Southern District of Iowa
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Central Iowa Man Charged for Preparing and Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Des Moines, IA – A Central Iowa man made his initial appearance today in federal court for numerous tax charges.
Bakou Kees Vonty (also known as Bob Vonty), 40, is charged in a 39-count indictment returned on March 21, 2023. As alleged in the indictment, from at least 2015 through 2021, Vonty prepared Individual Income Tax Returns for numerous customers who paid him to prepare and file their tax returns. Vonty acted as a “ghost preparer,” meaning that Vonty did not sign his customers’ tax returns when he prepared and filed them. Vonty prepared the customers’ tax returns but did not explain the contents of the returns to the customers, review the returns with the customers, or provide copies of the returns to the customers before Vonty electronically filed the returns with the Internal Revenue Service. Instead, Vonty would typically inform the customer of the amount of their anticipated refund. It is alleged that Vonty often included on his customers’ federal tax returns, schedules, and forms, items that Vonty knew to be false, such as false claims for business-expense deductions and education expenses. The effect of Vonty including false items on the tax documents was to increase the refunds his clients received.
In addition, it is alleged that Vonty also filed several of his own federal income tax returns knowing that they contained false information.
Vonty is charged with thirty-six counts of Preparing and Presenting a False Tax Return and three counts of Making and Subscribing a False Tax Return. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Kerndt is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Council Bluffs Man Sentenced for a Child Sexual Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – A Council Bluffs man was sentenced on March 16, 2023, to 295 months in prison following his plea of guilty to sexual exploitation of a child.
The investigation into Brandon Scott Holmes, 43, started in 2021 after law enforcement found evidence that an IP address linked to Holmes was receiving child pornography from a peer-to-peer program. In October 2021, FBI executed a search warrant at Holmes’ residence. Forensic analysis of several seized devices identified thousands of images and videos of child pornography. Holmes also produced images and videos of child pornography. Holmes must serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nationwide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.
Oral Surgeon Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Fentanyl TamperingRead the Press Release
Des Moines, IA – An Iowa City man was sentenced yesterday to two years in prison for tampering with his dental practice’s fentanyl supply by removing the medication from vials for his own personal use.
Dr. Andrew Charles Hartwig, 55, previously worked as an oral surgeon in Iowa City and Mt. Pleasant. According to court documents, Hartwig diverted fentanyl from his previous employer, Oral Surgery Associates of Iowa City, also known as Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center of Iowa City, beginning at least as early as April 2019 and until at least July 10, 2019. Hartwig admitted that his actions resulted in the dilution and contamination of the fentanyl supply. Hartwig admitted he acted with reckless disregard that dental patients would be placed in danger of death and bodily injury and manifested extreme indifference to such risk. In October 2022, Hartwig pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with consumer products, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1365(a)(4).
The Court imposed a term of supervised release of two years, a fine of $50,000, and a $100 special assessment.
“Patients rely on receiving the proper FDA-approved medications from those entrusted with their medical care,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian G. McClune, Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, Kansas City Field Office. “We must hold medical personnel accountable when they take advantage of their unique position and tamper with medications their patients need.”
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
Iowa City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – An Iowa City man was sentenced to 204 months in prison for receiving child pornography.
Law enforcement identified Jesus Rafael Diaz-Figueroa, 31, after the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a cybertip from KIK that videos depicting child pornography were uploaded using IP addresses found to be associated with Diaz-Figueroa. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Diaz-Figueroa’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices, which contained more than 3,300 images and videos depicting child pornography. Diaz-Figueroa admitted he had been viewing child pornography since high school.
Following his term of imprisonment, Diaz-Figueroa was ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. He was also ordered to pay $48,000 in restitution.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The University of Iowa Department of Public Safety investigated the case.
This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nationwide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.
Former National Guardsman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Pornography PossessionRead the Press Release
Davenport, IA – A Salem man was sentenced yesterday to 100 months in prison for possession of child pornography.
According to court records, law enforcement began investigating Jason Robert Wesely, 39, a former member of the Iowa National Guard, after receiving a cybertip from a social media platform in May 2020. The tip included descriptions of Wesely’s sexual conversations with an undercover agent, pretending to be a 14-year-old child. Further investigation revealed that Wesely belonged to a chat group where child pornography was shared among its members. Wesely admitted to belonging to the group and to viewing and sharing child pornography. Wesely was ultimately discharged from the Iowa National Guard.
Following his prison term, Wesely was ordered to serve eight years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations and the Iowa State Patrol investigated the case.
This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nationwide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A Davenport man was sentenced on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, to 84 months in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms, and 12 months for violating his term of federal supervised release.
According to court documents, law enforcement encountered Ki-Jana Kolajuan Ivey, 25, as the front seat passenger during an April 2022 traffic stop. Officers observed a pistol under the front passenger seat where Ivey was sitting. Pursuant to a search warrant of Ivey’s phone, officers found videos and photographs of Ivey in possession of other firearms in the weeks preceding the traffic stop. During an interview, Ivey admitted to possessing the firearms shown on his phone.
In 2018, also in the Southern District of Iowa, Ivey was convicted of felon in possession of a firearm. For that conviction, he was sentenced to 30 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. At the time of the traffic stop, Ivey was serving that period of supervised release. As a result of this conviction, Ivey’s supervised released was revoked, and he was sentenced to serve a period of 12 months in prison consecutive to the 84-month sentence. Following his prison term, Ivey was ordered to serve three years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Scott County Sheriff’s Office and the Bettendorf Police Department investigated the case.
Clinton Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Production of Child Pornography and Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A Clinton man was sentenced Tuesday to 27 years in federal prison for production of child pornography and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Timothy Craig Geerts, 49, sexually abused a child and recorded the abuse. Geerts also surreptitiously recorded that child, and two other children, naked, in the bathroom. As a part of the investigation, officers also located videos of Geerts sexually assaulting an incapacitated adult, who he admitted to drugging. Geerts was previously convicted in state court of sexually assaulting one of the child victims.
Geerts also possessed three firearms. He was prohibited from possessing firearms because he was a drug user.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Geerts will be required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Geerts will also be required to register as a sex offender.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Clinton Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nation-wide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.
Federal Search Warrants ExecutedRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – On Thursday, March 30, 2023, federal search warrants were executed at the following locations in Des Moines:
• 2500 block of Maury Street,
• 2500 block of East 23rd Street,
• 3600 block of Amherst Street,
• 1500 block of King Avenue,
• 3400 block of Southwest 8th Street,
• 4100 block of 11th Place, and
• 1600 block of Washington Avenue.
The searches at these locations were an official law enforcement action involving officers, agents, and investigators from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force (MINE), United States Marshals Service, Des Moines Police Department, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement (DNE), Iowa State Patrol (ISP), the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Suburban Emergency Response Team (SERT), and Metro Special Tactics and Response (STAR).Council Bluffs Man Sentenced for Meth, Firearm, and Escape OffensesRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – A Council Bluffs man was sentenced on March 22, 2023, to a total of 144 months in prison, following his guilty pleas to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and escape.
According to court documents, Keven Leroy Spanel, 59, distributed methamphetamine in the Council Bluffs and Omaha metro areas. In early 2022, Spanel was arrested carrying a firearm, which he used to protect himself and his drug trafficking activities. In July 2022, while on temporary release to attend a doctor’s appointment, Spanel escaped on foot by threatening the transportation driver with a screwdriver. Spanel was apprehended five days later by the Council Bluffs Police Department. After his prison term, Spanel will be on supervised release for five years.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, Council Bluffs Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and United States Marshal Service investigated the case.
Micronesian Couple Sentenced for Withholding Passports to Coerce Labor of Two Men in Meat Processing PlantRead the Press Release
U.S. District Chief Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced defendants Nesly Mwarecheong, 46, and Bertino Weires, 51, U.S. residents and Federated States of Micronesia citizens, to 48 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and nearly $70,000 in restitution to the victims for withholding passports to coerce labor of two men in a meat processing plant.
The defendants previously pleaded guilty in October 2022 to two counts of unlawful conduct with respect to documents in furtherance of trafficking or forced labor for recruiting two young men from Micronesia to come to the United States for the purpose of coercing their labor in a meat processing plant for the defendants’ financial gain.
According to court documents, the defendants convinced the two victims to leave their homes in Micronesia in December 2019 and travel to the United States by promising them they could work in the United States and send money back to their families. Once in the United States, the defendants confiscated the victims’ passports and obtained jobs for them at a meat processing plant in Ottumwa, Iowa. Each week, the defendants took the victims to cash their paychecks before seizing almost the entire amount and leaving the victims with a nominal amount each week. The defendants used various means to compel the victims’ labor and services, including confiscating the victims’ passports and social security cards, imposing debts on them, limiting and monitoring their communication with family, physically and socially isolating them and creating a system of total financial dependence on the defendants. In so doing, the defendants created a situation where the victims either had to continue complying with the defendants’ demands or risk being homeless and without a means of supporting themselves in a foreign country where they did not speak the language and had no means of returning home.
“These defendants used the promise of well-paid jobs to lure the victims to come to the United States in search of a better future for themselves and their families,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “These defendants then proceeded to callously exploit the victims, using their power over them to profit off their hard work. The Department of Justice remains committed to seeking justice for survivors of forced labor schemes, holding perpetrators accountable and stripping wrongdoers of their illegal profits.”
“Forced labor can happen anywhere in the United States, including Iowa. We will continue fighting for victims to ensure those who exploit the promise of working in the United States to coerce labor are held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal for the Southern District of Iowa. “Thanks to the diligent work of law enforcement, these acts of coercion and compulsion were stopped.”
Investigator Jeremy Tosh of the Ottumwa Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Virginia Bruner and Ryan Leemkuil for the Southern District of Iowa and Trial Attorney Christina Randall-James of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case.
Davenport Chiropractor Charged with False Statements, Bank Fraud, and Money Laundering for PPP Loan and Mortgage Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A Davenport man made his initial appearance today in federal court in Davenport on false statements to a financial institution, bank fraud, and money laundering charges.
Jason Rannfeldt, 51, is charged in a 14-count indictment returned on March 7, 2023. According to court documents, Rannfeldt owned and operated Rannfeldt Clinic or Rannfeldt Family Chiropractic between October 1998 and April 2021 and claimed to own and operate four additional businesses: Perfect Fit Coaching, LLC; PF Nutrition Counseling, LLC; RC Orthotics, LLC: and RC Performance Therapy, LLC. Between January 2021 and May 2021, Rannfeldt submitted eleven false and misleading Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications to various financial institutions on behalf of these businesses. Rannfeldt included supporting documents with the PPP loan applications, including tax documents, that contained false or fraudulent misrepresentations. Rannfeldt obtained or attempted to obtain approximately $1,100,000 in PPP loan funds through the submission of the false and misleading PPP loan applications and supporting documentation.
Additionally, on August 9, 2021, Rannfeldt submitted a false and misleading residential mortgage loan application to GreenState Credit Union and provided supporting documents containing false or fraudulent misrepresentations. GreenState Credit Union approved the mortgage loan in the amount of $588,750.
Rannfeldt is charged with seven counts of false statements to a financial institution, six counts of bank fraud, and one count of money laundering. If convicted, he faces maximum sentences of 30 years in prison for each of the false statements to financial institutions and bank fraud counts, and 10 years in prison for money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Small Business Association–Office of Inspector General are investigating the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Iowa State Patrol Trooper Sentenced for Civil Rights ViolationRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – A former Iowa State Patrol trooper was sentenced on March 7, 2023, to two years of probation for deprivation of rights under color of law.
According to court documents, on September 25, 2017, Robert James Smith, 58, was on patrol and observed an individual traveling on a motorcycle on Interstate 80 at a speed above the posted speed limit. Smith attempted to catch up to the motorcycle. The motorcyclist exited Interstate 80 in Cedar County, stopped the motorcycle and dismounted. In his marked squad car, Smith exited behind the motorcycle, engaged the overhead lights and siren on his patrol vehicle, parked near and quickly approached the victim with his pistol drawn and pointed at the victim. As the victim was standing next to the motorcycle with hands in the air, Smith delivered an open palm strike to the victim’s chin area. The force of the strike caused the victim to fall back over the motorcycle, after which Smith knelt on and handcuffed the victim, then stood the victim up. In a report about the incident, Smith wrote that he reached with his hand intending to take hold of the victim’s shoulder but instead inadvertently came into contact with the front side of his helmet. In his plea agreement, Smith admitted that his open hand palm strike was intentional, done with a bad purpose or improper motive to disregard the law, and was an unreasonable use of force.
Smith plead guilty in September 2022. Smith was also ordered to pay a fine of $7500.00.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Davenport Man Sentenced to More than 19 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A Davenport man was sentenced on March 8, 2023, to 235 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, David Terrell Parrow, 47, sold a pound of methamphetamine on two separate occasions to a confidential informant. In January 2022, the Davenport Police Department then executed a search warrant on Parrow’s residence and recovered marijuana and cocaine base. Following his prison term, Parrow will serve five years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Davenport Police Department investigated the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
Muscatine Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A Muscatine woman was sentenced on March 8, 2023, to 24 months’ imprisonment for Wire Fraud.
According to court documents, Kimberly Nicole Hollingshed, 37, of Muscatine, intentionally and deliberately defrauded an insurance company under materially false pretenses. In February 2022, Hollingshed accessed her neighbor’s term-life insurance policy and created an online profile for the policy without permission of the neighbor. With online account access, Hollingshed made changes to the victim’s policy and added herself as a policy beneficiary.
The fraud continued in April 2022 when Hollingshed falsely reported the victim died and initiated the process to claim death benefits. In fact, the victim was alive in April 2022 when Hollingshed electronically uploaded and submitted a falsified death certificate to the insurance company and was paid $100,138.87 by the life insurance company. In the same period, Hollingshed used the fraudulent funds to purchase three motor vehicles and other personal property. Hollingshed was ordered to pay restitution and serve three years of supervised release at the conclusion of her prison sentence.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Iowa Insurance Fraud Bureau and the Muscatine Police Department investigated the case.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A Davenport man was sentenced on February 28, 2023, to 106 months in prison for possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possessing a firearm as a felon.
According to court documents, the investigation into Darron Javon Mayo, 25, began when law enforcement found a car with multiple guns in it while clearing a parking lot before a Lil Durk concert in Moline. Law enforcement reviewed surveillance footage and recognized Mayo as one of the people associated with the car. One of the pistols had Mayo’s fingerprint on it.
A search warrant was then executed on Mayo’s residence in Davenport. During the search of Mayo’s residence, law enforcement found cocaine, Clonazolam, and more than 700 grams of marijuana. Officers also located a loaded firearm. As part of his plea, Mayo admitted to possessing the marijuana with the intent to distribute it in the Quad Cities area. Furthermore, Mayo admitted to possessing the firearm in furtherance of distributing and protecting his marijuana. Mayo was convicted of a felony in Illinois and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms. Following his prison term, Mayo was ordered to serve five years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Davenport Police Department investigated the case.
Forest City Man Sentenced for a Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – A Forest City man was sentenced on February 28, 2023, to 120 months in prison following his plea of guilty to possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, on April 28, 2021, an Iowa State Trooper pulled over Gerald Lawrence Von Ruden, age 53. Von Ruden had an outstanding arrest warrant. Based on the nature of the warrant, the Trooper seized Van Ruden’s electronic devices. A forensic analysis of those devices revealed that Von Ruden received and possessed numerous images and videos of child pornography.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Iowa State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nationwide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.
Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A Cedar Rapids man was sentenced on February 28, 2023, to 108 months in prison for receipt of child pornography.
According to court documents, the investigation of Justin Richard Mezera, 34, began following a cybertip that Mezera had child pornography-related discussions using his Kik account. Law enforcement executed search warrants at Mezera’s known residences in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City and located multiple devices containing depictions of child pornography, including those depicting masochistic conduct and depicting infants or toddlers. Mezera admitted to possessing, accessing, and receiving child pornography. Following his prison term, Mezera was ordered to serve five years of supervised release and pay $21,000 in restitution.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC). In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A Davenport man was sentenced on February 27, 2023, to 210 months in prison for Receiving Child Pornography and Possession of Obscene Visual Representation of the Sexual Abuse of Children.
The investigation of Adam Carney Conn, 40, began when the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a cybertip that images and videos of child pornography were downloaded to two of Conn’s Google accounts. Conn’s Google accounts had over 1,100 images of child pornography, which were categorized and organized. When law enforcement arrested Conn, he was in possession of electronic devices that contained several hundred more images of child pornography.
Prior to this investigation, a child disclosed that Conn had sexually abused her. The government submitted evidence of the sexual abuse at sentencing, which the Court found to be credible.
Conn’s sentence was ordered to be served consecutively to a sentence he is currently serving in the Iowa Department of Corrections. Following his prison term, Conn was ordered to serve ten years of supervised release and pay $24,000 of restitution.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Davenport Police Department investigated the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC). In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Davenport Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Lying to a Federal Grand JuryRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A Davenport man was sentenced yesterday to 27 months in federal prison for lying to a federal grand jury.
According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Kaleb Bentley, 23, was called to testify as a witness before a federal grand jury in May 2021. While under oath, Bentley provided multiple false statements to the grand jury about a felony investigation involving multiple shots fired incidents and drug trafficking. Bentley’s false statements substantially interfered with the grand jury’s investigation.
After Bentley completes his prison sentence, he will be required to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department.
Clinton Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A Clinton man was sentenced on February 28, 2023, to 178 months in prison following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Jovan Fedrick, 38, was identified as part of a large-scale methamphetamine drug trafficking organization operating in California, Iowa, and Illinois. Fedrick and a co-defendant traveled to California to have large quantities of ice methamphetamine transported to Chicago. As part of the investigation, agents seized more than 15 pounds of “ice” methamphetamine and conducted a half-pound purchase of methamphetamine from Fedrick at his residence in Clinton. Following his prison term, Fedrick was ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release.
In December 2021, co-defendant Brent White, 52, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced to 135 months in prison. In January 2022, co-defendant Michaelene Damian Rojas, 50, of Hemet, California, was sentenced to 135 months in prison. Rojas served as a source of supply for the methamphetamine.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
Des Moines Woman Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
Des Moines, IA – A Des Moines woman was sentenced Friday, February 24, 2023, to a total of 45 years in prison for conspiring to produce child pornography and child exploitation.
According to court documents, Ashley Marie Butler, age 33, produced child pornography on at least three occasions in 2021 when she videorecorded her co-defendant and husband, Shane William Butler, sexually abusing a minor victim. Videos of the sexual abuse of the minor victim and child pornography were located on Shane Butler and Ashley Butler’s cell phones.
Chief United States District Court Judge Stephanie Marie Rose imposed a 30-year sentence on the conspiracy count and a 15-year sentence on the production count, to be served consecutively, for a total sentence of 45 years. After her prison term, Butler was also ordered to serve a total of 10 years of supervised release. In addition, Butler was ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution as well as a $200 fine to the Crime Victim’s Assistance Fund.
Co-defendant Shane Butler also received a 45-year sentence in December 2022.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Des Moines Police Department, the Polk County Attorney’s Office, the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force investigated the case. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa prosecuted the case.
Davenport Man Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Distribution of FentanylRead the Press Release
Davenport, IA – A Davenport man was sentenced to 174 months of imprisonment, on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, for possessing a firearm as a felon and possessing a distribution amount of fentanyl.
According to court documents, on November 1, 2021, Linder Kai Divos, age 27, was in possession of a Taurus, nine-millimeter pistol, as well as 96 grams of methamphetamine and 564 fake Percocet pills, which contained fentanyl. Divos ran from the police. Prior to his arrest, law enforcement purchased pills containing fentanyl from Divos. After he is released from prison, Divos will serve five years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Davenport Police Department investigated the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
West Des Moines Man Sentenced to 60 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
Des Moines, IA – A West Des Moines man was sentenced today to 60 years in prison for multiple child exploitation offenses.
For the last twelve years, Jonathan Francis Speidel, age 31, of West Des Moines, used social media platforms, including Snapchat, Kik, TikTok, and MeetMe, to communicate with minor females. During the conversations, Speidel directed numerous children to take explicit photos or videos of themselves. To persuade children to produce and send him child pornography, Speidel used various tactics. Among other things, Speidel misrepresented facts about himself, such as his name, employment information, and age; he paid children in exchange for sexually explicit content; he claimed to be looking for models; and he sent children child pornography or depictions of him masturbating. The minor victims ranged in age from 8 to 17 years old and were located across the United States, including several victims who lived in or near Des Moines.
Over the same period, Speidel collected and exchanged child pornography using various internet sites. On or about March 30, 2022, Speidel knowingly possessed visual depictions of child pornography, including over 800 images and over 200 videos, some of which included minors younger than twelve years old.
Speidel also traveled over state lines with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a child. While living in Oregon from October 2018 to August 2019, Speidel engaged in a sexual relationship with a child, who was between 14 and 15 years old. Speidel was charged in Oregon with several counts of sexual abuse. Those charges remain pending. After being charged, Speidel returned to the Des Moines area some time in 2020. In September 2020, Speidel flew to Oregon, picked up the child, who by that time had turned 16 years old, and drove the child to Washington. Speidel took the child to Washington, where the age of consent is 16, younger than the age of consent in Oregon. The purpose of Speidel’s trip was to engage in sexually explicit conduct with the child and to produce child pornography. In Washington, Speidel did both of those things with the child.
Following his prison term, Speidel will be on supervised release for life and required to register as a sex offender. There is no parole in the federal system.
After the sentencing, FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “We are proud of the work of our FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in Des Moines. This joint investigation brought an end to Jonathan Speidel’s appalling and heinous crimes. Today’s sentence ensures Speidel will no longer be allowed to victimize children. It also sends a message to predators, the FBI and our federal, state, and local partners will remain relentless to ensure children are protected.”
Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Cyber Crime Bureau Special Agent in Charge, and Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Commander Nathaniel McLaren said “This case highlights the collaboration of information between ICAC Task Force agencies combating this type of child sexual exploitation. The DCI Cyber Crime Bureau - Iowa ICAC Task Force worked closely alongside Ohio Law Enforcement, and Oregon (State) Law Enforcement to arrest the suspect. This collaboration ultimately led to the identification of numerous victims nationwide and multiple victims locally in the Des Moines area.”
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa said “Speidel is a dangerous child predator, pure and simple. Today’s sentence provides some degree of justice for Speidel’s actions to the victims, who in the face of indescribable trauma, have courageously contributed to help prevent Speidel from harming any other minors. For over a decade, he targeted, manipulated and enticed minors, exchanging thousands of electronic messages, with the goal to produce child pornography and engage in illegal sex acts. Our thanks to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force and their continued dedication to protecting children and bringing individuals like Speidel to justice.”
The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation’s Cyber Crime Bureau and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in Des Moines, the North Olmstead, Ohio Police Department, and the Gladstone, Oregon Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Essley prosecuted the case.
The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to have open and ongoing conversations about internet safety with children. For more information about internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc and click on the Publication & Resources tab.
Story County Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Des Moines, IA – A Nevada, Iowa man was sentenced today to 121 months in prison following his guilty plea for possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, on or about December 21, 2021, William Ryan Buttermore, age 24, knowingly possessed visual depictions of child pornography, including 44 images and four videos, some of which depicted infants and other minors younger than 12 years old. Buttermore downloaded the material from the internet. In addition, Buttermore used an account on Kik Messenger to transport child pornography to others and to encourage others to produce child pornography and engage in sex acts with children. Following his prison term, Buttermore must also serve a ten-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Story County Sheriff’s Department, in conjunction with the Iowa Crimes Against Children Task Force, investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Essley prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Iowa City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – An Iowa City man was sentenced on February 21, 2023, to 14 years in prison following his plea to two counts of receiving child pornography.
According to court documents, Luke Kenneth Beckner, age 21, utilized his cellphone and social media accounts to meet minor females and solicit pornography from them. Beckner traveled to meet at least two of the minors and engaged in sexual intercourse with them. After receiving pornographic images, Beckner distributed some of the images of two identified minors to another person. Following his prison term, Beckner was ordered to serve an eight-year term of supervised release.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nation-wide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – Diamond Cook, age 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 16, 2023, to 48 months in prison following his plea of guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. After he is released from prison, Cook will serve three years of supervised release.
On February 24, 2022, a Fremont County Deputy stopped a car on Interstate 29 for not displaying registration and a nonworking brake light. The deputy could smell marijuana coming from the car. Cook was a passenger and lied about his name. During a search of the car, law enforcement located a loaded handgun. Cook is prohibited from having any firearms because he is a convicted felon.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Fremont Cunty Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Dallas Center Woman Sentenced to Prison for FraudRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – A Dallas Center woman was sentenced on February 14, 2023, to 18 months in prison for wire fraud.
According to court documents, Jordyn Darion Culp, age 28, stole $273,698 from the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program. From approximately October 2019 to September 2021, Culp accessed FEGLI trust accounts through her employment and fraudulently transferred money from the FEGLI accounts to her personal bank account. Using the funds, Culp purchased a motorcycle, motorhome, and cargo trailer which were forfeited. Culp posted TikTok videos discussing her purchases. Culp was ordered to pay restitution and after her prison sentence she will serve three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Iowa Insurance Fraud Bureau investigated the case.
Savage Life Boys Gang Members Found Guilty of Racketeering ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A federal jury convicted Davenport men, Najawaun Marcus Quinn, 26, and Dimetri Alexander Smith, 30, yesterday following a 7-day jury trial for racketeering related charges. Quinn was convicted of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering, Using and Carrying a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Smith was convicted of two counts of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering and two counts of Using and Carrying a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in 2016 and 2017, as members of Savage Life Boys (SLB), a Davenport-based street gang, Quinn and Smith were involved in multiple shootings, including at a residence on the 5400 block of North Division Street in October 2016, at the NorthPark Mall in January 2017, and at Centennial Park in April 2017. These shootings were due to a feud with a rival gang and responses to perceived disrespect to the SLB gang.
Quinn and Smith were also involved in a February 2017 homicide at the Hotel Davenport for which Darion Gardner, 27, of Davenport, another SLB member, pleaded guilty to racketeering related charges and was sentenced to 450 months in prison.
Quinn and Smith committed these acts with the intent to maintain or increase position in the SLB gang.
Quinn and Smith will be sentenced at a later date.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal stated “We will continue to pursue and aggressively prosecute those individuals and groups of individuals that choose to commit violent crimes. This investigation, trial and hard work of our partners at the Davenport Police Department exemplifies our joint commitment to using every tool available to combat gun violence and protect the communities we serve.”
Davenport Police Chief Jeffery E. Bladel said “The tremendous work of our investigators and federal partners delivered justice for those impacted by these violent crimes. This case demonstrates the outstanding partnership and collaboration between federal prosecutors and local law enforcement that is vital to keeping our community safe. The Davenport Police Department is dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of our community and bringing those who commit violent crimes to justice.”
Pottawattamie County Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – Cornelius Lavaughn David, age 35, of Council Bluffs, was sentenced on February 15, 2023, to 30 months in prison following his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. After he is released from prison, David will serve three years of supervised release.
In January 2022, David possessed and sold a firearm that was reported stolen. Prior to possessing the firearm, David was convicted of a felony which prohibited him from possessing firearms.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Omaha Police Department, Council Bluffs Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Pottawattamie County Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – Alan Scott Lawton, age 42, of Council Bluffs, was sentenced on February 15, 2023, to 66 months in prison following his plea of guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. After he is released from prison, Lawton will serve three years of supervised release.
On June 8, 2022, a law enforcement observed Lawton putting items in a storage unit. Lawton fled in his Jeep and drove through a security fence, then took off on foot. After a short chase, he was apprehended. Along Lawton’s flight path, law enforcement located a loaded pistol that had been reported stolen.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Council Bluffs Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Michigan Man Sentenced for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – Her Tou Yang, age 42, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced on February 15, 2023, to 60 months and 1 day in prison following his plea of guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. After he is released from prison, Yang will serve two years of supervised release.
On August 15, 2021, Yang possessed approximately five pounds of marijuana and a firearm that was reported stolen and sold them to another individual in Council Bluffs. On September 9, 2021, Yang possessed and sold an AR-style rifle in Council Bluffs.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Council Bluffs Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Nebraska Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – Cindy Anne Ortiz, age 46 of Omaha, was sentenced on February 1, 2023, to 156 months in prison. In September 2022, a jury rendered a guilty verdict convicting Ortiz of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Upon her release from prison, Ortiz was ordered to serve five years of supervised release.
On November 21, 2021, law enforcement officers were called to the Ameristar Casino Hotel in Council Bluffs regarding an unresponsive male in one of the hotel rooms. Ortiz rented the hotel room and reported the unresponsive male (an acquaintance) in her room to the front desk. The male was pronounced dead. Law enforcement searched the hotel room and bags Ortiz was seen carrying into the room on surveillance footage. Ortiz’s bag contained 643 grams of methamphetamine, empty baggies, a scale, and other paraphernalia.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Council Bluffs Police Department and Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force investigated the case.
Urbandale Man Sentenced for Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
Des Moines, IA – Russell Glenn Crane, age 44, of Urbandale, was sentenced today to 78 months in prison following his guilty plea to a charge of Possession of Child Pornography. Crane must also serve a five-year term of supervised release following his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on or about January 6, 2022, Crane knowingly possessed visual depictions of child pornography, including over 20,000 images and at least four videos, some of which depicted minors younger than 12 years old. Using several electronic devices, Crane had collected the child pornography over the course of at least a decade by downloading the material from various internet sites.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Urbandale Police Department, Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Essley prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – Ryan Daniel Linehan, age 42, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 31, 2023, to 100 months in prison following his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. After he is released from prison, Linehan will serve three years of supervised release.
On February 5, 2021, law enforcement encountered Linehan at work, operating an excavator. When notified officers were there to arrest him on an outstanding warrant, Linehan barricaded himself in the excavator, in possession of a loaded Ruger handgun, which led to a nine-hour standoff. In Linehan’s truck, officers also located a loaded Hi-Point handgun.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Council Bluffs Police Department, United States Marshal Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Mills County Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – Garret Allen Horgdal, age 39, of Henderson, was sentenced on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, to 84 months in prison following his plea of guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. After he is released from prison, Horgdal will serve three years of supervised release.
On March 8, 2022, a Montgomery County Sheriff’s deputy stopped Horgdal and found him in possession of three loaded firearms. Horgdal was prohibited from possessing any firearms because of his prior felony convictions and his drug use.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, Mills County Sheriff’s Department, and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement investigated the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Des Moines Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Exploiting Minors on SnapchatRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – Shaun Taylor Solem, age 27, of Des Moines, was sentenced on February 1, 2023, to a total of 360 months in prison for multiple child exploitation offenses. Following his prison term, Solem will be on supervised release for ten years and required to register as a sex offender. There is no parole in the federal system.
In 2019 and 2020, Solem communicated with multiple minor females on Snapchat, including victims he knew were as young as twelve years old. During his communications, Solem falsely stated that he was a similar age. Solem requested and received sexually explicit images from many of the victims. He directed several of the minor victims to take explicit photos or videos of themselves and multiple victims did. After receiving the images, Solem threatened to disseminate their images to family, friends, or publicly if the victims did not continue to send sexual images to him. The minor victims ranged in age from 12 to 16 years old and were located across the United States, including at least three minor victims who lived near Des Moines.
“Parents, please continue to be aware of who your children and teenagers are interacting with on social media sites. Relentless predators like Solem have no reservation in attempting to exploit their way into any home via the internet. In this case, the combined efforts of a vigilant parent and dedicated law enforcement officers brought a dangerous predator out from behind his keyboard and into incarceration for a lengthy period of time. Child exploitation of any kind will not be tolerated, and predators will be brought to justice,” United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal said. The case was investigated by the Urbandale Police Department, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force.
The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nationwide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to have open and ongoing conversations about internet safety with children. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc and click on the Publications & Resources tab.
Des Moines Man Sentenced on Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Des Moines, IA – Kenneth Quinton Crosby, age 24, of Des Moines, was sentenced today to 12 months and 1 day in prison following his guilty plea to four counts of False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm and one count of Unlawful Drug User in Possession of Firearms. Following his prison term, Crosby also will have to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, Crosby purchased at least five firearms in 2020 and 2021. Each time he did, Crosby knowingly made several false misrepresentations on a required form, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive (ATF) Form 4473. This Form requires firearm buyers to answer several questions, including those about the buyer’s competency, criminal history, drug use, immigration status, and history with domestic violence. On February 9, 2022, Crosby knowingly possessed four pistols while being an unlawful user of marijuana.
U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Essley prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Council Bluffs Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – Christopher Logan Meadows, age 24, of Council Bluffs, was sentenced on January 31, 2023, to 37 months in prison following his plea of guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. After he is released from prison, Meadows will serve three years of supervised release.
On January 17, 2022, law enforcement was called to Harrah’s Casino and encountered Meadows. Meadows ran from officers and threw something on the roof of a car wash, which was later located and identified as a Glock .45 caliber handgun. Meadows was prohibited from possessing firearms because he is a felon and was a drug user.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Council Bluffs Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
North Liberty Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Davenport, IA – Jacob John Preuschl, age 28, of North Liberty, was sentenced on January 25, 2023, to 300 months in prison for production of child pornography and transfer of obscene material to minors. Preuschol was also ordered to pay a $10,000 special assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act and a $3,000 special assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act. Following his prison term, Preuschl was ordered to serve seven years of supervised release.
Law enforcement identified Preuschl after the parent of a minor victim called the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) tipline after finding sexually explicit content between her daughter and an adult male on her cell phone. NCMEC referred the case to law enforcement in Nashville who identified Preuschl and referred the case to Iowa law enforcement. Preuschl met the victim on Snapchat and communicated with the victim for approximately four months and requested nude images and videos. Preuschl also sent the victim images of his genitals. After seizing his cell phone, law enforcement discovered that Preuschl had communicated with several other minor females on Snapchat and had acquired child pornography via the Telegram application.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Joint Forensic Analysis Cyber Team and the Nashville, Tennessee Police Department investigated the case.
This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nationwide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.
Des Moines Man Who Fled Prosecution Sentenced to 20 Years for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – Jacob Chance Greer, age 27 of Des Moines, was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for knowingly receiving child pornography. Greer was also ordered to pay restitution of $12,000 to victims of the child pornography he collected and placed on supervised release for a term of five years after his prison term. He is also required to register as a sex offender.
Greer was originally arrested on federal child pornography charges in 2016 as the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. About a month after he was released pending trial, Greer faked his death, leaving a suicide note by his abandoned car, parked by a lake in Dallas County, and absconded. The U.S. Marshals’ Fugitive Task Force developed information that led to Greer’s arrest in Spanaway, Washington on April 4, 2022.
According to court documents, Greer received, possessed, and distributed child pornography on the internet over several years. He tried to avoid detection by, among other things, storing his collection on internet-platforms, instead of on his own electronic devices, and occasionally deleted files on his devices. Yet child pornography and digital evidence of his seeking out and trading child pornography was found on numerous electronic devices seized from him on February 4, 2015, when law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence in Des Moines.
“Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our law enforcement partners, including the United States Marshals’ Fugitive Task Force, sex offender Jacob Greer failed in his attempt to avoid accountability for these serious charges involving the exploitation of children,” said United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal.
The investigation started in 2014, as part of Project Hydra, a joint task force investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the York, Ottawa Regional Police in Ontario, Canada targeting persons who produce and distribute child pornography on the internet case. Other agencies who assisted with the case include the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the U.S. Forest Service, the Royal Canadian Mounter Police, and the U.S. State Department.
The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa and Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Peyton Gaumer, as part of the United States Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Child” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nationwide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.
Council Bluffs Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Federal Prison for Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – Robert Sherman Kerber, age 32, of Council Bluffs, was sentenced on January 25, 2023, to 60 months in prison following his plea of guilty to Receipt of Child Pornography. Kerber will be required to register as a sex offender and serve five years of supervised release following his release from prison. Kerber was also ordered to pay restitution.
In May 2020, a social media application sent a cybertip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding an account that uploaded images of child pornography. The cybertip was referred to Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children and the Council Bluffs Police Department started an investigation. The investigation led to a search warrant at Kerber’s residence. A forensic analysis identified that Kerber received and possessed numerous images and videos of child pornography.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The investigation was conducted by the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children, the Council Bluffs Police Department, the United States Secret Service National Computer Forensics Institute who provided training and equipment and was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nationwide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Production of Child Pornography and Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Davenport, IA – A Davenport man, Juan Dontae Shelton, age 39, was sentenced on Monday, January 23, 2023, to 330 months in federal prison for production of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and felon in possession of a firearm. Shelton was found guilty of these offenses following jury trials on August 8th and August 15th, 2022. Following his prison term, Shelton was ordered to serve a seven-year term of supervised release.
According to trial testimony, multiple witness identified Shelton’s vehicle as involved in a June 1, 2021 hit-and-run accident in Davenport. One witness told law enforcement that Shelton was arguing with passengers in the car when he got out and retrieved a rifle and body armor from the trunk. Shelton then got back into the vehicle and left the scene. Officers soon found Shelton’s vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Officers searched the vehicle and found three firearms, one of which was stolen, and methamphetamine and marijuana, all belonging to Shelton. Shelton’s fingerprints were found on the rifle and on the magazine of one of the other firearms. Upon further investigation, Shelton was found to be in possession of multiple child pornography videos on his phone in which he had recorded himself and a minor victim engaged in sexual acts.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Davenport, Iowa Police Department’s Tactical Operations Bureau investigated the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A Davenport man, Derik Ashley Otero, age 35, was sentenced on January 25, 2023, to seven years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. Following his prison term, Otero will serve a three-year term of supervised release.
According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, in June 2020, the Johnson County Sherriff’s Office responded to a report of a wanted person in possession of a firearm in an Oxford home. Officers found Otero, a convicted felon, in that home in possession of a stolen Smith & Wesson nine-millimeter handgun with an extended magazine. Otero attempted to conceal the firearm in the air vent of the bathroom.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
Davenport Man Sentenced to 235 Months in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking of a Minor and Distribution of MarijuanaRead the Press Release
Davenport, IA – A Davenport man, Keith Deshon Euring, Sr. (also known as “Sweat”), age 54, was sentenced on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, to 235 months in federal prison for sex trafficking of a minor and distribution of marijuana to a person under age 21. Euring was found guilty of these offenses following a jury trial in September 2022. Following his prison term, Euring was ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release.
According to trial testimony, on November 6, 2018, a missing persons report was filed at the Bettendorf Police Department regarding a minor victim. The investigation revealed that Euring had taken the minor victim to Chicago, Illinois for the purposes of sex trafficking the victim on multiple weekends in October and November 2018. While in Chicago, Euring supplied marijuana and other drugs to the minor victim while engaging in commercial sex acts.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Bettendorf Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations investigated the case.
This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nation-wide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.
Burlington Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A Burlington man was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in federal prison for drug trafficking.
Shawn Henry Lewis, age 37, possessed over 380 grams of cocaine and 2,200 grams of marijuana with intent to distribute them. Lewis has multiple prior felony convictions related to drug trafficking offenses. Following his prison term, Lewis will have to serve seven years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Taskforce, Burlington Police Department, Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Iowa City Man Sentenced for Firearm Charge and False DeclarationsRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – An Iowa City man was sentenced on January 24, 2023, to five years in prison for possessing a firearm as a felon and making false declarations before a grand jury.
Law enforcement identified Wesley Jovan Carter, age 36, as being involved in a November 2020 burglary of an Iowa City towing company with Jeremiah Duwon Snead, age 32, of Cedar Rapids. Snead was sentenced to ten years in prison in August 2022 after a jury found him guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Evidence at Snead’s trial showed that Snead committed the November 2020 burglary and left his blood in Carter’s car. Carter’s car was observed on surveillance videos and his geolocation data placed him at the burglary scene. Carter was called to testify before a grand jury and falsely denied being present at the burglary or having any knowledge of it. A review of Carter’s Google account showed videos of Carter in possession of a nine-millimeter handgun and at a shooting range in possession of five firearms. Carter had been previously convicted of a felony and knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Davenport Man Sentenced to 20 years for Possessing a Firearm as a Felon and Tampering with a Witness Related to 2021 ShootingRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA –A Davenport man was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and two counts of tampering with a witness.
In August 2022, Roylee Richardson, Jr., age 32, went to trial and was found guilty by a federal jury. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, at approximately 11:00 a.m. on February 7, 2021, Davenport Police Department officers were dispatched to an apartment complex at 3348 Heatherton Drive in Davenport, related to shots fired. Officers located spent casings and two bullet fragments. Richardson was identified as the shooter, and officers subsequently located Richardson attempting to scale off a second-story balcony. Officers then located a loaded pistol inside of the apartment that Richardson had fled from. After being arrested, Richardson repeatedly contacted the victim, and attempted to tamper with the witness’s testimony.
This is the third time Richardson has been convicted for charges related to a shooting. In November 2008, Richardson was convicted of Willful Injury Resulting in Bodily Injury and Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon, in the Iowa District Court for Scott County. In July 2016, Richardson was convicted of Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent, Possession of a Firearm or Offensive Weapon by a Felon, Willful Injury Resulting in Bodily Injury, and Going Armed with Intent, in the Iowa District Court for Scott County.
Richardson was sentenced to the maximum term of imprisonment for each offense, with the sentences to be served concurrently: ten years in prison for the firearm conviction and twenty years in prison for the witness tampering charges. After his prison term, Richardson was ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Clinton Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison Related to a January 2022 Shooting in DavenportRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – A Clinton man was sentenced yesterday to eight years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition, related to his involvement in a January 2022 shooting in Davenport.
According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Timothy Eugene Angel, age 39, fired multiple shots in the area of 13th Street and Washington Street, a residential area, during the early morning hours of January 29, 2022. Evidence presented showed that Angel was involved in an altercation inside the Thunderguard Club, that the other involved party was kicked out of the club, and that Angel then left the club, retrieved a firearm, and fired numerous rounds, striking one person.
Leonard Fisher, age 32, of Davenport, was identified as another shooter involved. In January 2023, Fisher was convicted by a federal jury of possessing a firearm as a felon. Fisher’s sentencing is set for May 31, 2023. Fisher faces up to ten years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Former Firefighter Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Des Moines, IA – A West Des Moines man was sentenced yesterday to eight years in federal prison for transportation of child pornography.
According to court documents, James Dean Gathercole, age 55 of West Des Moines, knowingly uploaded an image of child pornography to a 72-member Internet group chat room in May 2020. Gathercole also knowingly possessed at least five videos and two images of child pornography on his cellular phone in September 2020.
As recently as 2020, Gathercole was employed as a firefighter at departments in the Des Moines metro area.
In addition to his term of imprisonment, Gathercole was ordered to serve a term of supervised release of seven years and pay a total of $40,000 in fines and a $100 special assessment.
U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nationwide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.
Chicago Man Found Guilty of Heroin Conspiracy Charge in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – On Thursday, January 12, 2023, a federal jury convicted a Markham, Illinois man of conspiracy to distribute 1,000 grams or more of heroin for his role in a large-scale heroin and fentanyl conspiracy.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, over the course of a 14-month investigation that included the use of wiretaps, law enforcement identified Carl Murphy, age 53, as a heroin/fentanyl supplier for numerous street-level dealers in the Des Moines Metro from 2019 through July 2021. In July 2021, over 20 members of the conspiracy were arrested and federally indicted.
Evidence at trial showed that Murphy is a member of the Black P Stone Nation, a criminal street gang based in Chicago, Illinois. Murphy had a large distribution network consisting of lower ranking gang members, which he helped run and control. The street-level dealers traveled to and from Murphy’s residence in Illinois to purchase large quantities of heroin/fentanyl for redistribution in Des Moines. In 2011, Murphy was previously convicted of distribution of a controlled substance in the Northern District of Illinois. While awaiting trial, Murphy threatened individuals he believed to be cooperating against him.
Murphy’s sentencing is scheduled for May 8, 2023. Murphy faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal court system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The investigation was conducted by the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force (MINE) and the Central Iowa Gang Task Force (CIGTF).
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.