Northern District of Iowa
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Cedar Rapids Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of A Firearm by A FelonRead the Press Release
A man who unlawfully possessed a firearm pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Ramius Hardiman, age 21, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
At the plea hearing, Hardiman admitted that on May 8, 2013, he possessed a Taurus 9mm pistol. Hardiman is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his felony conviction for Involuntary Manslaughter in October 2011.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Hardiman remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Hardiman 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.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative local, state and federal program aimed at the enhanced prosecution of gun crimes. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-CR-37.
Anamosa Man Charged with Manufacturing Meth Near A SchoolRead the Press Release
Zackery Lee Smock, age 36, from Anamosa, Iowa, has been charged with one count of attempted manufacture of methamphetamine by a drug felon near a school. The charge is contained in an Indictment filed May 7, 2014, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictment alleges that, on or about March 7, 2014, Smock manufactured and attempted to manufacture methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of St. Patrick’s School in Anamosa. According to information disclosed in court, Smock’s attempted manufacture of methamphetamine resulted in a house fire. At the time of the fire, Smock and four other adults were in the house.If convicted, Smock faces a possible maximum sentence of 60 years’ imprisonment, a $4,000,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and at least six years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Smock appeared May 22, 2014, in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was held without bond. Smock’s next appearance for a detention hearing is set for May 27, 2014.
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 Special Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams and was investigated by the Anamosa Police Department, Anamosa Fire Department, Iowa Division of State Fire Marshal, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 14-CR-0057.
Wisconsin Man Charged with Robbing Three Banks in Cedar RapidsRead the Press Release
Jeffrey Haydock, 57, from Watertown, Wisconsin, has been charged with three counts of bank robbery. The charges are contained in an Indictment filed on April 23, 2014, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictment alleges that, on or about July 30, 2009, and again on or about November 12, 2009, Haydock robbed the First Federal Credit Union in Cedar Rapids. The Indictment also alleges that, on or about February 17, 2010, Haydock robbed the Linn Area Credit Union in Cedar Rapids.If convicted on all charges, Haydock faces a possible maximum sentence of seventy-five years’ imprisonment, a $750,000 fine, $300 in special assessments, and fifteen years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Haydock appeared today in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was held without bond. Haydock’s next appearance for trial is set for July 21, 2014.
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 Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov. The case file number is 14-CR-0047.
Federal Inmate Sentenced to Almost Two Years in Prison for Walking Away from the Hinzman CenterRead the Press Release
A man serving out the last few months of a sentence on federal drug charges was sent back to prison for twenty-one months when he walked away from the Gerald R. Hinzman re-entry center after testing positive for alcohol.
Brandon Devos, age 30, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 28, 2014, guilty plea to escape.
In a plea agreement, Devos admitted he was convicted on December 7, 2006, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, of conspiracy to distribute heroin. Devos was sentenced to 104 months in federal prison. Toward the end of his prison sentence, Devos was transferred to the Hinzman Center, a residential re-entry center in Cedar Rapids, to help him transition back into society. He was permitted to leave the center to find employment. On December 14, 2013, Devos tested positive for alcohol when he returned to the center that day. While the staff waited to perform a second breathalizer test, Devos walked away from the center without permission. United States Marshals captured Devos two days later hiding at a residence in Iowa City.
Devos was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Devos was sentenced to twenty-one 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.
Devos is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison where he will finish serving out his prior prison sentence before starting his new prison sentence.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney C.J. Williams and investigated by United States Marshal’s Service.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 14-cr-4-LRR.
Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to over Seven Years in Prison for Unlawfully Possessing Five Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
A man who unlawfully possessed five stolen firearms as a convicted felon was sentenced today to more than seven years in federal prison.
Chase Mead, 31, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 18, 2014, guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
In a plea agreement, Mead admitted that, on June 14, 2013, he possessed two rifles and three handguns, all of which had previously been reported stolen. Mead also admitted to possessing ammunition for each of the firearms. Mead had previously been convicted of two felony offenses. In 2003, he was convicted of forgery and, in 2008, he was convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine.
Mead was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Mead was sentenced to ninety-four months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. Mead must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Mead is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov. The case file number is 14-CR-00019.
Cedar Rapids Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Bank in ElyRead the Press Release
A man who robbed the Solon State Bank in Ely, Iowa, pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Robert Melton, 51, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of bank robbery.
At the plea hearing, Melton admitted he entered the Solon State Bank in Ely on January 17, 2014, and gave a note to a teller demanding money and informing the teller not to do anything and nothing would happen. The teller gave Melton some cash and Melton left the bank, walked to his truck, and drove away. A witness to the robbery followed Melton as he drove away from the bank. The witness called 911 and reported Melton’s location. Law enforcement officers then stopped Melton and took him into custody.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Melton remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Melton faces a possible maximum sentence of twenty years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov. The case file number is 14-CR-00024.
Waterloo Felon Convicted of Possessing Sawed-Off ShotgunRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a sawed-off shotgun was convicted by a jury today after a two-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Patrelle Jose Green-Bowman, age 21, from Waterloo, Iowa, was convicted of possessing a firearm as a felon and possessing an unregistered sawed-off shotgun. Green-Bowman was acquitted of possessing ammunition as a felon. The verdict was returned this afternoon following about three hours of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that on August 2, 2013, Green-Bowman was found by Waterloo Police Department officers in the backseat of a car parked at an apartment complex in Waterloo. A sawed-off shotgun was found on the seat immediately behind where Green-Bowman had been sitting. The sawed-off shotgun was wrapped in Green-Bowman’s coat.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Green-Bowman remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Green-Bowman faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment on each count, $500,000 in fines, $200 in special assessments, and up to three years of supervised release on each count following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham and was investigated by the Waterloo Police Department and 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-CR-02023-LRR.
Missouri Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Child Sexual ExploitationRead the Press Release
A man who sexually exploited a child was sentenced May 9, 2014, to 30 years in federal prison.
James Jones, age 51, of Maysville, Missouri, received the sentence after a February 20, 2014, guilty plea to one count of sexual exploitation of a child. At the guilty plea hearing, Jones admitted that, in 2010, he persuaded, induced, and enticed a 12-year-old female in Fayette County to take pictures of her genital area and send the pictures to him. Jones previously had been convicted of taking indecent liberties with a child in North Carolina in 1981.
Jones was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Jones was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment, including credit for time served in a related state case. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and Jones must also serve a ten-year term of supervised release. He must comply with all sex offender registration and public notification requirements.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, and the DeKalb County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Office.
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 13-2038.
Independence Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who distributed and possessed child pornography pled guilty on May 9, 2014, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Steven Risk, age 38, from Independence, Iowa, was convicted of one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
At the plea hearing, Risk admitted that, between June 2011 and February 2013, he distributed child pornography. He also admitted that, between October 2012 and February 2013, he possessed child pornography, including depictions of prepubescent children.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Risk remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Risk faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, a $200 special assessment, and supervised release for 5 years to life following his imprisonment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, 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 14-2010.
Oelwein Felon Sentenced to More Than Five Years' Imprisonment for Possession of Stolen HandgunsRead the Press Release
A convicted felon who was found in possession of two stolen handguns was sentenced today to more than five years in federal prison. Michael Rohrick, age 28, from Oelwein, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 24, 2014, guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
In a plea agreement, Rohrick admitted that on November 1, 2013, when law enforcement officers searched his house while trying to arrest him for an outstanding warrant for distributing drugs, the officers found a stolen, loaded 9mm handgun, a scale, empty baggies, baggies containing marijuana, and drug use paraphernalia. Three days later officers surrounded Rohrick in a cornfield. While speaking with him in an attempt to get him to surrender to officers, he reported that he had another handgun hidden in his house. Officers again searched his house and found a stolen .327 caliber revolver hidden in a vent. Rohrick was prohibited from possessing firearms because he was a convicted felon, having been convicted in 2009 in the Iowa District Court for Fayette County of burglary.
Rohrick was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Rohrick was sentenced to 71 months’ imprisonment. The court based the sentence, in part, upon Rohrick’s serious criminal history, which included multiple burglary convictions, and because he possessed the stolen handguns in connection with drug trafficking. 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. Rohrick 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 was investigated by the Oelwein Police Department 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-2002.
Cedar Rapids Felon Sentenced to Ten Years' Imprisonment for Possession of A Stolen HandgunRead the Press Release
A convicted drug felon who was found in possession of a stolen firearm was sentenced today to ten years in federal prison. Joseph Griffin-Cooke, age29, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 6, 2014, guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
In a plea agreement, Griffin-Cooke admitted that police approached him on October 2, 2013, at 4:00 am when they saw him driving in a suspicious manner in a neighborhood. Griffin-Cooke refused to cooperate with officers, then began reaching under the seat of the car in which he was sitting. Officers restrained Griffin-Cooke after a struggle in which one officer was injured. In the car, near the area where Griffin-Cooke was reaching, officers found a stolen, loaded .380 caliber pistol, marijuana packaged for sale, and cash. Griffin-Cooke was barred from possessing a firearm because he was a felon, having been convicted in 2007 in the Iowa District Court for Linn County of delivery of crack cocaine.
Griffin-Cooke was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Griffin-Cooke was sentenced to the statutory maximum sentence of 120 months’ imprisonment. The court based the sentence, in part, upon Griffin-Cooke’s serious criminal history which included multiple violent assaults. 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. Griffin-Cooke 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 was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was a result of the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force and was in furtherance of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-cr-90.
Mexican Citizen Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Use of Identification Documents and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
A Mexican citizen who was twice convicted using the identity of a dead American citizen who attempted to obtain new identification documents and gain employment in that name plead guilty May 7, 2014, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Abel Fajardo-Guizar, age 38, a citizen of Mexico, living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of two counts of unlawful use of identification documents and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
In a plea agreement, Fajardo-Guizar admitted he was twice convicted under the name of another real person who died in 1995. On November 22, 2013, falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen, Fajardo-Guizar used the date of birth, the Social Security Card and Social Security Number of another real person, someone he personally knew, to obtain a State of Iowa Identification Card in that person’s name. On December 18, 2013, again falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen, Fajardo-Guizar used the date of birth, the Social Security Card and Social Security Number of another real person, and the recently acquired State of Iowa Identification Card when completing forms required to work in this country. On March 1, 2014, Fajardo-Guizar attempted to obtain a State of Iowa driver’s license using that the name, date of birth and Social Security Number of that other real person. When arrested on Federal charges on March 19, 2014, defendant had in his possession that other person’s birth certificate.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Fajardo-Guizar remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. On each unlawful use of identification documents conviction, Fajardo-Guizar 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. On each aggravated identity theft conviction, Fajardo-Guizar faces a mandatory sentence of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $100 in special assessments, and one year of supervised release following any imprisonment. Any sentence on the aggravated identity theft convictions must be served consecutive to any other sentence.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and was investigated by agents from the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 14-CR-38.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of Identification DocumentsRead the Press Release
An illegal alien who possessed identification documents issued in the name of another real person was sentenced today to two years in federal prison.
Carlos Lopez-Pinto, age 36, a citizen of Mexico, living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 21, 2014, guilty plea to one count of unlawful possession of identification documents.
In a plea agreement, Lopez-Pinto admitted that on March 2, 2012, claiming to be a U.S. citizen, he possessed and used a Social Security card and its Social Security Number and a State of Minnesota Identification Card to apply for work in Iowa under the name of another real person. Lopez-Pinto knew the Social Security Number had been issued to another real person as he had a copy of that person’s birth certificate. The fraudulent Minnesota Identification Card with Lopez-Pinto’s picture had a fictitious identification number.
Lopez-Pinto was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Lopez-Pinto 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.
Carlos-Pinto is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by agents from the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-CR-97.
Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to More Than Eight Years for Being A Felon in Possession of A Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
A felon who was apprehended after crashing a stolen vehicle while fleeing from police was sentenced today to more than eight years in federal prison after officers found a loaded stolen handgun in the vehicle.
Jacob Voshell, age 46, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 22, 2014, guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In a plea agreement, Voshell admitted that, in the early morning hours of August 7, 2013, he fled from police in a stolen vehicle when officers tried to stop him for driving the wrong way on a one-way street. Voshell eventually crashed the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot when he was arrested. A search of the stolen vehicle revealed a police scanner, burglary tools, stolen license plates, personal use amounts of controlled substances, drug use paraphernalia, and a loaded, stolen, .380 caliber handgun. Voshell was prohibited from possessing firearms because he was a felon, having been convicted in 1987 of Robbery in the First Degree and Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree.
Voshell was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Voshell was sentenced to 105 months’ imprisonment. The sentence was based, in part, on the fact Voshell recklessly endangered the lives of others while fleeing from the police. The Court held that the sentence was to run consecutively to an undischarged sentence of seven years Voshell is serving for three other convictions imposed by the Iowa District Court for Linn County: 1) Theft 2nd Degree; 2) Theft 2nd Degree and Possession of Burglary Tools; and 3) Burglary 3rd Degree. 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.
Voshell is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney C.J. Williams and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Cedar Rapids Police Department. This case was a result of the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force and was in furtherance of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-cr-91.
Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Security Guard at Social Security Administration OfficeRead the Press Release
A man who forcibly assaulted a security guard at the Social Security Administration Office in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Howard Lamont Coakley, 30, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of assaulting a person engaged in official federal duties.
At the plea hearing, Coakley admitted he forcibly assaulted a security guard who was working for the Social Security Administration in Cedar Rapids. Coakley further admitted his assault caused bodily injury to the security guard.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Coakley remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Coakley faces a possible maximum sentence of twenty years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and was investigated by the Federal Protective Service.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov. The case file number is 14-CR-00017.
Iowa's Senators Welcome New U.S. Attorney Kevin E. Techau at Ceremony in Cedar RapidsRead the Press Release
United States Senators Tom Harkin and Chuck Grassley were on hand today at an investiture ceremony honoring Kevin W. Techau as the new U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa. The ceremony took place shortly after noon at the federal courthouse in Cedar Rapids.
Senator Harkin recommended Techau for the position to President Barack Obama on March 25, 2013. Techau was nominated by President Obama on November 7, 2013, and was confirmed by the full Senate on February 12, 2014. Techau succeeds Stephanie M. Rose as the District’s presidentially appointed United States Attorney and Sean R. Berry as the District’s court appointed United States Attorney. As U.S. Attorney, Techau serves as the nation’s top lawyer for matters arising in Northern Iowa. Techau is the forty-fourth person to hold the position.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa. I am committed to vigorous enforcement of our laws and maintaining the safety of the citizens of our District. Our goal every day is to do justice in each and every case we handle,” Techau said.
“Throughout his career, Kevin Techau has proven to be a principled and dedicated public servant. It is for that reason that I have supported him at every step of the way -- from recommending him to the White House, to supporting his confirmation in the U.S. Senate,” said Harkin. “I know that as the U.S. Attorney for Iowa’s Northern District, he will continue to be committed to upholding the law and serving our state and country.”
Senator Grassley added, “Kevin’s reputation as a dedicated public servant is well-deserved. I have every confidence that he will continue to serve Iowans faithfully and diligently.”
Techau most recently served as Associate General Counsel at American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company, where he worked since 2007. Prior to that, Techau served as a Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety from 2002 to 2007 and as Director of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals from 1999 to 2002. He was an Assistant Federal Public Defender with the Iowa Federal Defender’s Office from 1996 to 1999 and worked in private practice at the law firm of Grefe & Sidney from 1992 to 1996.From 1985 to 1992, Techau served as a Judge Advocate with the United States Air Force. After leaving active duty, he served with the Iowa Air National Guard from 1993 to 2011. In 2011, he retired from the Iowa Air National Guard as a Colonel with 27 years of military service. He was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal.
Mr. Techau was born in Iowa City and graduated from Marion High School. He received his law degree in 1984 from the University of Iowa College of Law and his undergraduate degree in 1981 from the University of Iowa.
For a photograph, go to http://www.justice.gov/usao/ian/meetattorney.html.
Former Vice President of Masonry Business Pleads Guilty to Embezzling from Employee Benefit PlanRead the Press Release
A man, formerly the Vice President of Bartleson Masonry, Inc. in Forest City, Iowa, who embezzled more than $40,000 from an employee retirement plan, pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Anthony Bartleson, 42, from Forest City, Iowa, was convicted of one count of embezzlement from an employee benefit plan.
In a plea agreement, Bartleson admitted that, while serving as the Vice President and Treasurer of Bartleson Masonry, Inc., he was responsible for withholding money from employees’ paychecks, which he was then supposed to forward to an investment company for deposit into each employee’s Individual Retirement Account. Bartleson further admitted that in 2006, 2007, and 2008, while he withheld money from employees’ paychecks, he did not forward that money to the investment company, but, instead, he used the money for his own benefit, the benefit of others, and to pay business expenses for Bartleson Masonry, Inc. Bartleson admitted he embezzled over $25,000 from the employee benefit plan by withholding money from paychecks and also admitted he embezzled more than $15,000 from the plan by failing to pay employer matching contributions to the benefit plan over the same time period.
Sentencing before United States District Court Mark Bennett will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Bartleson remains free on conditions of release set by the District Court. Bartleson faces a possible maximum sentence of five 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 Anthony Morfitt and was investigated by the Employee Benefits Security Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/. The case file number is 14-CR-3022.
Former City Clerk Pleads Guilty to Defrauding the City of MasonvilleRead the Press Release
A woman, formerly the city clerk for Masonville, Iowa, who defrauded the city of more than $30,000, pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Christine Anne King, 42, from Strawberry Point, Iowa, was convicted of one count of mail fraud.
In a plea agreement, King admitted that, from July 2002 through October 2011, while working as the city clerk for the city of Masonville, she routinely issued herself fraudulent payroll and expense reimbursement checks. King further admitted she included fraudulently inflated bank account balances for the city’s bank accounts on reports King provided to the city council and to the Auditor for the State of Iowa in order to prevent anyone from discovering her fraud.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. King remains free on conditions of release previously set pending sentencing. King faces a possible maximum sentence of twenty 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 Anthony Morfitt and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/. The case file number is 14-CR-2009.
Media AdvisoryRead the Press Release
There will be an Investiture Ceremony for United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau on Friday, May 2, 2014, at 12:30 p.m., at the federal courthouse located at 111 Seventh Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. U.S. Senators Tom Harkin and Chuck Grassley are scheduled to attend along with other honored guests.
Credentialed members of the press are invited to use camera equipment during the ceremony. Use of camera equipment is otherwise prohibited in the federal courthouse.
Waterloo Man Sent to Federal Prison for Unlawful Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man who ran from police with a firearm was sentenced on April 25, 2014 to almost four years in federal prison.
Ted Alfonso Scott, Jr., 23, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 4, 2014 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.
In a plea agreement, Scott admitted he possessed two separate 9 millimeter pistols in Waterloo. In December 2013, the Waterloo Police Department responded to a report of shots fired. An officer responding to the scene observed an individual the officer later identified as Scott running from the scene. Police chased Scott as he ran up the external staircase of an apartment building with a pistol in his hand. Scott was later arrested and admitted to possessing the gun, which was found in the staircase. Scott also admitted he possessed a second firearm which officers found hidden in a Waterloo garage in July 2013. Scott was a felon, having been convicted of Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Deliver in Black Hawk County in 2011. Scott has a history of gang involvement.
Scott was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. He was sentenced to 46 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.
Scott is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin Lightfoot and investigated by the Waterloo Police Department’s Violent Crime Apprehension Team (VCAT) and Watch III patrol, with assistance from the Black Hawk County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/ cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-CR-2041.
Man Charged with Murder on the Meskwaki Nation SettlementRead the Press Release
Jonathan Curtis Youngbear, age 20, from the Meskwaki Nation Settlement, Iowa, has been charged with first degree murder within “Indian Country.” The charge is contained in an Indictment filed on April 24, 2014, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictment alleges that, on or about February 24, 2014, Youngbear killed Severn Daniel Jefferson on the Meskwaki Nation Settlement near Tama, Iowa. The Indictment alleges Youngbear killed Jefferson by stabbing him with a knife.If convicted, Youngbear faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.
Youngbear appeared today in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was held without bond. Youngbear’s next appearance for trial is set for June 23, 2014.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
In 2010, the Department of Justice launched an initiative making public safety in tribal communities a top priority. The goal of the initiative is to help tribes build and sustain safe and secure communities across the country. Information about the initiative is available at http://www.justice.gov/tribal.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter Deegan and Anthony Morfitt and was investigated by the Meskwaki Nation Tribal Police, the Tama County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/. The case file number is 14-CR-46-LRR.
Larchwood, Iowa Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine Manufacturing ChargesRead the Press Release
A Larchwood, Iowa man was sentenced April 22, 2014 to 10 years in federal prison.
DUANE MIDDLEN, age 56, from Larchwood, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 30, 2014, guilty plea to conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.
At the guilty plea, Middlen admitted that from no later than January 2012 and continuing until about September 2013, he was involved in a conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine with many people. Middlen and Durant Kruger had received pseudoephedrine pills as well as other items and in turn manufactured methamphetamine at Middlen’s residence. Numerous persons purchased pseudoephedrine pills in Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and Nebraska, and in turn provided them to Middlen. Middlen then manufactured methamphetamine within his residence and in buildings throughout property owned by Middlen, in Lyon County, Iowa. During the conspiracy, methamphetamine was manufactured at least 500 times at Middlen’s property.
Middlen was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Middlen was sentenced to 120 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.
Middlen is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jack Lammers and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and Lyon County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-4092.
Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced in Federal Court for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who was the former owner of the Sound Shop, a Cedar Rapids business, was sentenced today to more than 3 years in federal prison.
Nels Nolan Nelson, 34, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 27, 2014, guilty plea to one count of conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
At the guilty plea, Nelson admitted he conspired with other individuals to distribute marijuana and possessed marijuana with intent to distribute the drug.
Nelson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Nelson was sentenced to 41 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.
Nelson 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 Matthew J. Cole and investigated by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.
Court file information is available at ttps://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 14-CR-00006.
Mason City Man Convicted of Unlawful Possession of A Firearm by A FelonRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm after having been convicted of a felony offense was convicted by a jury yesterday, after a one-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Billy Douglas Thorne, 57, from Mason City, Iowa, was convicted of one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. The verdict was returned on April 17, 2014, following about one hour of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that on July 24, 2012, Thorne traded his dog for a .22 caliber rifle which he intended to use to shoot his son. Fearing that police would arrive and find the gun in his residence, Thorne had others hide the gun in a Mason City park. After Thorne was arrested on harassment charges, the gun was turned over to the police. Thorne had previously been convicted in 1997 in the State of Florida of five counts of Burglary of a Dwelling and one count of Armed Burglary, all felony offenses.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Thorne remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Thorne faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $100 in special assessments, and five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Ankeny Police Department, and the Mason City Police Department.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-CR-3052.
Clarion Man Sentenced to 18 Years on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
A repeat sex offender who possessed child pornography was sentenced April 16, 2014, to 18 years in federal prison.
Kevin Ammerman, age 49, of Clarion, Iowa, received the sentence after a January 16, 2014, guilty plea to two counts of possession of child pornography. Ammerman previously had been convicted of lascivious acts with a child in Wright County in 1985. Ammerman also had been convicted of indecent contact with a child in Wright County in 2000.
Ammerman was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Ammerman was sentenced to 216 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $200 was imposed, and Ammerman must also serve a 15-year term of supervised release. He must comply with all sex offender registration and public notification requirements.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Wright County Sheriff’s Office.
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 13-3048.
West Branch Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who distributed child pornography pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Brady Verlo, age 22, from West Branch, Iowa, was convicted of one count of distribution of child pornography.
At the plea hearing, Verlo admitted that, between June 2013 and December 2013, he distributed child pornography. In a plea agreement, Verlo admitted that he distributed depictions of child pornography that previously had been transported to him through the Internet and cell phone messaging services. In the plea agreement, Verlo also admitted that he possessed over 20,000 images and 900 videos of child pornography.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Verlo was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the guilty plea and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Verlo 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 his imprisonment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Iowa City Police Department, and the West Branch Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 14-9.
Man Charged with Murder on the Meskwaki Nation SettlementRead the Press Release
Gordon Lasley, Jr., 25, from the Meskwaki Nation Settlement, Iowa, has been charged with two counts of first degree murder in “Indian country.” The charges are contained in Indictment filed on April 9, 2014, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictment alleges that, on or about February 5, 2014, Lasley murdered two people, Gordon Lasley, Sr. and Kim Renee Lasley, by striking them with a machete.If convicted of one or both counts, Lasley faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. Under federal law, unless the governing body of a federally recognized tribe has elected to have the death penalty apply to offenses that occur on the tribe’s “Indian country,” the death penalty is not available as a punishment in federal court. The Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa, the tribe that resides on the Meskwaki Nation Settlement, has not elected to have the death penalty apply to offenses committed on the Settlement.
Lasley appeared today in federal court in Cedar Rapids for arraignment. Lasley was previously ordered held without bond and will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals service. Lasley’s trial has been scheduled for June 9, 2014.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
In 2010, the Department of Justice launched an initiative making public safety in tribal communities a top priority. The goal of the initiative is to help tribes build and sustain safe and secure communities across the country. Information about the initiative is available at http://www.justice.gov/tribal.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys CJ Williams and Anthony Morfitt and was investigated by the Meskwaki Nation Tribal Police Department, the Tama County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/. The case file number is 14-CR-00045.
Man Charged with Murder on the Meskwaki Nation SettlementRead the Press Release
Jonathan Curtis Youngbear, age 20, from the Meskwaki Nation Settlement, Iowa, has been charged with murder in “Indian Country.” The charge is contained in a Complaint filed on April 8, 2014, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Complaint alleges that, on or about February 24, 2014, Youngbear murdered a person on the Meskwaki Nation Settlement near Tama, Iowa.If convicted, Youngbear faces a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
Youngbear appeared today in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was held without bond. Youngbear’s next appearance for preliminary and detention hearings is set for April 14, 2014, at 1:00 p.m.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
In 2010, the Department of Justice launched an initiative making public safety in tribal communities a top priority. The goal of the initiative is to help tribes build and sustain safe and secure communities across the country. Information about the initiative is available at http://www.justice.gov/tribal.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter Deegan and Anthony Morfitt and was investigated by the Meskwaki Nation Tribal Police, the Tama County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/. The case file number is 14-mj-105.
Law Enforcement Officers Receive Victim Service AwardsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau presented the 15th Annual Iowa Law Enforcement Victim Service Awards to three Iowa law enforcement officers. The awards were presented at a press conference held today at the United States Attorney’s Office in Cedar Rapids. Techau presented the awards on behalf of his office and the office of United States Attorney Nicholas Klinefeldt of the Southern District of Iowa.
The Law Enforcement Victim Service Awards are the highest federal honors in the State of Iowa for victim services provided by law enforcement. The awards are presented to law enforcement officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to show compassion and care for victims of crime. The Continuous Service Award recognizes a nominee who has provided help to victims for many years or developed an innovative program or policy that continues to serve crime victims. The Single Act Award recognizes officers who have provided exceptional assistance to crime victims in a specific case. Two awards are presented each year during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week; observed this year the week of April 6 through April 12.
The Continuous Service AwardThis year’s Continuous Service Award was presented to Investigator Corey Peiffer from the Cedar Rapids Police Department. Investigator Peiffer has worked for the Cedar Rapids Police Department for over sixteen years and, during that time, has proven himself as someone who is very caring and compassionate to those victimized by crime. Recently, Investigator Peiffer’s work investigating a reported sexual assault on a minor led to the arrest and conviction of Lucas Robinson. Robinson was an Internet predator who convinced young girls, between the ages of 10 and 17 years, to produce and send pornographic images of themselves to Robinson over the Internet. Due in large part to Investigator Peiffer’s work on this case, several other victims of Robinson’s were discovered. Robinson is now serving a 42-year prison sentence. Investigator Peiffer worked with law enforcement agencies across the country to make personal contact with Robinson’s victims and their families and ensure them that Robinson had been identified and arrested. His hard work and dedication in this case exemplifies the way he works with all victims of all types of crimes. Investigator Peiffer has a true passion for helping crime victims and holding their offenders accountable for their actions.
The Single Act AwardSingle Act Awards were presented to Special Agent Darrell Simmons from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and Investigator Rodney Fiser from the Hiawatha Police Department for their work investigating the death of 17 month-old Kamryn Schlitter. Special Agent Simmons and Investigator Fiser combined their efforts to ensure that those responsible for her death were identified, charged and convicted. During their investigation, they never lost sight of the impact this crime had on Kamryn’s grieving family. “This team met with Kamryn’s family members and navigated the tender balance between consoling grief-stricken loved ones and gathering the factual information they needed to uncover the truth about what happened to Kamryn,” said U.S. Attorney Techau. As a result of their unyielding dedication of seeking justice for Kamryn, Zyriah Schlitter and Amy Parmer were charged and convicted. Both are now serving 50-year prison sentences. First Assistant Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks said in nominating Special Agent Simmons and Investigator Fisher for this award, “We are eternally proud to have worked beside them.”
Without a doubt all of these law enforcement officers go “above and beyond” the call of duty to assist crime victims. Because of their dedication, our communities are better served. The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in Iowa are proud to present the 2014 Law Enforcement Victim Service Awards to these individuals.Marion Man Sentenced to over 9 Years for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who possessed child pornography was sentenced April 4, 2014, to over nine years in federal prison.
James Sullivan, age 32, of Marion, Iowa, received the sentence after a January 7, 2014, guilty plea to one count of possession of child pornography. At the guilty plea hearing, Sullivan admitted that, in 2011, he knowingly possessed child pornography.
Sullivan was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Sullivan was sentenced to 110 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and Sullivan must also serve an eight-year term of supervised release. He must comply with all sex offender registration and public notification requirements.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc 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 13-76.
Former Marion Resident Sentenced to over 12 Years for Attempting to Entice MinorRead the Press Release
A man who attempted to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity was sentenced April 3, 2014, to over twelve years in federal prison.
Michael Glawe, age 31, formerly of Marion, Iowa, received the sentence after a December 16, 2013, guilty plea to one count of attempted enticement of a minor. At the guilty plea hearing, Glawe admitted that, between 2010 and 2011, he attempted to entice an undercover officer who was posing as a minor to meet for the purpose of unlawful sex with a minor.
Glawe was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Glawe was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and Glawe must also serve a ten-year term of supervised release. He must comply with all sex offender registration and public notification requirements.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Marion Police Department, and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office.
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 13-79.
Former Marion Investment Broker Sentenced to More Than Nine Years for Fraud, Money Laundering, and Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Judge calls Randy Beltramea an "Unrepentant Flim Flam Artist"
A former investment broker was sentenced today, to more than nine years in federal prison.
Randy Beltramea, age 49, from Marion, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to making false statements to banks, defrauding investors, and evading taxes.
In a plea agreement, Beltramea admitted that in 2009 and 2010, he devised a scheme to defraud former investors by soliciting money from them under false pretenses. In particular, Beltramea admitted telling former investors that their money was to be invested in Subway sandwich shop restaurants, when he actually intended to, and did, use their money in his own real estate investment and for his own personal expenses. In connection with soliciting money from one of the investors, Beltramea provided the investor with a promissory note on which he forged the signature of another person who was involved in buying a Subway restaurant. In fact, that other person did not give Beltramea permission to use or sign his name to the promissory note. Beltramea also admitted that he moved some of the proceeds from the fraud into a bank account under his mother’s name for the purpose of trying to hide the source of the money and in an effort to evade taxes. The IRS had previously imposed a tax lien in excess of $320,000 against Beltramea because he had not filed tax returns or paid taxes since 2001. Finally, Beltramea admitted that he obtained loans and loan extensions from two banks by providing them with false financial statements and with tax returns he falsely represented had been filed with the IRS.
Beltramea was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Noting Beltramea was an “unrepentant flim flam artist,” Chief Judge Reade sentenced to 111 months’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to make $376,488.27 in restitution to his victims. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Beltramea 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 C.J. Williams and Jacob Schunk and investigated by the Internal Revenue Service.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-20-LRR.
Milwaukee Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Transporting Minors Across State Lines for ProstitutionRead the Press Release
A man who transported two minor girls from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Iowa for purposes of having them engage in prostitution was sentenced today to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Robert Jackson, age 32, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, received the prison term after a November 5, 2013, guilty plea to one count of transporting minors across state lines with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
At the guilty plea hearing, Jackson admitted that on July 16, 2013, he transported two females from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for the purpose of having them engage in prostitution. The girls were each under 18 years of age at the time.
At the sentencing hearing, the government proved one girl was 15 years old, and the other 17 years old, at the time of the offense. The evidence showed that Jackson threatened to kill the 15 year-old child and her family if she ever attempted to leave him. On one occasion when both girls left him for a time, Jackson beat the 15 year-old with a belt and raped her, and beat the 17-year-old in her face with his fists. Jackson had both girls engage in prostitution in Milwaukee and Iowa, and kept the money they earned. The evidence further showed that he coerced by threats and force both girls to travel to Iowa for purposes of prostitution. The evidence disclosed that Jackson later bragged to other inmates about using force and sexual abuse of the girls to keep them in line and control them as his prostitutes.
Jackson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Jackson was sentenced to life in prison. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. There is no parole in the federal system.
“This defendant preyed on vulnerable young girls and exploited them for prostitution,” said United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau. “The underground nature of human trafficking makes it hard to fight and it can be especially dangerous for young people and disadvantaged kids in both big cities and rural areas. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate human trafficking, as well as working with our local non-governmental, community-based and faith-based organizations to identify, rescue and assist victims of trafficking.”
Jackson 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 was investigated by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Intelligence, and the Marion Police Department, with the assistance of the Milwaukee Human Trafficking Task Force.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-cr-0063.
Dubuque Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who distributed child pornography was sentenced today to twenty years in federal prison.
Robert Buss, age 50, of Dubuque, Iowa, received the sentence after a January 9, 2014, guilty plea to one count of distribution of child pornography. At the guilty plea hearing, Buss admitted that, in 2012, he used the Internet to distribute child pornography. Information provided at the sentencing hearing indicated that defendant also attempted to entice three minors to send him sexually explicit depictions of themselves, including a boy he met while on a mission trip to Haiti.
Buss was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Buss was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and Buss must also serve a ten-year term of supervised release. He must comply with all sex offender registration and public notification requirements.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Dubuque Police Department, and the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
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 13-1020.
Dubuque Man Headed to Federal Prison for Meth FireRead the Press Release
A man who caused a fire while attempting to manufacture methamphetamine in his Dubuque apartment was sentenced today to six and one‑half years in federal prison.
Jeremiah Shaw, 42, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 11, 2013 guilty plea to one count of attempting to manufacture methamphetamine near a playground.
Information disclosed at the plea and sentencing hearings indicated that Shaw attempted to cook methamphetamine at his apartment on April 28, 2013. Shaw’s attempted cook caused a fire to ignite in the apartment. Two other people were present in the apartment, which was located within 1,000 feet of three separate playgrounds.
Shaw was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Shaw was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a 6-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Shaw is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin Lightfoot and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/ login.pl. The case file number is CR 13-1014.
Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who received child pornography was sentenced today to sixteen years in federal prison.
Jason Smith, age 21, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the sentence after an October 7, 2013, guilty plea to one count of receipt of child pornography. At the guilty plea hearing, Smith admitted that, between 2011 and 2013, he used the Internet to receive child pornography. Information provided at the sentencing hearing indicated that defendant also posed as a female on the Internet, enticed minors to masturbate for him on webcam, and saved videos of these minors on his computer.
Smith was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Smith was sentenced to 192 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and Smith must also serve a ten-year term of supervised release. He must comply with all sex offender registration and public notification requirements.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 13-54.
Media AdvisoryRead the Press Release
There will be a press conference held on Wednesday, April 9, 2014, at 2:00 p.m., at the federal courthouse located at 111 Seventh Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The press conference will be held in the United States Attorney’s second floor conference room. United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau will present awards to three individuals being honored for outstanding service to crime victims as part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The honorees are: Investigator Corey Peiffer, Cedar Rapids Police Department; Special Agent Darrell Simmons, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation; and Investigator Rod Fiser, Hiawatha Police Department.
Press releases and interview opportunities will be available.
United States Attorney’s Office staff will be available beginning at approximately 1:30 p.m. to escort members of the press with any camera equipment directly to the conference room upon entering the courthouse. Camera equipment will not be allowed in any other areas of the building. No mobile telephones will be allowed in the building.
Fort Dodge Landlord Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Fire to Commit Wire FraudRead the Press Release
A woman who collected over $78,000 from State Farm Insurance for losses stemming from the arson of a rental dwelling she owned in Fort Dodge, Iowa, pled guilty today in federal court in Sioux City.
Shirley Weimer, age, 67 a Fort Dodge, Iowa, landlord pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to knowingly use fire to commit wire fraud in violation of federal law.
At the plea hearing, the evidence revealed Weimer had recruited a tenant of hers, Lisa Young, to burn down the home that Weimer owned and rented to Young. Weimer promised Young $10,000 of the insurance money for her role in the crime. Eventually, Weimer recruited Ashley and Gerald Straight and others into her scheme to defraud the insurance company. The scheme was executed, and the rental dwelling was intentionally (and completely) destroyed by fire.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Weimer remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Weimer faces a 120 month sentence, a $250,000 fine, $100 in special assessments, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment. Lisa Young will be sentenced for her role in the crime on April 22, 2014. Ashley Straight will be sentenced for her role in the crime on April 22, 2014, and Gerald Straight will be sentenced for his role in the crime on April 29, 2014.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-3035.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the Otho Volunteer Fire Department, the Iowa Department of Public Safety -- State Fire Marshal's Division, the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fort Dodge Police Department. The case was prosecuted Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild
Dubuque Man Sentenced in Federal Court for Unlawful Possession of PseudoephedrineRead the Press Release
A man who started a fire in his home while cooking methamphetamine was sentenced on April 1, 2014, to more than fourteen years in federal prison.
Christopher Mayne, 34, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 18, 2013, guilty plea to one count of possession of pseudoephedrine knowing or having reasonable cause to believe it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine.
According to information disclosed during the prosecution, during a March 23, 2013, traffic stop, police seized 180 pills of pseudoephedrine from Mayne as well as items used to manufacture methamphetamine. At the time of the traffic stop, police were investigating Mayne in connection with a fire at his residence on December 4, 2012. The fire started in Mayne’s basement, where he was manufacturing methamphetamine, and spread to other areas of the house. Three minor children were present in the home at the time of the fire. The fire ultimately consumed the entire home.
Mayne was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Mayne was sentenced to 169 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.
Mayne is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force, the Dubuque Police Department and the Dubuque Fire Department.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-CR-1017.
Sioux City Gang Member Sentenced to over 5 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
A Sioux City gang member, who possessed a firearm after having been convicted of three previous felonies, was sentenced March 26, 2014, to 70 month’s imprisonment in federal prison.
Ramon Olague, III, age 23, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted of possessing a firearm having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms.
According to information presented at Olague’s change of plea and sentencing hearings by the United States, Olague’s firearm possession was discovered on October 17, 2013, when Sioux City Police Officers responded to a domestic disturbance. Officers learned Olague had become angry with his paramour, shoved her, screamed at her, and brandished a gun. He ran off before police arrived, but he was soon apprehended. A search of the area revealed Olague had attempted to hide the firearm at another nearby property.
Olague was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Olague was sentenced to 70 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.
Olague is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-4098.
The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative local, state, and federal program aimed at the enhanced prosecution of gun crimes. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Sioux City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Waterloo Convenience Store Manager Charged with Selling Synthetic Drug Known as "Bath Salts"Read the Press Release
Earl James Ramos, age 26, from Waterloo, Iowa, has been charged with distributing a synthetic drug called pentedrone. The charges are contained in a Complaint unsealed today in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Complaint alleges that, on or about October 2 and October 8, 2012, Ramos distributed pentedrone to another person at the convenience store in Waterloo where Ramos worked as manager. The Complaint alleges that pentedrone is in the class of substances commonly referred to as “bath salts,” and is a form of synthetic methcathinone.If convicted, Ramos faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, $100 in special assessments, and life years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Ramos appeared today in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was released on bond.
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 Dan Chatham 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 Enforcement Task Force; 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Department of Homeland Security; and the Internal Revenue Service.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 1:14-mj-00057-JSS.
Dubuque Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of A Firearm by A FelonRead the Press Release
A man who shot someone in a bar fight pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids to unlawful possession of a firearm.
Tyrone Clifton, age 27, from Dubuque, Iowa, was convicted of one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
In a plea agreement, Clifton admitted that on the morning of November 22, 2013, he was involved in an altercation in a Dubuque bar and shot someone. Clifton fled before the police arrived but was apprehended later that day in a car with a loaded 9mm pistol. Clifton had previously been convicted in Cook County, Illinois, of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver in 2005, possession of a controlled substance in 2006, delivery of a controlled substance in 2008, escape in 2008, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by a felon in 2011, all felony offenses.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Clifton remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Clifton faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $100 in special assessments, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and was investigated by Dubuque Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 14-CR-1003.
Man Charged with Murder on the Meskwaki Nation SettlementRead the Press Release
Gordon Lasley, Jr., 25, from the Meskwaki Nation Settlement, Iowa, has been charged with murder in “Indian country.” The charge is contained in a Complaint filed on March 7, 2014, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Complaint alleges that, on or about February 5, 2014, Lasley murdered two people at their home on the Meskwaki Nation Settlement near Tama, Iowa.If convicted, Lasley faces a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
Lasley appeared today in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was held without bond. Lasley’s next appearance for preliminary and detention hearings is set for March 13, 2014, at 12:00 p.m.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
In 2010, the Department of Justice launched an initiative making public safety in tribal communities a top priority. The goal of the initiative is to help tribes build and sustain safe and secure communities across the country. Information about the initiative is available at http://www.justice.gov/tribal.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys C.J. Williams and Anthony Morfitt and was investigated by the Meskwaki Nation Tribal Police, the Tama County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/. The case file number is 14-mj-00065.Three Storm Lake Area Residents Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Obstruct JusticeRead the Press Release
Janelle Zoch, age 47, and Darwin Zoch, age 45, both of Storm Lake, Iowa, and Brandon Hinesly, age 35, of Truesdale, Iowa, have pled guilty in U.S. District Court in Sioux City, Iowa, to one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. Janelle Zoch and Brandon Hinesly pled guilty on February 28, 2014. Darwin Zoch pled guilty on March 3, 2014. Mark Hill, age 48, of Storm Lake, Iowa, also pled guilty on August 13, 2013 to one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice,
Information presented by the United States at the plea hearings revealed that on May 19, 2011, Darwin Zoch was arrested on a warrant for allegations that he was a felon (and an armed career criminal) in possession of firearms in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (and 18 U.S.C. § 924(e)). On May 19, 2011, Darwin Zoch appeared before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Paul A. Zoss for an initial appearance and arraignment. On May 19, 2011, Darwin Zoch was released on a personal recognizance bond, and conditions of pretrial releases were imposed.
Darwin Zoch was also on State of Iowa probation at the time and was, thereby, required to wear a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) monitoring system bracelet, and was subject to an 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily curfew.
On November 16, 2011, Darwin Zoch was convicted after a jury trial of being a felon (and an armed career criminal) in possession of firearms in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (and 18 U.S.C. § 924(e)). On November 16, 2011, Darwin Zoch was released by the trial judge, to await sentencing upon the same conditions of release as were imposed earlier while Darwin Zoch awaited his November 2011 trial.
Instead of awaiting sentencing as he promised the court, Darwin Zoch, and Janelle Zoch, Brandon Hinsely, Mark Hill and others plotted Darwin Zoch’s flight from justice. They, among other things, researched countries without extradition treaties, boats he might buy to sail out of the country, obtained and pre-positioned a getaway car at his parent’s farm, acquired mobile phones with which to communicate secretly, and assembled more than $5,000 in cash. Then they executed the plan, and Darwin Zoch escaped as far as a marina in Corpus Cristie Texas, where he was captured.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Janelle Zoch, Brandon Hinesly and Mark Hill remain free on bond previously set; Darwin Zoch remains in custody of the United States Marshal; Janelle Zoch, Darwin Zoch,. Hinesly, and Hill each face a possible maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $100 in special assessments, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-3047.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Sheriff and Deputies of the Buena Vista County Sheriff=s Office, and Officers of the Storm Lake, Iowa Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.Two South Dakota Men Sentenced to Federal Prison on Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
Two men who crossed state lines to commit sex acts with a minor were sentenced February 25, 2014, to federal prison.
Mensur Malik, age 23, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, received a sentence of 151 months’ imprisonment after a September 23, 2013, guilty plea to one count of transporting a minor across a state line with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Salim Issa, age 23, from Sioux Falls, received a sentence of 46 months’ imprisonment after a September 13, 2013, guilty plea to one count of traveling across a state line for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct.
At his plea hearing, Malik admitted that, in July 2012, he transported a minor female from Clear Lake, Iowa, to Sioux Falls with the intent to engage in sexual activity with her. At his plea hearing, Issa admitted that, in July 2012, when he and Malik traveled from South Dakota to Iowa, he intended to have sex with the minor female.
Malik and Issa were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Malik was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment, a special assessment of $100 was imposed, and he must serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. Issa was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment, a special assessment of $100 was imposed, and he must serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Both Malik and Issa 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 Clear Lake Police Department, the Sioux 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 13-3024.
Kevin W. Techau Sworn in as New United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
Kevin W. Techau today took the United States Attorney’s oath of office as the newest United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa. Techau succeeds Stephanie M. Rose as the District’s presidentially appointed United States Attorney and Sean R. Berry as the District’s court appointed United States Attorney. He was nominated by President Barack Obama on November 7, 2013, and was confirmed by the full Senate on February 12, 2014.
A public investiture ceremony for Mr. Techau is planned for the future but no date or details have yet been determined.
“I am honored and excited to serve as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa. This is a great office, full of smart and passionate people. I look forward to working with other members of the District’s exceptional legal and law enforcement communities. I thank President Obama for nominating me and Senator Harkin for his recommendation and unwavering support through this process,” Techau said.
Techau most recently served as Associate General Counsel at American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company, where he worked since 2007. Prior to that, Techau served as a Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety from 2002 to 2007 and as Director of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals from 1999 to 2002. He was an Assistant Federal Public Defender with the Iowa Federal Defender’s Office from 1996 to 1999 and worked in private practice at the law firm of Grefe & Sidney from 1992 to 1996.
From 1985 to 1992, Techau served as a Judge Advocate with the United States Air Force. After leaving active duty, he served with the Iowa Air National Guard from 1993 to 2011. In 2011, he retired from the Iowa Air National Guard as a Colonel with 27 years of military service.
Mr. Techau was born in Iowa City and graduated from Marion High School. He received his law degree in 1984 from the University of Iowa College of Law and his undergraduate degree in 1981 from the University of Iowa.
For a photograph, go to http://www.justice.gov/usao/ian/meetattorney.html.
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to over 37 Years on Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
A registered sex offender who attempted to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity was sentenced today to more than 37 years in federal prison.
Wayne Carlisle, age 38, of Oelwein, Iowa, received the sentence after a November 12, 2013, guilty plea to one count of attempted enticement of a minor and one count of committing a felony offense involving a minor by a person required to register as a sex offender. At the guilty plea, Carlisle admitted that, in 2012, he attempted to entice an undercover officer who was posing as a minor to meet for the purpose of unlawful sex with a minor. Carlisle was required to register as a sex offender based on his convictions for two counts of lascivious acts with a child in Linn County in 1996.
Carlisle was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Carlisle was sentenced to 447 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $200 was imposed, and Carlisle must also serve a life term of supervised release. He must comply with all sex offender registration and public notification requirements.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Hiawatha Police Department, the Iowa State Patrol, and the Oelwein Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 13-75.
Omaha, Nebraska Man Convicted of Fort Dodge Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
An Omaha, Nebraska, man was convicted by a federal jury on February 13, 2014, after a three and one-half day trial in federal court in Sioux City.
Michael Clayton, age 44, from Omaha, Nebraska, was convicted of one count of bank robbery. The verdict was returned following about five hours of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that, on February 7, 2013, Clayton robbed the Citizens’ State Bank in Fort Dodge, Iowa, taking $11,284. That day, Clayton asked Christopher Anderson to drive him to a location near the bank and wait for him. Clayton robbed the bank, returned to Anderson’s car with a bag, and urged Anderson to drive away quickly. Anderson drove Clayton to Omaha, Nebraska, in order to help Clayton escape arrest, prosecution and imprisonment for the Fort Dodge, Iowa, robbery. Clayton paid Anderson $1,000 for his role in the offense.
On June 27, 2013, Anderson pled guilty to being an accessory after the fact to the bank robbery and will appear before United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett for sentencing on March 5, 2014. He faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment, up to $125,000 in fines, a $100 special assessment, and up to five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Clayton’s sentencing before United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Clayton remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Clayton faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.The case was investigated by the Fort Dodge Police Department, the Omaha Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild. Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl
The case file number is 13-3022.Estherville Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced February 12, 2014, to more than 4 years in federal prison.
Jose Lopez, Jr., 25, from Estherville, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 23, 2013, guilty plea to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.
At the guilty plea, Lopez, Jr. admitted his involvement in a conspiracy from 2009 through May 2013 that distributed more than 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine. Lopez, Jr. and a co-defendant traveled to Wisconsin and Minnesota to obtain methamphetamine for later distribution in Iowa. On multiple occasions Lopez, Jr., distributed methamphetamine to undercover officers.
Lopez, Jr. was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Lopez, Jr. was sentenced to 59 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.
Lopez, Jr. 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 Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-4048.
Benton County Man to Federal Prison for Selling MethRead the Press Release
A man who sold “ice” methamphetamine from his rural Benton County home was sentenced on January 30, 2014 to just under four years in federal prison.
Kenneth Gragg, 54, from Garrison, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 2, 2013 guilty plea to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm as an unlawful drug user.
In a plea agreement, Gragg admitted he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on two occasions in late 2012. A search warrant was executed on Gragg’s home in January 2013. During the search, officers seized additional quantities of methamphetamine, which Gragg admitted he had intended to distribute to others. A shotgun was also seized from Gragg’s residence. Gragg could not legally possess the firearm because he was an unlawful user of both methamphetamine and marijuana.
Gragg was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Gragg was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment and fined $5,000. A special assessment of $200 was imposed. Gragg must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Gragg is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin Lightfoot and investigated by the Rural Area Interdiction Detail (“RAID”) Task Force with assistance from the Tama County Sheriff’s Office. The RAID Task Force is comprised of officers from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/ cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-CR-59.