Northern District of Iowa
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Charles City Man Pleads Guilty to Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Randy Patrie, age 40, from Charles City, Iowa, pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Patrie was convicted of being a felon in possession of 22 firearms and two sawed-off shotguns.
In a plea agreement, Patrie admitted that, on May 2, 2013, he burglarized a federally licensed firearms dealer in rural Floyd, Iowa, stealing approximately 20 firearms. On July 4, 2013, officers searched Patrie’s house in Charles City, and found him in possession of all of the stolen firearms, along with a number of other firearms, including two sawed-off shotguns. Patrie has been convicted of the following felony offenses:
1. September 24, 1991, Attempted Burglary in the 2nd degree;
2. May 4, 1994, Felon in Possession of a Firearm;
3. May 28, 1996, Delivery of Methamphetamine; and
4. May 27, 2003, Burglary 3rd.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Patrie remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. If the court finds that Patrie qualifies as an Armed Career Criminal based upon his prior convictions, Patrie faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, a $500,000 fine, $200 in special assessments, and eight years of supervised release following any imprisonment.The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney C.J. Williams and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Charles City Police Department, and the Floyd 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-2016.
Dubuque Man Convicted of Unlawful Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
A felon who unlawfully possessed two firearms was convicted by a jury today after a two-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Daniel Lee Campbell, age 30, from Dubuque, Iowa, was convicted of one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. The verdict was returned this morning following about 50 minutes of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that around 11:00 p.m. on June 10, 2013, officers from the Dubuque Police Department responded to a 911 call regarding a man with a firearm on Bluff Street. As officers approached the area, they spotted Campbell who matched the description provided in the 911 call. When an officer asked Campbell to stop, Campbell ran away and pulled two guns from his pants. Campbell tossed one gun as he ran through an alley behind a church. Campbell took the second gun and fired a shot over his shoulder at the pursuing officers before tossing the gun into a fenced-in area behind the church. Campbell hid from officers in a trash pile a couple of blocks away before being apprehended around 12:30 a.m. Campbell had previously been convicted in United States District Court in 2007 of providing a false statement to a federal firearms licensee, a felony offense.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge James Gritzner will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Campbell remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Campbell 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 the 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 13-CR-1010.
Former Agriprocessors Manager Hosam Amara Pleads Guilty to Alien Harboring ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Former Agriprocessors, Inc., manager Hosam Amara pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Amara, age 48, formerly of Postville, Iowa, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to harbor undocumented aliens for profit.
In a plea agreement, Amara admitted he was a manager of the poultry side of Agriprocessors’ Postville facility. Amara admitted that, during at least the five years leading up to May 2008, he and several other Agriprocessors managers knowingly and willfully conspired to harbor undocumented alien workers at Agriprocessors’ Postville facility. Among Amara’s coconspirators was Agriprocessors’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Amara admitted the conspiracy was for the purpose of commercial advantage.
In the plea agreement, Amara also admitted that, in the Fall of 2007, an immigration agent warned Agriprocessors’ human resources manager that certain expired versions of resident alien cards should no longer be accepted as proof that alien employees were authorized to work in the United States. The human resources manager stopped accepting the cards, and Agriprocessors soon had a shortage of workers. Amara complained to the CEO about the worker shortage, and the CEO began causing new undocumented alien workers to be placed on the payroll of a separate company, Hunt Enterprises, to make it appear the undocumented aliens were not Agriprocessors’ employees. Knowing this, Amara told existing undocumented alien workers to encourage their family members to come to Agriprocessors for work.
In the plea agreement, Amara also admitted he fled to Israel in the wake of a May 12, 2008 immigration enforcement action at Agriprocessors in Postville. The CEO encouraged Amara to leave, telling him, “[j]ust go ahead and leave and forget about everything here.” The CEO gave Amara $4,000 to use for expenses including airfare. Amara was extradited to the United States in April 2013.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Amara remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Amara faces a possible maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and up to three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter Deegan, C.J. Williams, and Matthew Cole. The investigation has been led by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Prior assistance was provided by the United States Marshals Service; United States Postal Inspections Service; Iowa Department of Public Safety; Iowa Department of Transportation; Federal Protective Service; Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations; United States Department of Labor; Public Health Service; United States Department of Agriculture; United States Environmental Protection Agency; Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Drug Enforcement Administration; Waterloo Police Department; and Postville Police Department.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 08-1324 LRR.
Felon Sent to Federal Prison for Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
A Sioux City man was sentenced August 21, 2013, to six years in federal prison for his illegal possession of a firearm.
Jack Dangel, age 22, of Sioux City, received his prison term after a May 21, 2013, guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Dangel has a 2009 conviction in the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County for a felony offense which precluded him from lawfully possessing firearms.
Information provided by the United States at the sentencing and change of plea hearings revealed that on November 21, 2012, Dangel possessed a break-open shotgun, which was stolen, and Dangel knew it was stolen. Between January 2011 and November 21, 2012, Dangel sold at least two to three pounds of methamphetamine and multiple pounds of marijuana throughout the Sioux City, Iowa metro area, and possessed at least seven guns in connection with his methamphetamine and marijuana distribution.
Dangel was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Dangel was sentenced to 72 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.
Dangel 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 12-4115.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative local, state, and federal program aimed at the enhanced prosecution of gun crimes. This 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.
Odebolt Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty August 28, 2013, in federal court in Sioux City.
Kevin Schimerowski, 46, from Odebolt, was convicted of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Schimerowski admitted his involvement in a conspiracy from about 2012 through April 2013 that distributed more than five grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine. On three occasions in February 2013, Schimerowski distributed over five grams actual (pure) methamphetamine to individuals cooperating with law enforcement.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Schimerowski remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Schimerowski faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $8,000,000 fine, a special assessment of $100, and at least eight years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Denison Police Department, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Sac County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa Division of Criminalistics Laboratory.Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-4038.
Eldora Man Charged with Federal Child Sexual Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Kevin Trittien, age 35, of Eldora, Iowa, has been indicted on federal child sexual exploitation charges. The charges are contained in an Indictment unsealed August 23, 2013, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictment alleges that, in 2012, Trittien used the Internet to attempt to persuade a person defendant believed to be under sixteen to engage in sexual activity. The Indictment also alleges that, between 2009 and 2012, Trittien distributed, received, and possessed child pornography.
If convicted on all charges, Trittien faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a $400 special assessment, and at least five years and up to life on supervised release following any imprisonment.
Trittien appeared for a detention hearing today in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was held without bond. Trittien’s next appearance for trial is set for October 28, 2013.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Garner Police Department, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, and the Grundy 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 13-67.
Two Sioux City Men Plead Guilty to Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Two men who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty July 23, 2013, and August 26, 2013, in federal court in Sioux City.
Robert Skarin, and William Meisner, both 53 and from Sioux City, Iowa, were convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearings, each admitted that from the beginning of 2013 through April 2013 they distributed more than 50 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine in the Sioux City, Iowa area. Each further admitted that on at least two occasions they traveled together to Omaha, Nebraska, to obtain methamphetamine for later distribution in Sioux City. On April 3, 2013, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Skarin with Meisner as passenger. A search yielded a brown paper bag rolled up and hidden inside Skarin’s right sock. The bag contained over 80 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine. Skarin and Meisner intended to distribute some or all of this methamphetamine.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett will be set after presentence reports are prepared. Each were taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the guilty pleas and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Skarin and Meisner each face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a special assessment of $100, and five years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, which consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-4035.
Two Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Two people who conspired to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine were sentenced August 22, 2013, to fourteen months and eight months in federal prison, respectively.
Vicki Shannon, 50, and David Robley, 52, from Spencer and Early, Iowa, received the prison terms after May 2013, guilty pleas to conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine.
At the guilty pleas, each admitted their involvement from about 2010 through January 2013, in a conspiracy that manufactured and distributed at least 50 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine. According to pseudoephedrine purchase logs obtained in the investigation, starting in January 2010 through January 2013, Shannon, Robley and others obtained nearly 500 grams of pseudoephedrine, all for the use of manufacturing methamphetamine. On January 11, 2013, officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle Robley was driving. Based on the traffic stop, officers secured a search warrant of an outbuilding in Clay County, Iowa, which Robley had departed just prior to the traffic stop. Officers located and seized a number of items indicative of manufacturing methamphetamine, including but not limited to, tree spikes, lithium batteries, empty boxes of pseudoephedrine pills, blister packs, coffee filters, clear tubing, lye, muriatic acid and a Gatorade bottle containing what appeared to be an active “one-pot” style methamphetamine cook.
Shannon and Robley were sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Shannon was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment. Robley was sentenced to 8 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed for each. And each must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison terms. There is no parole in the federal system. Shannon and Robley are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-4007.
Sioux City Couple Sentenced to Federal Prison for Crack ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Sioux City couple who conspired to distribute crack cocaine were sentenced August 16, 2013, to federal prison.
Douglas Young, 37, and Samantha Grant, 25, each from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison terms after May 13, 2013, guilty pleas to conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.
At the guilty pleas, Young and Grant each admitted their involvement from about 2011 and continuing through about August 21, 2012, that distributed at least 500 grams of crack cocaine. During a traffic stop on August 21, 2012, officers conducted a search of Young and Grant and seized approximately two ounces of crack cocaine. Young and Grant intended to distribute the crack cocaine to individuals in Sioux City, Iowa. Young and Grant traveled to Omaha, Nebraska on a number of occasions, transporting between ½ ounce to 4 ½ ounce quantities of crack cocaine back to Sioux City for redistribution.
Young and Grant were sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Young was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. Grant was sentenced to 39 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $200 was imposed for each. And each must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison terms. There is no parole in the federal system.
Young and Grant are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 12-4107.
Former Employee of Financial Brokerage Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
A former employee of a financial brokerage firm who stole the identity of a client and fraudulently obtained over $36,000 from that client, pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Teresa Dorenkamp, 42, from Mason City, Iowa, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
In a plea agreement, Dorenkamp admitted that, while employed by a financial brokerage in Mason City, Iowa, she fraudulently obtained money from the firm’s clients by falsely depositing money belonging to the clients into Dorenkamp’s or her husband’s bank accounts. Dorenkamp admitted one such false deposit occurred on June 3, 2011, when Dorenkamp had $36,139.60 wire transferred from the client’s investment account into Dorenkamp’s own U.S. Bank account. Dorenkamp further admitted she used the name of and forged the signature of the client in order to complete the false deposit. Dorenkamp further admitted she caused $391,725.31in fraudulent transfers to be made from client accounts into her or her husband’s bank accounts from 2007 through 2011.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Dorenkamp was released on conditions pending sentencing. Dorenkamp faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 22 years’ imprisonment, a fine equal to the greater of twice the loss caused by her offense, twice the gain caused by her offense, or $500,000, $200 in special assessments, and 4 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 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-03032.
Cedar Rapids Man Charged with Unlawfully Possessing A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Matthew James Stover, 30, of Jacolyn Drive in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been charged by an indictment filed in the United States District Court in the Northern District of Iowa, with unlawfully possessing a .223 caliber Bushmaster rifle and numerous rounds of ammunition as an unlawful user of controlled substances.
Stover was arrested by the Cedar Rapids Police Department without incident at his home today on the indictment that had been sealed pending his arrest.
Stover appeared in federal court in Cedar Rapids today and pleaded not guilty to the indictment. Stover was ordered released on conditions, including that he submit to GPS monitoring and be detained in his home, pending his reporting for inpatient drug and mental health treatment in Minnesota on Thursday.
If convicted on the pending indictment, Stover could be incarcerated for up to 10 years, without the possibility of parole; fined up to $250,000; and required to serve a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.
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 Richard L. Murphy. The case has been investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-mj-00068 LRR.
Boone, Iowa Man Pleads Guilty to Meth and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine and possessed a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy pled guilty August 13, 2013, in federal court in Sioux City.
James Edward Poole, 33, from Boone, Iowa, was convicted of one count of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
At the plea hearing, Poole admitted his involvement in a conspiracy from 2012 through January 2013 that distributed more than 1000 grams of mixed methamphetamine which contained at least 150 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine. On January 8, 2013, officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle occupied by Poole and his wife, Shannon Poole. During a search of the vehicle, officers located and seized about over 134 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine, $377.74 in U.S. Currency, and a loaded handgun (namely a Kel-Tec .380). Poole admitted he had just obtained the methamphetamine from his source near Webster City, Iowa, and planned to distribute it to other person(s).
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Poole remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. On the conspiracy conviction, Poole faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a special assessment of $100, and five years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment. On the firearm conviction, Poole faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment consecutive to any term imposed on the conspiracy conviction and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a special assessment of $100, and up to five years of supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Webster City Police Department, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Wright County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-3003.
Former Iowa Air Force Captain Charged with Violating Conflict of Interest LawsRead the Press Release
Adam, J.J. Pudenz, 33, from Carroll, Iowa, has been charged by a criminal Complaint, filed in the United States District Court in the Northern District of Iowa, with violating federal conflict of interest laws. The Complaint was unsealed yesterday following Pudenz’s arrest without incident in Carroll, Iowa.
The Complaint alleges that during about 2011 Pudenz knowingly and wilfully engaged in unlawful representational activities. The affidavit supporting the complaint alleges that Pudenz, while a Captain in the United States Air Force, served as a contracting officer for the military in Kabul, Afghanistan. Further, after Pudenz separated from the military in about February 2011, he was employed by a company with whom he had previously done business as a military contracting officer. The affidavit alleges Pudenz was paid more than $250,000 by the company for services that included representation of the company with the military on the same contracts Pudenz had administered while in the military.
Pudenz appeared in federal court in Sioux City on the afternoon of August 21, 2013, and was released on conditions of bond, including the condition that he surrender his passport and restrict his travel. Pudenz’s next court appearance, for a preliminary hearing, is set for September 11, 2013.
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 Richard L. Murphy and Trial Attorney Wade Weems from the Fraud Section of the Criminal Division at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. The case has been investigated by the FBI, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, and by the Defense Criminal Investigative Agency.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-mj-00230 JSS.
Mason City Bank Teller Pleads Guilty to EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
A woman who embezzled nearly $70,000 from a Mason City bank pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Margaret Marie (Peggy) Sheese, age 53, from Mason City, Iowa, was convicted of one count of embezzlement by a bank employee.
In a plea agreement, Sheese admitted that, between about October 2011 and January 2013, she stole $69,200 from Northwood State Bank in Mason City. At the time, Sheese was a teller at the bank. Sheese admitted making twenty-nine secret withdrawals from accounts belonging to a particular bank customer. Sheese altered the bank’s records to falsely show that the bank customer’s mailing address had changed to a Post Office Box under Sheese’s control. By changing the mailing address, Sheese caused the bank to send the customer’s account statements to Sheese rather than to the customer.
Sheese also admitted that, on January 15, 2013, she stole $2,000 in cash from the bank.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Sheese remains free on bond pending sentencing. Sheese faces a possible maximum sentence of thirty years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter Deegan and was investigated by the Mason City Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-3026 LRR.
Illegal Alien Convicted of Passport Fraud, False Claim of U.S. Citizenship and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
An illegal alien who attempted to obtain a U.S. passport using fraudulent and illegally obtained documents was convicted by a jury today, after a one-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Eduardo Rodriguez-Ayala, age 28, a citizen of Mexico, living in Waterloo, Iowa, was convicted of one count of unlawful possession of an identity document, one count of making false statements in a passport application, two counts of making a false claim of United States citizenship, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. The verdict was returned this morning following about ninety minutes of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that on August 10, 2012, Rodriguez-Ayala, claiming to be a U.S. citizen, used a fraudulent Arizona birth certificate in his brother’s name to obtain an Iowa identification card and to register to vote. Three days later, on August 13, 2012, Rodriguez-Ayala used the falsely procured Iowa identification card and the fraudulent birth certificate to apply for a U.S. passport. Rodriguez-Ayala later gave a false name and date of birth to State Department agents investigating the passport application. Rodriguez-Ayala eventually admitted he used false documents and his brother’s identity to apply for the U.S. passport.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Rodriguez-Ayala was ordered detained without bond pending sentencing. Rodriguez-Ayala faces a possible maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment on the unlawful possession of an identity document charge, a possible maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment on the making false statements in a passport application charge, and a maximum sentence of three years’ imprisonment on each of the false claim of U.S. citizenship charges. Rodriguez-Ayala also faces a mandatory sentence of two years’ imprisonment on each of the aggravated identity theft charges, with at least one such sentence to be served consecutive to any other sentence. Rodriguez faces a fine of $1,500,000, $600 in special assessments, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and was investigated by agents from the United States Department of State and 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 CR 13-2009.
Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Colby Palmer, age 26, from Clinton, Iowa, pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids to being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition.
In a plea agreement, Palmer admitted that, on June 6, 2012, law enforcement officers conducted a consent search of a home located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where Palmer was staying. Palmer had slept the night before the search in the master bedroom. In the room was a bag belonging to him. In the bag was a box of Winchester .357 magnum caliber ammunition. Palmer admitted in the plea agreement he knew the ammunition was in his bag and knowingly possessed the ammunition. Law enforcement officers recovered a latent fingerprint from the box of ammunition that matched defendant’s known prints. Another box of .357 magnum caliber ammunition was found under the bed. Palmer also admitted to two prior felony convictions. On March 21, 2007, Palmer was convicted in the Iowa District Court for Polk County of Burglary in the 3rd Degree, and on June 2, 2009, Palmer was convicted in the Iowa District Court for Webster County of Interference with the Official Acts of a Correctional Officer Inflicting Bodily Injury.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Palmer remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Palmer faces a possible maximum sentence of ten 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 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 13-0041-LRR.
Couple Charged with Harboring Aliens Through Waterloo BusinessRead the Press Release
Yu Jiang, age 30, and Christy Wen Zu, age 28, from Waterloo, Iowa, have been charged with one count of conspiracy to transport, harbor and encourage illegal aliens to reside in the United States. The charge is contained in an Information filed today in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Information alleges that during 2011 and 2012, Jiang and Zu, doing business as the Hibachi Sushi Buffet restaurant, knowingly employed undocumented foreign nationals to work at the restaurant. The workers were provided housing by the restaurant and were transported on a daily basis to and from an apartment. The workers were provided meals at the restaurant at no charge and were paid in cash for their services.
If convicted, Jiang and Zu each face a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $100 in special assessments, and up to three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Jiang and Zu’s first appearance in federal court in Cedar Rapids for an arraignment and plea hearing is set for August 27, 2013.
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 Richard L. Murphy and was investigated by Department of Homeland Security Investigations.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-CR-02017.
Cedar Rapids Man Pleads Guilty to Providing A Gun to A FelonRead the Press Release
A man who provided a gun to a felon pled guilty on August 6, 2013, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Demetrius Hardiman, age 18, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of transferring a firearm to a prohibited person.
At the plea hearing, Hardiman admitted that on May 8, 2013, he knowingly gave a gun to his brother, a convicted felon who was prohibited from possessing firearms. Cedar Rapids Police Officers encountered Hardiman and his brother at 1:15 a.m. and discovered that Hardiman’s brother, a felon, unlawfully possessed a cocked and loaded 9mm handgun. Hardiman told officers that he stole the gun the year before and had his brother carry the gun that night for protection.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Hardiman remains free on bond previously set 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 CR 13-0037.
Waterloo Man Sentenced for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A Black Hawk County man was sentenced August 5, 2013, to 15 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine in the Mason City area.
Michael Patrick Geraghty, age 42, of Waterloo, Iowa, received his prison term after a March 15, 2013, guilty plea to two counts of distributing methamphetamine, having previously been convicted of a felony drug offense in Black Hawk County, Iowa, in May 2007.
Information provided by the United States at the sentencing and change of plea hearings revealed that, during July 2012, Geraghty supplied ice methamphetamine to a confidential source on two separate occasions.
Geraghty was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Geraghty was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment. Geraghty was initially facing a 120 month sentence, but the district court imposed an additional 60 months imprisonment because Geraghty tried to hire a hit man to kill a confidential informant. A special assessment of $200 was imposed. He must also serve an 8-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Geraghty 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 was investigated by the North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, Mason City Police Department, and 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 13-3002.
Cedar Rapids Drug User Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
A marijuana user who unlawfully possessed two guns pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Eric Lavell Johnson, age 28, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal drug user.
At the plea hearing, Johnson admitted he was an unlawful user of marijuana on February 19, 2013, when officers from the Cedar Rapids Police Department executed a search warrant at defendant's apartment in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. When officers breached the door, they saw defendant running from them, dropping several bags of marijuana. Defendant intended to flush the marijuana down the toilet to prevent officers from seizing the marijuana. In a closet in the apartment, officers found a duffel bag containing a digital scale and two firearms, a .22 caliber pistol and a .22 caliber rifle with a shortened stock. Defendant possessed the marijuana with the intent to distribute some or all of it to another person. Defendant told officers that he sold marijuana to make extra money to pay bills. A urine sample provided by defendant tested positive for THC, indicating marijuana use.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Johnson remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Johnson 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 CR 13-0039.
Waterloo Man Sentenced to over 21 Years for Distributing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who distributed and possessed child pornography was sentenced July 31, 2013, to over twenty-one years in federal prison.
Charles Adkins, age 46, of Waterloo, Iowa, received the sentence after a March 4, 2013, guilty plea to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. At the guilty plea, Adkins admitted that he used the Internet to distribute child pornography and that he possessed child pornography on a laptop computer.Adkins was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Adkins was sentenced to 262 months’ imprisonment and fined $10,000. A special assessment of $200 was imposed, and Adkins 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 Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, the Waterloo Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Pensacola, Florida, 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 12-2034.
Ventura Man Sentenced to Ten Years for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who possessed child pornography was sentenced August 1, 2013, to ten years in federal prison.
Brandon Phinney, age 28, of Ventura, Iowa, received the sentence after an April 1, 2013, guilty plea to one count of possession of child pornography. At the guilty plea, Phinney admitted that he possessed child pornography on his computer.Phinney was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Phinney was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and Phinney 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 the Clear Lake Police Department, the Mason City 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 13-3005.
Two South Dakota Men Charged with Federal Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Mensur Malik and Salim Issa, both age 22, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, have been indicted on federal child exploitation charges. The charges are contained in an Indictment unsealed July 17, 2013, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictment alleges that, on or about July 28, 2012, Malik and Issa knowingly traveled across a state line for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct. Under federal law, illicit sexual conduct involves sex acts with minors under certain circumstances. The Indictment also alleges that, on or about July 29, 2012, Malik transported a minor across a state line with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
If convicted on all charges, Malik faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, a $200 special assessment, and at least 5 years and up to life on supervised release following any imprisonment. If convicted, Issa faces a possible maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and at least 5 years and up to life on supervised release following any imprisonment.
Malik and Issa appeared for a detention hearing on July 31, 2013, in federal court in Cedar Rapids and were held without bond. Their next appearance for trial is set for September 30, 2013.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Clear Lake, Iowa, Police Department and the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 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 13-3024.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to Five Years for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who downloaded child pornography was sentenced August 1, 2013, to five years in federal prison.
Michael Pedersen, age 56, of Sioux City, Iowa, received the sentence after an April 30, 2013, guilty plea to one count of receipt of child pornography. At the guilty plea, Pedersen admitted that he used the Internet to download child pornography.Pedersen was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Pedersen was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and Pedersen 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 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 12-4096.
Cedar Rapids Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who downloaded and possessed child pornography pled guilty on August 1, 2013, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Brian Lynch, age 47, from Cedar Rapids, was convicted of one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
At the plea hearing, Lynch admitted that, between March 2010 and March 2013, he used the Internet to download child pornography. He also admitted that, between November 2004 and April 2013, he possessed child pornography. In a plea agreement, Lynch admitted that he possessed over 350 videos and over 175 images of 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. Lynch was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the guilty plea and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Lynch faces 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, the DeWitt Police Department, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service.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 13-29.
Cedar Rapids Man Charged with Federal Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Jason Smith, age 20, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been indicted on federal child pornography charges. The charges are contained in an Indictment unsealed July 26, 2013, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictment alleges that, between 2011 and 2013, Smith distributed, received, and possessed child pornography.
If convicted on all charges, Smith faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 50 years’ imprisonment, a $750,000 fine, a $300 special assessment, and at least 5 years and up to life on supervised release following any imprisonment.
Smith appeared for a detention hearing on July 31, 2013, in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was held without bond. Smith’s next appearance for trial is set for September 23, 2013.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.This case is being 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.
Shellsburg Tax Return Preparer and Sports Official Sentenced to Prison for Preparing and Filing Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A self-employed tax preparer and sports official for local athletic events who prepared and filed fraudulent federal tax returns was sentenced today to over a year in federal prison.
Keith Rath, 52, from Shellsburg, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 1, 2013, guilty plea to one count of aiding and assisting the preparation and filing of a false and fraudulent tax return.
In a plea agreement, Rath, who owned and operated a tax return preparation business, as well as a sports officiating business, in Shellsburg, admitted he prepared and filed a false tax return on behalf of a client, fraudulently increasing the amount of the client’s tax return. Rath also admitted he arranged to have the fraudulent portion of the client’s tax return deposited directly into Rath’s bank account. Rath admitted he did this without the client’s knowledge. Finally, Rath admitted he filed multiple other similarly false tax returns between 2008 and 2010.
“Knowingly falsifying documents that are filed with the IRS is a crime,” said Sybil Smith, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. “Tax return preparers have a duty to prepare returns that comply with the law and are accurate.”
Rath was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Rath was sentenced to twenty-one months’ imprisonment to be followed by one year of supervised release. A special assessment of $100 was imposed and he was ordered to make $52,418 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.
Rath was released on conditions previously set by the United States District Court and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on August 22, 2013.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-12.
Guatemalan Man Sentenced to More Than Three Years' Imprisonment for Illegal Reentry After Deportation and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition by A Felon and Illegal AlienRead the Press Release
A Guatemalan man who illegally reentered the United States and unlawfully possessed ammunition was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.
Armando Ramiro Garcia-Arenales, age 30, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 2, 2013, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after deportation by an aggravated felon and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon and illegal alien.
The evidence showed that on March 1, 2013, Garcia-Arenales was arrested following a traffic stop by officers of the Waterloo Police Department. A search of Garcia-Arenales’ car uncovered numerous rounds of 9 mm ammunition. Garcia-Arenales had previously been convicted in 2005 in Clayton County, Iowa, of the felony offenses of delivery of cocaine and possession of cocaine with intent to deliver.
On March 13, 2013, officers from the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), determined that Garcia-Arenales had previously been deported in October 2008 and had not received permission to reenter the United States. Garcia-Arenales had been arrested in May 2008 in an immigration enforcement action at Agriprocessors in Postville, Iowa. He was convicted in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa of use of a fraudulent alien registration card and ordered removed from the United States.
Garcia-Arenales was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Garcia-Arenales was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $200 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. Garcia-Arenales 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 officers from the Waterloo Police Department, and 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 CR 13-2008.
Waterloo Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Bank and Assaulting A CustomerRead the Press Release
A man who robbed the Farmer’s Savings Bank in Frederika, Iowa, and pistol whipped a bank customer during the robbery, pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Steven Vandewalker, 38, from Waterloo, Iowa, was convicted of one count of bank robbery and using a dangerous weapon to assault another person during the course of the robbery.
In a plea agreement, Vandewalker admitted he entered the Farmer’s Savings Bank in Frederika around 12:30 p.m. on October 23, 2012, carrying a handgun. Vandewalker was wearing a baseball cap and a mask covering the bottom of his face. After entering the bank, Vandewalker went into an office where a bank employee and a customer were talking and yelled at the two to get on the floor. Vandewalker then hit the customer in the face with the handgun, causing the customer to fall to the floor. Vandewalker then went behind the teller counter and had a teller give him cash from the drawers and the bank safe. Vandewalker then fled the bank with more than $36,000. On October 26, 2012, officers searched Vandewalker’s home in Waterloo, finding $26,000 in cash and a handgun.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Vandewalker remains detained pending sentencing. Vandewalker faces a possible maximum sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and 5 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Bremer County Sheriff’s Office, the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, the Waterloo Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-2010.
Sex Offender Sentenced to Prison for Failing to RegisterRead the Press Release
A sex offender who failed to register with authorities was sentenced today to over three years in federal prison.
Dana Curry, 41, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 25, 2013, guilty plea to one count of failing to register as a sex offender.
At the guilty plea, Curry admitted to failing to properly update his sex offender registration in Iowa from June 2010 through November 28, 2012. Curry was required to register because he was convicted in Arapahoe County, Colorado, of one count of Second Degree Sexual Assault.
Curry was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Curry was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve an 8-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Curry 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 was investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 13-2003.
Hull Man Sentenced to 7 Years on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
A man who distributed and received child pornography was sentenced July 24, 2013, to seven years in federal prison.
Gary Brummel, age 42, of Hull, Iowa, received the sentence after an April 17, 2013, guilty plea to one count of distributing child pornography and one count of receiving child pornography. At the guilty plea, Brummel admitted he knowingly used the Internet to distribute and receive child pornography.Brummel was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Donald E. O’Brien. Brummel was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $200 was imposed, and Brummel must also serve a five-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 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 12-4095.
Cedar Rapids Drug Felon Sentenced to Almost Twenty-Two Years' Imprisonment on Convictions for Unlawful Possession of Ammunition and Possession of Crack Cocaine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man with two prior drug trafficking convictions under different names was sentenced today to almost twenty-two years in federal prison.
Gregory Givens, age 29, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 21, 2013, jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of possession of ammunition by a felon and one count of possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute.
The evidence at trial showed that on October 7, 2010, Givens was stopped by a Cedar Rapids police officer for a traffic violation. When conducting the traffic stop, officers smelled, then recovered a large quantity of marijuana and a box of 9mm ammunition from inside the car. Givens provided the police officer a false name and identification and lied about his criminal history. Later investigation showed Givens had twice been convicted in 2002 in Cook County, Illinois, under two different names, of felony possession of cocaine with intent to deliver.
The evidence also showed that on December 22, 2010, Cedar Rapids police officers executed a search warrant at an apartment where Givens was staying. As officers entered a bedroom, they found Givens with his hand in between the mattress and the headboard of the only bed in the room. During the search of the bedroom, officers found a large quantity of marijuana inside the mattress where Givens had his hand and crack cocaine on the floor where Givens was standing. Givens again provided a different false name to officers when he was arrested. Givens’ identity on all of his convictions and arrests was confirmed through fingerprint analysis.
Givens previously pled guilty to possession of marijuana with intent to deliver in Iowa District Court for the marijuana found on October 7 and December 22, 2010.
During his trial, Givens refused to acknowledge the jurisdiction of the United States District Court, refused to participate in his trial, and refused to be in the courtroom. At sentencing, Givens was removed from the courtroom for being disruptive.
Givens was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Givens was sentenced to 262 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $200 was imposed. He must also serve a six-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Givens is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This 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 prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 12-55.
Waterloo Woman Found Guilty TO Conspiracy to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
April Tillman, 47, from Waterloo, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin by a jury on July 24, 2013, after a three-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
The evidence at trial showed that from between about January 2007 and August 2012, Tillman was involved in a conspiracy with others in the Waterloo area to distribute at least 1,000 grams of heroin. Tillman assisted the conspiracy by obtaining heroin from Chicago, Illinois, and distributing it in Waterloo.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set for a future date. Tillman was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the verdict was returned and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Tillman faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, up tp a $20,000,000 fine, $100 in special assessments, and at least ten years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams and was investigated by Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Cedar Rapids Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force, Tri-County Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Cedar Rapids DEA Task Force consists of the DEA; Linn County Sheriff's Office; Cedar Rapids Police Department; Marion Police Department; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and the Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services. The Tri-County Drug Task Force consists of the Waterloo Police Department; Cedar Falls Police Department; Waverly Police Department; Bremer County Sheriff’s Office; Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office; LaPorte City Police Department; Evansdale Police Department; Hudson Police Department; and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 12-2024 (14).
Charles City Man Charged with Multiple Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
Randy Patrie, age 40, from Charles City, Iowa, has been charged with committing four firearms offenses: 1) stealing firearms from a licensed firearms dealer; 2) possession of stolen firearms; 3) possession of firearms as a felon and an Armed Career Criminal; and 4) possession of sawed-off shotguns. The charges are contained in an Indictment filed on July 23, 2013, in the United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
A prior criminal complaint alleged that, on or about July 4, 2013, Patrie was found in possession of more than 20 firearms during a search of his home by the Charles City Police Department. Officers searched Patrie’s home while investigating a burglary of a residence in Charles City that occurred on July 4, 2013. During the search, officers found 20 firearms stolen from Gilbert’s Sale Yard, located in rural Floyd, Iowa. Gilbert’s Sale Yard was burglarized on May 2, 2013. The Complaint further alleges that Patrie admitted to law enforcement officers that he committed the Gilbert’s Sale Yard burglary and stole the firearms, and he further admitted he knew he was prohibited from possessing the firearms because he was a convicted felon. According to the complaint, Patrie has the following prior felony convictions:
• Attempted Burglary in the 2nd degree, September 24, 1991, in the Iowa District Court for Mitchell County;
• Delivery of Methamphetamine on May 28, 1996, in the Iowa District Court for Floyd County; and
• Burglary 3rd Degree, on May 27, 2003, in the Iowa District Court for Floyd County.
The indictment charges Patrie in Count 1 with stealing the firearms from Gilbert’s Sale Yard, and in Count 2 with knowing possession of those stolen firearms. Count 3 charges Patrie with being a felon in possession of the firearms stolen from Gilbert’s Sale Yard, and with possessing three additional firearms. Count 3 also alleges Patrie is an armed career criminal in that he possessed the firearms after having been convicted of three or more violent crimes or serious drug offenses. Count 4 of the indictment alleges defendant also possessed two sawed-off shotguns.
If convicted, Patrie faces a possible maximum sentence of life in prison, a $1 million fine, $400 in special assessments, and 14 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney C.J. Williams and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Charles City Police Department, and the Floyd 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-2016.
53-Year-Old Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty July 23, 2013, in federal court in Sioux City.
Robert Skarin, 53, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Skarin admitted that from the beginning of 2013 through April 2013 he distributed more than 50 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine in the Sioux City, Iowa area. Skarin admitted that on at least two occasions he and another person traveled to Omaha, Nebraska, to obtain methamphetamine for later distribution in Sioux City. On April 3, 2013, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Skarin with one passenger. A search yielded a brown paper bag rolled up and hidden inside Skarin’s right sock. The bag contained over 80 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine. Skarin and his passenger intended to distribute some or all of this methamphetamine.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Skarin was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the guilty plea and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Skarin faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a special assessment of $100, and five years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, which consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-4035.
Former Sioux City Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who distributed child pornography pled guilty on July 17, 2013, in federal court in Sioux City.
Patrick Persinger, age 38, formerly of Sioux City, was convicted of one count of distribution of child pornography.
At the plea hearing, Persinger admitted that, between February 2011 and October 2011, he used the Internet to distribute child pornography.Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Donald E. O’Brien will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Persinger remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Persinger 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 the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 12-4078.
Washburn Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Unlawful Possession of A Pipe BombRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a pipe bomb during an attempted theft was sentenced today to ten years in federal prison.
David Risse, 39, from Washburn, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 11, 2013, guilty plea to one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.
The evidence in the case showed that on November 10, 2012, deputies from the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a larceny in progress in Elk Run Heights, Iowa. Risse was observed attempting to steal and load a riding lawn mower onto a trailer. Risse ran off when deputies arrived. After Risse was apprehended, he was placed in handcuffs for transport to jail. As Risse was about to be put in the squad car, he removed a pipe bomb from his waist band and threw it on the ground. The pipe bomb, a metal tube capped at both ends with a fuse hanging out of it, was filled with gun powder and capable of being detonated. Risse had previously been convicted of numerous offenses, including assault with injury, assault domestic abuse, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, two burglaries, six thefts, and three convictions for operating while intoxicated.
Risse was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Risse was sentenced to the legal maximum of ten years’ 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.
Risse is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This 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 prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office 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 CR 13-2004.
Cedar Rapids Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Forward Taxes He Withheld from His Employees' PaychecksRead the Press Release
A man who withheld federal taxes from his employees’ paychecks but did not forward the money to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Eric Holub, 45, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of failing to pay over to the IRS money he had withheld from his employees’ paychecks for federal employment taxes.
In a plea agreement, Holub admitted he was an owner of Premier Security, a private security business previously located in Cedar Rapids, and had served as the president and treasurer of the business from 2003 through 2011. Holub admitted that from January 2008 through December 2009, he was responsible for withholding income taxes and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (“FICA”) taxes from the pay of Premier Security employees and was responsible for forwarding those withholdings to the IRS. Holub admitted that, for six calendar quarters in 2008 and 2009, he failed to forward the money he withheld from his employees’ pay to the IRS, even though he knew he was required to do so. In the plea agreement, Holub further admitted he also failed to pay to the IRS other taxes owed by Premier Security from 2008 through 2011. In total, Holub admitted to failing to send to the IRS approximately $400,000 in taxes owed by Premier Security.
“IRS Criminal Investigation realizes the detrimental consequences of employment tax evasion. It results in the loss of tax revenue to the United States government and the possible loss of future social security or Medicare benefits for the employees,” said Sybil Smith, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation.Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Holub remains free on conditions previously set by the District Court pending sentencing. Holub faces a possible maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and one year of supervised release following any imprisonment.
-more- The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and was investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-32.
Charles City Man Charged with Being A Felon in Possession of Firearms Stolen from an Auction Yard in Floyd CountyRead the Press Release
Randy Patrie, age 40, from Charles City, Iowa, has been charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges are contained in a Complaint filed on July 10, 2013, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Complaint alleges that, on or about July 4, 2013, Patrie was found in possession of more than 20 firearms during a search of his home by the Charles City Police Department. Officers searched Patrie’s home while investigating a burglary of a residence in Charles City that occurred on July 4, 2013. During the search, officers found 20 firearms stolen from Gilbert’s Sale Yard, located in rural Floyd, Iowa. Gilbert’s Sale Yard was burglarized on May 2, 2013. The Complaint further alleges that Patrie admitted to law enforcement officers that he committed the Gilbert’s Sale Yard burglary and stole the firearms, and further admitted he knew he was prohibited from possessing the firearms because he was a convicted felon. According to the complaint, Patrie has the following prior felony convictions: on September 24, 1991, in the Iowa District Court for Mitchell County of Attempted Burglary in the 2nd degree; on May 28, 1996, in the Iowa District Court for Floyd County of Delivery of Methamphetamine; and on May 27, 2003, in the Iowa District Court for Floyd County, of Burglary 3rd.
If convicted, Patrie 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.
Patrie appeared today in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was held pending a detention hearing scheduled for July 14, 2013, at 11:00 a.m.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney C.J. Williams and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Charles City Police Department, and the Floyd 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-mj-196.
Cedar Rapids Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding InvestorsRead the Press Release
An man who defrauded investors through his company, Virtual Vision, Inc., pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Jeffrey J. Kinseth, age 58, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of wire fraud.
In a plea agreement, Kinseth admitted he was the president and principal shareholder of Virtual Vision, Inc. Kinseth admitted that, between March 2008 and September 2009, he solicited and accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars from at least eleven individual investors. Kinseth admitted falsely telling the investors all of their money would be invested through Virtual Vision as a purported pooled investment vehicle. Kinseth admitted he told the investors this, knowing he would, at least at times, fail to invest all of the investors’ money and use some of the money to make payments to earlier investors and for other purposes. Kinseth also admitted that, of the investor funds actually traded, he consistently sustained losses. Kinseth admitted fraudulently concealing his misappropriation and trading losses by creating and issuing false account statements to investors that falsely reflected purported profits from their trading.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Kinseth remains free on bond pending sentencing. Kinseth faces a possible maximum sentence of twenty years’ imprisonment, a fine equal to the greater of twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense, or $250,000, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter Deegan and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in cooperation with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Office of the United States Trustee.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-51 LRR.
Waterloo Felon Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Unlawful Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm after being convicted of a felony offense was sentenced today to ten years in federal prison.
Thaddeus Southall, 31, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 18, 2013, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
At the guilty plea, Southall admitted that on November 2, 2012, he assaulted an individual inside a convenience store in Waterloo, Iowa. As the victim left the store, Southall told the store clerk that he would come back and shoot the clerk if the clerk called the police. Outside the store, Southall again hit the victim who was seated inside a car. As the car drove off, Southall shot and hit the victim’s car. When officers from the Waterloo Police Department arrested Southall a short time later, Southall fought with officers, kicking one police officer in the head.
Southall was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Southall was sentenced to the legal maximum of ten years’ 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.
Southall is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This 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 prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Waterloo 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 CR 13-2006.
Arlington Man Sentenced to More Than Three and One-Half Years for Conspiring to Fabricate False Grain Elevator Scale Tickets, Committing Bankruptcy Fraud, and Interfering with Internal Revenue LawsRead the Press Release
A north-Iowa man who conspired to fabricate grain elevator tickets, committed bankruptcy fraud, and impeded the Internal Revenue laws was sentenced on July 9, 2013, to more than three and one-half years in federal prison.
Michael Recker, age 47, from Arlington, Iowa, was convicted of one count of conspiring to fabricate false grain elevator scale tickets, one count of bankruptcy fraud, and one count of interfering with Internal Revenue laws.
At the plea hearing and in a written plea agreement, Recker admitted that in 2008 and 2009, he bribed an employee of a Northern Iowa grain elevator to create false and fictitious grain elevator scale tickets. During the conspiracy, the employee fabricated eight false grain elevator tickets, accepting thousands of dollars in bribes from Recker in exchange. The grain elevator paid Recker more than $20,000 based on the false grain elevator tickets. Recker also admitted that he had sold a combine at auction for approximately $50,000.00 prior to filing for bankruptcy protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Iowa. In bankruptcy documents, Recker did not disclose the proceeds still owed to him by the auction company and when questioned about the proceeds, Recker lied to the court, claiming he never owned the combine or had an interest in its proceeds. Finally, Recker admitted that he tried to obstruct or impede the administration of the Internal Revenue laws by trying to hide and conceal his taxable income by, among other ways, having the checks from the grain elevator fraud made payable to his then-girlfriend and passing them, and the bribes, through a bank account established in her name.
Recker was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Recker was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $300 was imposed, and he was ordered to make $26,267.24 in restitution to the grain company. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Recker was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set.
This case arose in part from work of the North Iowa Bankruptcy Fraud Task Force, which consists of the United States Attorney’s Office, the Office of the United States Bankruptcy Trustee, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney C.J. Williams and investigated by the Office of the United States Bankruptcy Trustee, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, 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 12-cr-2027-LRR.
Sioux City Bank Robber Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who previously had been convicted of Burglary in 2004 was sentenced July 8, 2013, to over 7 years in federal prison.
Johnnie Hawkins, age 27, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 27, 2013, guilty plea to one count of bank robbery.
Evidence presented by the United States at the guilty plea and two-day sentencing revealed Hawkins had been convicted of burglary in 2004. During the fall of 2012, Hawkins was trafficking and distributing marijuana in and around Sioux City, Iowa. On or about November 8, 2012, Hawkins, knowingly obtained a Colt Defender .40 caliber, semi-automatic handgun and ammunition that he knew was stolen.
On November 10, 2012, Hawkins, robbed the Heritage Bank at 4530 Singing Hills Boulevard, in Sioux City, Iowa, of $5,954.00. Hawkins possessed and brandished the stolen and loaded handgun in furtherance of the bank robbery. Hawkins threatened and physically restrained a bank teller in furtherance of the bank robbery.Hawkins was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Hawkins was sentenced to 90 months= imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term, and he was ordered to make $5954 in restitution to Heritage Bank. There is no parole in the federal system.
Hawkins 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 CR 12-4116.
The case was investigated by officers of the Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department and special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Rock Rapids Man Sentenced to over Five Years for Distributing Child Pornography, Unlawful Possession of A Firearm, and Destroying EvidenceRead the Press Release
A man who distributed child pornography, was a drug user in possession of a firearm, and destroyed evidence was sentenced July 3, 2013, to 66 months in federal prison.
Lennon Slade, age 27, of Rock Rapids, Iowa, received the sentence after a February 14, 2013, guilty plea to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of destruction of evidence, and a May 30, 2012, guilty plea to one count of being a drug user in possession of a firearm. At the guilty pleas, Slade admitted that he distributed child pornography, that he was a drug user in possession of a firearm, and that he destroyed evidence when officers were attempting to execute a search warrant at his house.Slade was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Slade was sentenced to 66 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $300 was imposed, and Slade must also serve a five-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 Attorneys Forde Fairchild and Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Lyon 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 numbers are CR 12-4080 and CR 12-4015.
Mason City Man to Federal Prison and Ordered to Pay over $300,000 in Restitution for Farm FraudRead the Press Release
A man who made false statements for purposes of influencing a financial institution was sentenced July 8, 2013, to two years in federal prison.
Raymond A. Schaefer, 41, from Mason City, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 21, 2013, guilty plea to making a false statement.
At the guilty plea, Schaefer admitted he obtained a promissory note and received a $435,000 FSA (Farm Service Agency) guaranteed line-of-credit through MidWestOne Bank. The note specified that FSA would guarantee 90% of the farm operating line-of-credit for the crop years 2006 through 2010. The terms of the loan required that the principle be paid down to $100 annually prior to advancing money for the next crop year, with accrued interest paid. The terms also required Schaefer to supply accurate periodic financial statements. In late 2007 and early 2008, the bank learned Schaefer was behind on his payments to various other debtors for farm inputs. In preparing the 2008 balance sheet, Schaefer provided information to the bank, misrepresenting the value and existence of his assets, in an attempt to convince the bank that his financial situation was better than it actually was (for example, Schaefer indicated that he had 68,000 bushels of corn and 4,000 bushels of soybeans, when in fact he had none). Schaefer gambled large amounts of money obtained from his FSA line of credit loan and other financing, much of which was previously deposited into his used car business checking account and then withdrawn from the account unbeknownst to his various lenders, including MidWestOne Bank. To fund his gambling, Schaefer depleted the balance of his car lot bank account and his farm account with MidWestOne Bank.
Schaefer was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Schaefer was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and he was ordered to make $370,803.89 in restitution, $157,587.43 to MidWestOne Bank and $213,216.46 to Farm Service Agency. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.Schaefer was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on July 29, 2013.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Bowers and United States Attorney Sean Berry. It was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General, the Farm Service Agency, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 12-3047.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Possession and Use of False Identity Documents and False Claim of United States CitizenshipRead the Press Release
An illegal alien from El Salvador who used false identity documents to gain employment and falsely claimed to be an United States citizen was sentenced today to more than thirteen months in federal prison.
Julian Reyes Ferrer-Hernandez, age 27, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 2, 2013 jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of unauthorized use of a Social Security number not assigned to him, one count of unlawful use and possession of a fake social security card and fake permanent resident card to gain employment in the United States, one count of making a false claim of being a lawful permanent resident alien on an Immigration I-9 form, one count of falsely claiming to be an United States citizen, and one count of making a false statement regarding his employment during an interview with immigration officers.
Evidence at trial showed that on March 14, 2012, Ferrer-Hernandez was arrested in Waterloo, Iowa, for public intoxication. At the time of his arrest, Ferrer-Hernandez provided a Waterloo police officer with six different identity cards, including a fake social security card and a fake lawful permanent resident alien card. The permanent resident number was assigned to a Nigerian. Officers also seized two El Salvadoran identity cards and two fake California ID cards. Ferrer-Hernandez was born in, and is a citizen of, El Salvador.
Testimony showed that Ferrer-Hernandez used the fake social security card and the fake lawful permanent resident alien card to obtain employment in Waterloo, Iowa, where he filled out an Immigration I-9 Form on May 19, 2008, falsely claiming to be a lawful permanent resident alien. Immigration I-9 forms are required to be completed by all employees working within the United States. Ferrer-Hernandez worked in Waterloo, Iowa, continuously from May 2008 through February 2012.
On April 16, 2012, Ferrer-Hernandez was questioned by an officer with Homeland Security. During that interview Ferrer-Hernandez first claimed he was born in El Salvador, then falsely claimed he was a United States citizen born in an unknown city in Texas. Ferrer-Hernandez also falsely stated that he had not been employed in the United States since 2005.
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Ferrer-Hernandez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Ferrer-Hernandez was sentenced to 407 days imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.Ferrer-Hernandez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation proceedings.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and was investigated by officers from the Waterloo Police Department, the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, and 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 CR 12-2012.
Wisconsin Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Local RetailersRead the Press Release
A man who defrauded local retailers by switching UPC codes on consumer products pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Jeremy J. Fishnick, age 26, from Lancaster, Wisconsin, was convicted of one count of wire fraud.
In a plea agreement, Fishnick admitted that, between at least July 2012 and November 20, 2012, he using home computer equipment and a printer to create fraudulent UPC codes on adhesive labels. He then entered retail stores and covered real UPC codes on higher-priced models of certain products using the fraudulent UPC codes he created. In so doing, Fishnick caused the items to reflect substantially lower prices when electronically scanned at checkout. Fishnick admitted fraudulently purchasing products from stores in, at least, Dubuque, Iowa, Maquoketa, Iowa, Anamosa, Iowa, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Coralville, Iowa, Monticello, Iowa, and Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin. Fishnick also admitted his scheme caused a loss to retailers of more than $30,000.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Fishnick was released on bond pending sentencing. Fishnick 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 Peter Deegan and was investigated by the Dubuque, Iowa, Police Department; the Maquoketa, Iowa, Police Department; the Anamosa, Iowa, Police Department; the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Police Department; the Coralville, Iowa, Police Department; the Monticello, Iowa, Police Department; the Vinton, Iowa, Police Department; the Lancaster, Wisconsin, Police Department; and the Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin, Police Department.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-1009 LRR.
Omaha, Nebraska Man Pleads Guilty to Helping Fort Dodge Bank Robber Escape ArrestRead the Press Release
A man who was an accessory in robbing a bank in Fort Dodge, Iowa pled guilty June 27, 2013, in federal court in Sioux City.
Christopher Anderson, II, age 26, from Omaha, Nebraska, was convicted of one count of accessory-after-the-fact to bank robbery.
Information presented by the United States at the plea hearing revealed that on February 7, 2013, Anderson, drove another party to a location near a bank in Fort Dodge, Iowa. After robbing the bank, the other party returned to Anderson’s car, appeared to be in a hurry, appeared to be holding a bag, and urged Anderson to drive away quickly. Based on these observations Anderson concluded the other party had just committed a robbery. Anderson then drove the other party to Omaha, Nebraska, in order to help the bank robbery escape arrest, prosecution and imprisonment for the Fort Dodge, Iowa, robbery. Anderson was given $1,000 and he concluded this money was stolen and given to him in exchange for his help.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Anderson remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Anderson faces a possible maximum sentence of not more than 10 years’ imprisonment, a $125,000 fine, a $100 in special assessment, and up to five 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 CR 13-3021.
This case was investigated by officers of the Fort Dodge, Iowa, Police Department, the Omaha, Nebraska Police Department, and Special Agents of the Department of Justice’s Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Nebraska Man Arrested on Bank Robbery ChargesRead the Press Release
Michael Clayton, age 43, from Omaha, Nebraska, has been charged with one count of bank robbery. The charges are contained in an Indictment filed on May 22, 2013, in United States District Court in Sioux City.
The Indictment alleges that, on or about February 7, 20132, Clayton robbed the C.S. Bank in Fort Dodge, Iowa.
If convicted Clayton faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and 3-years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Clayton appeared on June 12, 2013 in federal court in Sioux City and was held without bond. Clayton’s next appearance will be his trial which is set for August 5, 2013.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 13-3022.As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the Fort Dodge Police Department and the DOJ’s Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force Reports Several New Firearms ArrestsRead the Press Release
The Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force continues to make Cedar Rapids safer. United States Attorney Sean R. Berry reported the Task Force’s recent accomplishments at a press conference held at the Cedar Rapids Police Department. Other participants in the press conference included Linn County Attorney Jerry Vander Sanden, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Thomas Metz, and Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman.
“The Safe Streets Task Force targets the most dangerous criminal offenders in our area – with a special focus on those who unlawfully use and possess firearms” said Berry. “This focus helps ensure the public’s law enforcement resources are put to their best and most efficient use.”
In June 2009, following a spike in violent crime in the Cedar Rapids area, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies met to share intelligence regarding local gang activity and to assess the need for a formal task force to combat gang, drug, and violent criminal activity. As a result, the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force was formed in September of 2009. The task force acts as a repository for gang related intelligence in the Cedar Rapids area and coordinates federal, state and local resources to target the worst and most dangerous offenders in the area.
The task force today is led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and composed of representatives from the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services. Task force personnel work closely with the Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; United States Marshals Service; Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation; Marion Police Department; Linn County Sheriff’s Office; and Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. Task force cases are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office and the Linn County Attorney’s Office.
Resources from the Safe Streets Task Force are available to all law enforcement agencies with related investigations, whether or not those agencies are members of the task force.
According to Special Agent in Charge Thomas Metz of the FBI, “the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force combines federal law enforcement’s national perspective and resources with local law enforcement’s experience and familiarity in the
local community. This formula has worked well in other parts of the country since 1992 and has been an effective means of addressing local gang, drug and violent crime here in Cedar Rapids.”“I am committed to keeping the streets of Cedar Rapids safe,” said Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman. “One way we will do this is by holding offenders accountable. If someone commits a crime in Cedar Rapids with a weapon, expect to be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent. It is through partnerships with the Department of Corrections and the FBI, that we can form the Safe Streets Task Force and arrest those that violate our gun laws. And with prosecution from the United States Attorney’s and Linn County Attorney’s offices, we are able to hold offenders accountable to the fullest extent. The Cedar Rapids Police Department will not tolerate violence, especially violence with the use of a firearm in Cedar Rapids.”
Linn County Attorney Jerry Vander Sanden said, “through a collaborative teamwork approach, the Cedar Rapid's Safe Streets Task Force has demonstrated great success in apprehending and prosecuting violent offenders which makes our community a safer place in which to live. The Linn County Attorney’s Office is grateful to be a part of this effort and we are committed to promoting the objectives of the task force by concentrating our resources on the vigorous prosecution of those who commit crimes of violence.”
In recent weeks, the task force’s work has resulted in the following matters in federal court in Cedar Rapids:
Recent Arrests and Indictments
● On June 27, 2013, Clyde Bell Jr. was arrested on charges of unlawfully possessing a .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Bell allegedly possessed the handgun on or about April 23, 2013 following a felony conviction in Cook County, Illinois, for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and following a misdemeanor conviction in Linn County, Iowa, for domestic abuse assault causing injury. The case file number is CR 13-34.
● On June 27, 2013, Dustin Whitford was indicted on charges of unlawful possession of a .360 caliber pistol. Whitford allegedly possessed the pistol on or about June 19, 2013, following a felony conviction for possession of drug precursors in Linn County, Iowa. Whitford is in law enforcement custody pending his first appearance in federal court. The case file number is CR 13-50.
● On June 27, 2013, Ramius Hardiman made his first appearance in federal court on charges of unlawfully possessing a 9 millimeter pistol. Hardiman allegedly possessed the pistol on or about May 8, 2013 following a felony conviction in Linn County, Iowa, for involuntary manslaughter. The case file number is CR 13-37.
● On or about June 27, 2013, Demetrius Hardiman was arrested on charges of unlawfully disposing of a 9 millimeter pistol to Ramius Hardiman, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe Ramius Hardiman had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Demetrius Hardiman allegedly gave the pistol to Ramius Hardiman on or about May 8, 2013. The case file number is CR 13-37.
● On or about June 27, 2013, Eric Lavell Johnson was arrested on charges of unlawfully possessing two .22 caliber firearms. Johnson allegedly possessed the firearms on or about February 19, 2013 while Johnson was an unlawful user of marijuana. Johnson has also been charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute on or about February 19, 2013. The case file number is CR 13-39.
● On or about June 26, 2013, Rhamond Bolden was arrested on charges of unlawfully possessing a 9 millimeter pistol and ammunition. Bolden allegedly possessed the firearm and ammunition on or about April 7, 2013 while Bolden was an unlawful user of marijuana. The case file number is CR 13-40.
● On June 26, 2013, Austin Curtis was indicted on charges of unlawfully possessing a 9 millimeter pistol while being a fugitive from justice. Curtis allegedly possessed the firearm on or about April 22, 2013. Curtis is in law enforcement custody pending his first appearance in federal court. The case file number is CR 13-46.
● On June 26, 2013, Colby Palmer was indicted on charges of unlawfully possessing a .357 magnum revolver, .357 magnum ammunition, and a .22 caliber pistol. Palmer allegedly possessed the firearms and ammunition on or about June 6, 2013 following felony convictions for burglary and interference with the official acts of a correctional officer inflicting bodily injury in Linn County, Iowa. Palmer is in law enforcement custody pending his first appearance in federal court. The case file number is CR 13-41.
● On June 26, 2013, Daevon Evans was indicted on charges of unlawfully possessing a 9 millimeter pistol. Evans allegedly possessed the pistol on or about June 23, 2013 while Evans was an unlawful user of marijuana. Evans is in law enforcement custody pending his first appearance in federal court. The case file number is CR 13-43.
● On June 4, 2013, William Robison was indicted on charges of unlawfully possessing a 9 millimeter handgun with an obliterated serial number and unlawful possession of 9 millimeter ammunition. Robison allegedly possessed the firearm and ammunition on or about April 18, 2013 while Robison was an unlawful user of marijuana. Robison is in law enforcement custody pending his first appearance in federal court. The case file number is CR 13-35.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Recent Convictions and Sentences
● On June 4, 2013, Kelsey Beckett was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Beckett’s co-defendant, Andre Kase, was sentenced on May 9, 2013, to 71 months’ imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Beckett and Kase were arrested together on October 8, 2012, after a neighbor reported they were attempting to break into a house in Cedar Rapids. Both were found to be in possession of loaded firearms. The case file number is CR 12-55.
● On May 21, 2013, Gregory Givens was convicted by a jury of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute. Evidence at trial showed that, on October 7, 2010, Givens was stopped by a Cedar Rapids police officer for a traffic violation. Givens was found to have a large quantity of marijuana and a box of 9 millimeter ammunition in the car. A December 22, 2010, search warrant at Givens’ residence produced additional marijuana and crack cocaine. Givens had previously been convicted in Cook County, Illinois, of felony possession of cocaine with intent to deliver. The case file number is CR 12-55.
● On May 7, 2013, Kevin Herring was sentenced to 90 months’ imprisonment for being a felon and domestic abuser in possession of a firearm. The sentence followed Herring’s guilty plea for possessing an assault rifle on March 24, 2012. Herring had three prior convictions for domestic abuse assault and one prior conviction for domestic abuse assault causing bodily injury; all in Linn County, Iowa. Herring also had one prior conviction for felony possession of a controlled substance from Cook County, Illinois. The case file number is CR 12-93.
Request for Public Assistance
Law enforcement is also seeking the public’s assistance in locating the following person in connection with federal weapons charges:
● Name: Andre Corbett
Age: 24
Height: 5 ft. 10 in.
Weight: 220 lbs.
Last known address: 11 Glenbrook Dr. SE # 204, Cedar Rapids
[photo at http://www.justice.gov/usao/ian/press/Jun_13/Corbett_Andre.pdf]Anyone who knows the whereabouts of this person is asked to call the Cedar Rapids Police Department at 286-5491, or Linn County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-CS-Crime (272-7463) to report information anonymously. Persons can also provide information via text message by sending a text to CRIMES (274637) and, in the message/subject area, type 5227 along with the information.