering. The verdict was returned following approximately three hours of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that Martin Lawrence headed a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing pounds of ice methamphetamine, a highly pure, crystalized form of methamphetamine, in Eastern Iowa. His brother, Troy Lawrence, assisted the organization by distributing ice methamphetamine in the Cedar Rapids area. Investigators learned of the organization after Martin Lawrence’s step-son brought a stuffed animal containing methamphetamine to his elementary school. The evidence at trial also established that Martin Lawrence obtained ice methamphetamine from Omaha and transported it back to the Cedar Rapids area where he relied on a network of individuals who distributed it on his behalf. In addition, after their arrest on federal charges, both defendants instructed government witnesses to avoid contact with law enforcement in order to prevent these witnesses from testifying at trial.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett will be set after the preparation of the presentence reports. Martin and Troy Lawrence remain in custody of the United States Marshal. Both brothers face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, over $10,000,000 in fines, $300 in special assessments, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
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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