Southern District of Iowa
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Davenport Man Found Guilty of Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On May 11, 2016, Xavier Elfonsto Buckner, age 27, of Davenport, Iowa, was found guilty after a three day jury trial presided over by Chief District Court Judge John A. Jarvey, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.
The jury found that on August 11, 2015, Buckner knowingly possessed a .380 caliber Smith and Wesson Bodyguard handgun that was manufactured outside of the state of Iowa. Evidence presented at trial described that Buckner possessed this handgun after a vehicle, in which Buckner was a passenger, fled from the Davenport Police Department. An Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Criminalist testified that based on ballistics testing, the firearm seized from Buckner on August 11 was the same firearm connected to spent shell casings seized after an earlier shooting that occurred in the 700 block of W. 14th Street on August 3, 2015. Buckner was found to have a conviction in 2006 for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding of one year.
This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.
Justice Department Reaches Settlement with Council Bluffs, Iowa, over Disability Access to Mid-America CenterRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has reached an agreement with the city of Council Bluffs, Iowa, to resolve alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), for failing to provide access for individuals with disabilities at Mid-America Center. Opened in 2002, the Mid-America Center is a multipurpose arena for basketball, hockey and concerts with 9,000 seats.
During its investigation of the Mid-America Center, the United States found that Council Bluffs failed to provide sufficient wheelchair seating, seating for companions to users of wheelchairs and accessible aisle seating to allow people to transfer to the seats by removing or moving arm rests. The United States also found that the city failed to ensure that individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity to purchase tickets for accessible seating. The ADA’s new construction provision requires that in newly constructed arenas, including Mid-America Center, wheelchair seating locations be an integral part of the seating plan and that sight lines for these seating locations be comparable to those offered to the general public.
Under the settlement agreement, Council Bluffs will provide wheelchair and companion seating locations in various event configurations at the center dispersed throughout the arena. The city will provide at least 56 wheelchair and companion seats, seats without arm rests or seats equipped with folding or removable arm rests. Council Bluffs will also revise its ticketing and pricing policies for events to afford individuals with disabilities the opportunity to purchase accessible seats in a manner comparable to that of other individuals.
“The Civil Rights Division is committed to ensuring that all newly constructed arenas are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We commend the city of Council Bluffs for cooperating with the Justice Department and taking swift remedial action to address the situation.”
“Protecting access for individuals with disabilities will continue to be a priority for this district,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel of the Southern District of Iowa.
For more information about the ADA and today’s agreement, individuals may access the ADA web page at www.ada.gov or call the toll-free ADA information line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TTY).
Mid-America Center Settlement Agreement
Knoxville Man Sentenced to Prison for Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – On April 19, 2016, Nathan Leland Minard, 32, of Knoxville, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 120 months in prison for a felon in possession of a firearm charge, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Minard was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $100 to the Crime Victim’s Fund.
Minard pleaded guilty to the offense on July 13, 2015. On November 17, 2014, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office was notified that an individual had knocked on the door of a Knoxville resident, asked a few questions, and then departed the residence striking a vehicle in the yard. The resident provided law enforcement with a description of the vehicle. A Marion County Deputy Sheriff responded to the call and located the vehicle driven by Minard. A camouflaged shotgun was stuck out the window of the driver’s side of the vehicle and, at some point during the encounter, Minard racked the shotgun. The deputy was able to persuade Minard to leave the vehicle and the weapon. Minard was arrested after it was determined he was a convicted felon and not eligible to possess a firearm. Two stolen shotguns were discovered in the vehicle Minard was driving.
This matter was investigated by Marion County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.
Iowa City Men Found Guilty in Heroin Distribution CaseRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On April 12, 2016, Alfred Latrell Jackson, 25, and Curtis Lee Kemp, 49, both of Iowa City, Iowa, were found guilty following a four day jury trial for their involvement in a heroin distribution conspiracy, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose presided over the jury trial. Jackson was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin. Kemp was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and three counts of distribution of heroin.
Evidence was presented at trial that between December 2013 and May 2015, Jackson and Kemp conspired with others to distribute heroin in the Iowa City area. Kemp will be sentenced by Judge Rose on August 19, 2016, at 8:30 a.m. He may be sentenced up to twenty years on each of the four counts he was found guilty. Jackson will be sentenced by Judge Rose on August 19, 2016, at 11:15 a.m., and faces a maximum sentence of forty years imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Johnson County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Coralville Police Department, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Drug Enforcement Agency, Iowa City Police Department, North Liberty Police Department, University of Iowa Police Department, Muscatine County Drug Task Force, and the Washington County Drug Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Prison for Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On March 6, 2016, John Michael Riepe, 31, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 151 months in prison for enticement of a minor, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Riepe was ordered to serve ten years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund. Riepe was also ordered to comply with sex offender registry requirements and have no contact with any minors under the age of 18 years old.
Riepe was found guilty of enticement of a minor on August 19, 2015, after a three day jury trial. At trial, evidence was presented that Riepe sent a letter to a minor student at Pleasant Valley High School providing a picture and his phone number. The letter was turned over to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office. Det. Rachelle Kunde initiated contact with Riepe at the phone number he provided, and purported to be the minor victim. The two sent text messages back and forth beginning in September 2014. In the text messages, Riepe suggested meeting and having sexual contact. On October 30, 2014, Riepe was arrested when he arrived at a location where he intended to pick up the minor victim.
Additional evidence presented at trial showed Riepe had initiated prior contacts with several minor females in the past, which led to being banned from area high schools and their facilities.
This matter was investigated by the Scott County Sheriff’s Department, United States Marshals Service, Bettendorf Police Department, Davenport Police Department, and the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative.
Mediapolis Man Sentenced to Prison for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On March 30, 2016, Thomas James McLaughlin, 48, of Mediapolis, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 84 months in prison for receiving child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Hansen was ordered to serve ten years of supervised release following his prison term, comply with the sex offender registry requirement in the state he lives, and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund. McLaughlin was also ordered to forfeit the electronic devices involved in the offense.
McLaughlin pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography on October 26, 2015. According to the plea agreement, on August 10, 2014, a search warrant was executed at McLaughlin’s Mediapolis residence and electronic devices were seized. A forensic examination of those devices concluded there were 5,251 images and 271 videos containing minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct dating from May 2013 through July 2014.
This matter was investigated by the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Department, Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Cyber-Crime Unit. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative.
Clinton Man Sentenced to Prison for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On March 30, 2016, Timothy John Hansen, 44, of Clinton, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 130 months in prison for receiving child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Hansen was ordered to serve five years of supervised release following his prison term, comply with the sex offender registry requirement in the state he lives, and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund. Hansen was also ordered to forfeit the electronic devices involved in the offense.
Hansen pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography on September 25, 2015. According to the plea agreement, a search warrant was executed at Hansen’s Clinton residence and electronic devices were seized. Hansen admitted to downloading child pornography (images and videos) on his various electronic devices. A forensic examination concluded there were 7,670 images (dating from 2010 to 2013) and 63 videos containing minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct (dating from 2011 to 2012).
This matter was investigated by the Clinton Police Department, Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and Davenport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative.
Council Bluffs Woman Sentenced to Prison for Drug User in Possession of a Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – On March 24, 2016, Sarah D. Long, 35, of Council Bluffs was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 30 months in prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Long was also sentenced to three years of supervised release to follow her prison term.
Long pleaded guilty to drug user in possession of a firearm on December 3, 2015. She admitted that on or about August 11, 2015, she was arrested by the Council Bluffs Police Department for operating a stolen vehicle. At the time of her arrest, she was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded 9 mm handgun.
This investigation was conducted by the Council Bluffs Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Salem, Iowa Woman Sentenced to Thirty Months in Prison for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On March 18, 2016, Lori Kristine Bentler, 44, of Salem, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 30 months in federal prison for defrauding the M.H.I. Credit Union in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Bentler was ordered to serve five years of supervised release following her prison term, pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, and pay $249,250.51 in restitution.
Bentler pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud occurring on March 28, 2011. According to the plea agreement, on that date Bentler fraudulently funded a $30,000 loan to herself without approval from the credit union’s board of directors. Bentler also admitted that no later than on or about November 6, 2009, and ending on or about September 12, 2011, she devised a scheme and artifice to defraud M.H.I. Credit Union and to obtain funds and moneys under the custody and control of M.H.I. Credit Union by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. Bentler fraudulently issued and refinanced several loans to herself, her sister, and her daughter, in some instances without the approval of the M.H.I. Credit Union board of directors and in other instances based on material misrepresentations or omissions. Bentler concealed many, if not all, of the unapproved loans from the board of directors and exposed M.H.I. Credit Union to a risk of loss on those loans.
The credit union’s deposits were, at all relevant times, insured by the National Credit Union Administration Board and the National Credit Union Insurance Fund. Bentler agreed with United States Attorney that her sentence should be between 18 months and 30 months, inclusive.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Muscatine Man Sentenced to Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On March 18, 2016, Dustin Wayne Rogers, 30, of Muscatine, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 228 months in federal prison on three counts of Production of Child Pornography and one count of Attempted Production of Child Pornography, and 120 months on one count of Possession of Child Pornography announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. The sentences were ordered to be served concurrently, meaning all at the same time. Rogers was ordered to serve five years of supervised release following his prison term, pay $500 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, and forfeit the items used to obtain, produce, and store the contraband images.
Rogers pleaded guilty to the five counts admitting in 2013 and 2014 he contacted four different minors, all under 16 years of age at the time, through social media cites on the Internet posing as a minor himself. Rogers asked these minors to produce images of themselves naked and requested depictions of sexual acts from at least one of the minors. During interactions with one of the minors, Rogers mentioned that they engage in sexual activities together. On May 22, 2014, police searched Rogers’s residence in Muscatine and found that he possessed child pornography on his iPhone.
This matter was investigated by the Muscatine Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Mexican Citizen in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Council Bluffs, IA - On March 16, 2016, Jonathon Oros-Moreno, a 29 year-old citizen of Mexico, was sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge James E. Gritzner, to 100 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.
Oros-Moreno entered a guilty plea on July 24, 2015, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine following his arrest on July 24, 2014, by the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Safe Streets Task Force. On July 24, 2014, law enforcement purchased two one-pound packages of methamphetamine from Oros-Moreno before serving a search warrant on the Council Bluffs, Iowa apartment where Oro-Moreno was staying. At the apartment, law enforcement located an additional twelve one-pound packages of methamphetamine.
The investigation was conducted by the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Council Bluffs Police Department, the Bellevue (Nebraska) Police Department, the Omaha (Nebraska) Police Department and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Pottawattamie County Man Sentenced to Prison for Methamphetamine and Felon in Possession of a Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – On March 11, 2016, Carlton Allan Owens, 57, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge Robert W. Pratt, to 144 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and 120 months imprisonment for Felon in Possession of a Firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. The two prison terms will be served concurrently. Owens’ term of imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervised release.
Owens pleaded guilty to the charges on November 10, 2015. According to the plea agreement, Council Bluffs police officers responded to a domestic violence call involving Owens. Upon arrival at the scene, officers contacted Owens, who was standing next to his motorcycle. Owens was arrested for domestic violence and a search of Owens and his property revealed over 600 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded handgun, and a large amount of cash. Prior to June 2015, Owens had been convicted of a felony offense.
This matter was investigated by the Council Bluffs Police Department and the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Rock Island Man Sentenced to Prison for Felon in Possession of a Stolen Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On March 3, 2016, Kelvin Dwayne Shaw, 33, of Rock Island, Illinois, was sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge James E. Gritzner to 51 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Shaw was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
Shaw pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm on November 30, 2015. According to the Complaint Affidavit, on August 2, 2015, Davenport Police investigated a homicide that occurred at the 400 block of Marquette Street in Davenport, Iowa. During the investigation, officers found a loaded Tisas Zigana American Tactical 9mm firearm near the scene. Shaw was questioned about the gun and admitted he had stolen it from Rock Island, stored it in Davenport, and handled the firearm on the night of the murder.
Shaw has a prior felony conviction for obstruction in Rock Island County in 2013.
This matter was investigated by the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Davenport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood Initiative.
Muscatine Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Reentry and Failure to Update Sex Offender RegistryRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On March 3, 2016, Francisco Antonio Araujo Coreas, 37, of Muscatine, Iowa, was sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge James E. Gritzner to 57 months in prison for unlawful reentry into the United States after deportation and failure to update sex offender registry, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Araujo Coreas was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $200 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund. Araujo Coreas will be transferred to immigration officials after his prison sentence for deportation.
Araujo Coreas pleaded guilty to unlawful reentry after deportation and failure to update sex offender registry on November 30, 2015. According to the Complaint Affidavit, on about July 29, 2016, Araujo Coreas was arrested in Muscatine for interference with official acts and harassment of a public official. Authorities compared his fingerprints and discovered he was deported to El Salvador on September 9, 2011, after being convicted of two counts of indecent contact with a child on January of 2011 in Muscatine County. As part of that sentence, he was ordered to serve 90 days in jail and register as a sex offender. Further investigation revealed he did not update his information on the sex offender registry.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Muscatine County Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On March 3, 2016, Brandon Jermaine Sykes, 33, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge James E. Gritzner to 360 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base ("crack"), announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Sykes was ordered to serve five years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund.
Sykes pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute at least 280 grams of cocaine base on December 15, 2015. According to the plea agreement, from April 2013 to about April 2, 2015, Sykes obtained powder cocaine from individuals in Chicago, Illinois, and then would convert it to "crack" cocaine and sell it to individuals living in Davenport. Sykes had 15 different customers in the Davenport area. On four different occasions, law enforcement utilized a confidential source to purchase "crack" cocaine from Sykes at his Davenport residence.
This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department’s Tactical Operations Bureau, the Davenport Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
West Des Moines Man Convicted on Multiple Charges Involving Organized Retail Theft Scheme, Child Pornography and WitnessRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA - On March 1, 2016, a jury in the Southern District of Iowa convicted Bradley J. Prucha, 38, of West Des Moines, Iowa, on multiple counts from an organized retail theft scheme, child pornography, and witness tampering. Sentencing has been scheduled for June 23, 2016, before Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey
From around October 2013 through May 2015, Prucha led a scheme to purchase items from various retailers using UPC bar code stickers that Prucha created. Prucha used these stickers, and provided these stickers to others, to purchase items at significantly lower costs than their actual retail value. These purchases occurred at stores from Iowa to Florida, where Prucha maintained a residence, as well as states surrounding Iowa such as Nebraska and Illinois. Prucha returned the items to stores, or sold them using eBay, Craigslist, and to direct buyers, for close to their actual retail value. Some of the individuals Prucha used to perpetrate this scheme included minors. Prucha was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit interstate sale and receipt of stolen property and mail fraud, as well as six counts of mail fraud, for his role in this scheme.
Prucha was also convicted of three counts of sexual exploitation of minors for the production of child pornography. He was also convicted of possession of child pornography and distribution of Xanax, a schedule IV controlled substance, to persons under the age of 21. In 2015, Prucha produced three videos depicting two minor victims, approximately 16 years old at the time, engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Prucha provided these and other minor victims with Xanax in an effort to facilitate sexual relations and the production of the child pornography. Prior to trial, Prucha stipulated that at the time of the production offenses he was required to register as a sex offender, which constitutes three separate offenses in addition to the counts of production of child pornography.
The jury also found Prucha guilty of four counts of witness tampering. These charges stemmed from Prucha's attempts to have a former inmate at Polk County Jail offer money to the minor witnesses for them to provide false testimony at trial. Prucha faces sentences ranging from a mandatory minimum term of 35 years up to 50 years imprisonment.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Des Moines Resident Office, with assistance from the Asset Protection teams at various retailers, including Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Toys R Us, and Best Buy. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Former Davenport Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – – On February 24, 2016, Gregory Scott Alcala, 43, of Davenport, Iowa, appeared before the Honorable Stephen B. Jackson, Jr., and pleaded guilty to preparing and presenting a false tax return, wire fraud, and making a bomb threat in and affecting interstate commerce, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.
According to the plea agreement, in about February 2010, Alcala began operating Alcala Tax Service in Davenport and prepared and filed federal tax returns on behalf of taxpayers. Beginning by at least February 18, 2012, and continuing to at least March 14, 2014, Alcala devised a scheme to defraud by filing altered tax returns. Specifically, Alcala prepared tax returns on behalf of taxpayers, provided a copy of the prepared return to the taxpayers, and then represented to the taxpayers that Alcala had filed that return with the Internal Revenue Service on the taxpayer’s behalf. In reality, Alcala did not file that version but instead—without the knowledge of and authority from the taxpayer—materially altered the taxpayer’s return to create a larger tax refund than the one reflected in the copy of the return Alcala had provided to the taxpayer. Alcala then filed the unauthorized version of the taxpayer’s return and—without the knowledge of and authority from the taxpayer—directed the additional refund amount to Alcala’s own bank account. Alcala prepared at least 164 tax returns that included false or fraudulent information and directed at least a portion of 159 of those tax refunds to his own bank account without the knowledge of or authority from the taxpayer.
Additionally, on or about December 26, 2013, a switchboard operator for Badger Mutual Insurance, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, received a telephone call from Alcala in Davenport. During the call, Alcala threatened the operator by stating he was going to send her a bomb. Alcala knew his communication to the operator would be viewed as threatening.
Alcala is scheduled to be sentenced before Senior United States Judge James E. Gritzner on June 8, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at the Davenport Federal Courthouse. Preparing and presenting a false tax return is punishable for a maximum of three years imprisonment and a maximum $100,000 fine. The crime of wire fraud has a maximum prison term of 20 years and up to a $250,000 fine. Alcala faces a maximum prison term of ten years and up to a $250,000 fine for making a bomb threat in and affecting interstate commerce.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Indiana Man Sentenced to Prison for Interstate Domestic Violence OffenseRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – On February 22, 2016, Robert Eugene Graham, 46, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 210 months (17-1/2 years) in prison for the crime of interstate domestic violence, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Graham had previously pleaded guilty to this offense on November 6, 2015.
According to the plea agreement, Graham traveled from Michigan City, Indiana, to Chariton, Iowa, on January 15, 2015, while in possession of a Mossburg shotgun. The following morning, he shot the victim, with whom he had previously had an intimate relationship, while the victim was leaving her home for work. Graham’s actions caused severe, life-threatening bodily injury to the victim.
This matter was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa, with assistance from the office of the Iowa Attorney General—Area Prosecutions.
Indiana Man Found Guilty of Muscatine Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On February 11, 2016, Thomas Alexander Davis, III, 40, of Anderson, Indiana, was found guilty of bank robbery following a four-day jury trial, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Davis was found guilty of committing a robbery at the US Bank in Muscatine on November 28, 2012. A sentencing date will be set by Chief District Court Judge John A. Jarvey at a later date.
Davis faces a potential prison sentence of up to twenty years in prison, a maximum $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release following any prison term. This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Muscatine Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Former Bank Employee Sentenced to Prison for Misapplication of Bank FundsRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – On February 16, 2016, Barbara L. Baker, 54, of Montezuma, Iowa, was sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge Robert W. Pratt to 60 days in prison for misapplication of bank funds, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Baker will also be required to serve a three year term of supervised release following her term of imprisonment.
On August 7, 2015, Baker pled guilty to a United States Attorney’s Information charging her with the misapplication. Baker admitted from around January 20, 2012, to around July 19, 2013, she misapplied funds from Patriot Bank in Brooklyn, Iowa, for her own benefit, while she served as the chief financial officer of the bank.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Deposit Corporation Office of Inspector General and the United States Secret Service. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Wilton Man Sentenced to Prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Stolen Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On January 29, 2016, Brandon Lysle VanBlarcom, 29, of Wilton, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 72 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. VanBlarcom was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
VanBlarcom pleaded guilty to the offenses on October 5, 2015. According to the plea agreement, on February 17, 2015, law enforcement was notified of a burglary in Morrison, Illinois, involving stolen firearms. On March 30, 2015, police officers searched VanBlarcom’s residence and found a Yugoslavian SKS 7.62 x 39 caliber rifle hidden in a crawl space. This gun was verified as having been stolen in the Morrison burglary. VanBlarcom has a prior 2005 felony conviction for burglary in the second degree.
This matter was investigated by the Muscatine Police Department, Muscatine County Sheriff’s Department, Muscatine Drug Task Force, Wilton Police Department, Cedar County Sheriff’s Department, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Scott County Sheriff’s Department, Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Prison for Theft of Disability BenefitsRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On January 29, 2016, James Clayton Bailey, 67, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 15 months in prison for theft of government property, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Bailey was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund. Bailey was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $52,441.20 to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Bailey pleaded guilty to theft of government property on October 26, 2015. According to the plea agreement, Bailey began receiving Social Security Disability benefits in 2003. On October 29, 2009, Bailey was incarcerated in the Iowa Department of Corrections for a sexual abuse conviction. He was released from prison on May 9, 2014. During his incarceration, Bailey failed to notify SSA he was incarcerated and continued to receive his disability payments, knowing he was not qualified to receive such benefits. Bailey received over $52,000.00 in benefits while he was in prison.
This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Chinese National Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Steal Trade SecretsRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – On January 27, 2016, Mo Hailong, also known as Robert Mo, 46,
appeared before the Honorable Stephanie M. Rose and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal trade
secrets, announced Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin and Acting
United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.
According to the plea agreement, Mo Hailong admitted to participating in a long term
conspiracy to steal trade secrets from DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto. Mo Hailong participated in
the theft of inbred corn seeds from fields in the Southern District of Iowa for the purpose of
transporting the seeds to China. The stolen inbred, or parent, seeds were the valuable intellectual
property of DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto.
During the course of the conspiracy, Mo Hailong was employed as the Director of
International Business of the Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group Company, commonly
referred to as DBN. DBN is a Chinese conglomerate with a corn seed subsidiary company, Kings
Nower Seed. Mo Hailong is a Chinese national who became a lawful permanent resident of the
United States pursuant to an H-1B visa.
The investigation was initiated when DuPont Pioneer security staff detected suspicious
activity and alerted the Federal Bureau of Investigation. DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto were
fully cooperative throughout the investigation.
Mo Hailong will be sentenced at a date to be determined in Des Moines, Iowa.
Conspiracy to steal trade secrets is a felony that carries up to 10 years of imprisonment
and up to a $250,000 fine. As part of the plea agreement in this case, the government agreed not
to seek more than a five year prison sentence.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was
prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa and the
National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Chinese National Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Steal Trade SecretsRead the Press Release
Mo Hailong, aka Robert Mo, 46, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to steal trade secrets before U.S. District Judge Stephanie M. Rose of the Southern District of Iowa, announced Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin and Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel of the Southern District of Iowa.
According to the plea agreement, Hailong admitted to participating in long-term conspiracy to steal trade secrets from DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto. Hailong further admitted to participating in the theft of inbred – or parent – corn seeds from fields in the Southern District of Iowa for the purpose of transporting those seeds to China. The stolen inbred seeds constitute the valuable intellectual property of DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto.
During the conspiracy, Hailong was employed as director of international business of the Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group Company, a Chinese conglomerate with a corn seed subsidiary company, Kings Nower Seed. Hailong is a Chinese national who became a lawful permanent resident of the United States pursuant to an H-1B visa.
Hailong is scheduled to be sentenced at a date to be determined later in Des Moines, Iowa. Conspiracy to steal trade secrets is a felony that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. As part of Hailong’s plea agreement, the government has agreed not to seek a prison sentence exceeding five years.
The investigation was initiated when DuPont Pioneer security staff detected suspicious activity and alerted the FBI. DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto have fully cooperated throughout the investigation. The case is being investigated by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Iowa and the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Hailong Plea Agreement
Montgomery County Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – On January 22, 2016, Mark A. Yeager, 61, of rural Emerson, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie Rose to 36 months in prison for possession of child pornography announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Yeager was ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
Yeager pled guilty to the charge on September 1, 2015. According to the plea agreement, on April 16, 2014, investigators seized several computers and items of computer paraphernalia from Yeager’s residence. A forensic examination revealed images of child pornography on a thumb-drive seized from Yeager’s home.
This matter was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Des Moines Man Sentenced to Prison for Involvement in Methamphetamine Conspiracy and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – On January 19, 2016, Manuel Montejano Pinon, 47, of Des Moines, Iowa, was sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge James E. Gritzner to 164 months in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and 60 months in prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. The two prison terms were ordered to be served consecutively.
Pinon pled guilty to the charges on September 23, 2015. According to the plea agreement, Pinon was involved in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the Southern District of Iowa. As part of the conspiracy, Pinon delivered money from the sale of methamphetamine to the methamphetamine suppliers. Pinon also possessed a firearm to further his involvement in drug trafficking.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Council Bluffs Man Sentenced to Prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – On January 19, 2016, Zachary M. Henderson, 38, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge James E. Gritzner to 60 months in prison for a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm while subject to a domestic violence protective order charge, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Henderson was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund. Henderson was also ordered to forfeit the firearm involved in the offense.
According to the plea agreement, on April 3, 2015, Henderson possessed a loaded handgun that was discovered during a traffic stop conducted by the Council Bluffs Police Department. Prior to April 2015, Henderson was convicted of a felony offense and he was subject to a domestic violence protective order.
This matter was investigated by the Council Bluffs Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
California Man Sentenced to Prison for Money Laundering and Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – On January 19, 2016, Michael Arnold Ramirez, 32, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge James E. Gritzner to 147 months in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and money laundering to conceal drug proceeds, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.
According to Ramirez’s plea agreement, Ramirez was involved in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the Southern District of Iowa. As part of the conspiracy, in April of 2015, Ramirez traveled from California to Iowa for the purpose of transporting drug proceeds back to California. Ramirez also concealed the drug proceeds in order to disguise the location and source of the proceeds of the drug conspiracy.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
East Moline Man Sentenced to Prison for Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On January 14, 2016, De’Andre Lee Hodges, 22, of East Moline, Illinois, was sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge James E. Gritzner to two (2) 10 month prison terms for making false statements during the purchases of firearms, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. The two 10 month prison terms were ordered to be served concurrently. Hodges was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund. Hodges was also ordered to forfeit the Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol, Smith and Wesson .40-caliber semiautomatic pistol, American Tactical Import .22 Rifle, and ammunition involved in the offenses.
Hodges pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements during the purchase of a firearm on September 16, 2015. According to the plea agreement, on August 15, 2014, Hodges purchased a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun from a licensed gun dealer in Davenport and filled out the required Form 4473. All licensed dealers are required to obtain and retain the address of the purchaser of a firearm. This information is collected on the Form 4473 and required to be kept by the dealer.
On April 7, 2015, Hodges purchased two more guns from the same licensed gun dealer, a Smith and Wesson .40-caliber pistol, an American Tactical Import .22 Rifle, and ammunition. Hodges again filled out the required Form 4473.
Hodges reported to police on April 15, 2015, that two handguns were stolen from his garage. During the investigation, Hodges was interviewed and admitted he lived in Illinois – not Davenport – as he reported during his gun purchases on the Forms 4473.
This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On January 14, 2016, Leonard Fisher, Jr., 25, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge James E. Gritzner to 100 months in prison for a felon in possession of a firearm charge, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Fisher was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund. Fisher was also ordered to forfeit the Lorcin .380 caliber pistol involved in the offense.
Fisher pleaded guilty to the felon in possession of a firearm charge on September 25, 2015. According to the plea agreement, on November 29, 2014, Davenport Police officers were dispatched to a dance club for a gun shots fired call. Upon arrival, officers saw a car speed out of a nearby alley and officers followed the car to Genesis East Hospital. Leonard Fisher, Jr. was identified as the front seat passenger in the car, and he told officers the backseat passenger had been shot. While the officers were assisting the gunshot victim, they saw a gun in the passenger backseat map pocket. A loaded Lorcin .380 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number, two bags of marijuana, and a scale were found during a search of the car. Cell phones from Fisher and the driver of the car were searched, and a video on one of the phones showed Fisher with a gun in his pocket. The gun found in the car was identified as the gun Fisher possessed in the video.
Prior to November 2014, Fisher was convicted of three felony offenses; two in 2008 and the most recent in 2011.
This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On January 13, 2016, Tiano Nishan Trice, 34, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge James E. Gritzner to 90 months in prison for a felon in possession of a firearm charge, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Trice was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund. Trice was also ordered to forfeit the Smith and Wesson 40-caliber handgun involved in the offense.
Trice pleaded guilty to the felon in possession of a firearm charge on September 8, 2015. According to the plea agreement, on April 12, 2015, Davenport Police officers responded to a residence where a female victim reported Trice had threatened her and held a gun to her head. The victim was able to direct officers to the gun, which Trice had hidden under a bedroom mattress. The gun was traced and found to have been stolen from a garage in Davenport. Prior to April 2015, Trice was convicted of delivery of crack cocaine, a felony, in 2005.
This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.
Des Moines Man Sentenced for Unlawful Transport and Taking of a Deer and Making False Statements to the United StatesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On December 22, 2015, Christopher Ryan King, 34, of Des Moines, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 30 days of imprisonment for the unlawful transport and taking of a whitetail buck deer in violation of the Lacey Act and 30 days of imprisonment for making a false statement to a department of the United States, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. The two thirty- day prison terms were ordered to be served concurrently. King was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. Conditions of supervised release imposed by the Court included restrictions against possessing firearms or other dangerous weapons, and King may not hunt, fish, or trap any wildlife, nor accompany others engaged in such activities. King was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant and $125 in special assessments to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant is a United States Department of Defense facility operated by the United States Department of the Army and located in Des Moines County. It is a secure, limited access facility where medium and large-caliber munitions are loaded, assembled, and packed for the United States military. However, persons may apply to the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant for authorization to hunt certain areas of its approximately 19,300 acres.
According to King’s plea agreement, in April 2012, King prepared and submitted an application seeking authorization to hunt wildlife at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. As part of his application, King falsely attested he did not have a fish and wildlife conviction in any jurisdiction, and had never been ticketed for a violation involving hunting, fishing or trapping. Prior to the completion of his application, King had been convicted of multiple Iowa hunting violations. Based upon his false application, Plant officials allowed King to hunt on Iowa Army Ammunition Plant grounds.
King also admitted in his plea agreement on or about October 13, 2012, he shot a whitetail buck deer while hunting at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. King located the deer in a section of the Plant that was closed to hunting. King entered the restricted area, removed the trophy parts of the deer, and left the carcass. King then took the trophy parts out of the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant without reporting he had harvested a deer. King knew it was a violation of the law to hunt in a closed area, and to not report all game harvested at the Plant security gate. After exiting the Iowa Army Ammunitions Plant, King transported the trophy parts of the deer back to Central Iowa.
This matter was investigated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession and Transfer of a Sawed-Off ShotgunRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On December 22, 2015, Domingo Edward Monge, 19, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 58 months in prison for possession and transfer of a weapon made from a shotgun, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Monge was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund.
According to Monge’s plea agreement, on or about May 31, 2014, he possessed and sold a modified Sears, Roebuck, and Co., 12 gauge JC Higgins shotgun to another individual. Monge was aware the shotgun had been modified, and the barrel of the firearm was less than 18 inches in length. He also agreed the firearm was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Records.
This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On December 22, 2015, Earl Vanal Fullenwider, Jr., 24, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 60 months in prison for a felon in possession of a firearm charge, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Fullenwider was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund.
Fullenwider pleaded guilty to the felon in possession of a firearm charge on July 23, 2015. According to the criminal complaint affidavit, on March 25, 2015, Davenport Police officers responded to a gun shots fired report. Near the location of the shots fired, officers noticed Fullenwider in the passenger seat of a vehicle matching the description of a car possibly involved in the shooting. A traffic stop was conducted by police, and officers found two loaded guns during a search of the car. One of the guns was found on the floor wedged between the front passenger seat and the console, accessible to Fullenwider. Prior to March 2015, Fullenwider had been convicted of felony offenses in 2009 and 2011.
This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.
West Burlington Man Sentenced for Tax ViolationsRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On December 21, 2015, William Peugh, 63, of West Burlington, Iowa, was sentenced by United States Magistrate Judge Stephen A. Jackson, Jr. to three years of probation, a $9,000 fine, and more than $164,000 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service for willfully failing to file his income tax returns for tax years 2008, 2009, and 2010, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Peugh also was ordered to pay $75 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
Peugh owns and operates WWPeugh Sales, which generates income through the sale of machinery. The majority of Peugh’s income is from commissions paid by companies that manufacture industrial machines. Peugh also obtains income from his ownership interest in a business that owns and operates casinos. In 2008, 2009, and 2010, Peugh received income from manufacturers resulting in a tax due and owing to the Internal Revenue Service. Prior to the initiation of this prosecution, Peugh did not file income tax returns for those years.
On August 3, 2015, Peugh plead guilty to a three-count United States Attorney’s Information charging him with willfully failing to file tax returns.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Southeast Iowa Man Sentenced for Unlawful Transport and Receipt of BearRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA - On December 21, 2015, Brenton J. Clark, 35, of Fairfield, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to three years of probation for the unlawful transport and receipt of a bear in violation of the Lacey Act announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Conditions of probation imposed by the Court included restrictions against possessing firearms or engaging in guiding, hunting or fishing activities; as well as requirements to complete 120 days of home confinement and 80 hours of community service. Clark was also ordered to pay a $2,000 fine and a $25 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund.
On June 16, 2015, Clark pled guilty to a Lacey Act violation for his receipt, in September 2010, of a grizzly bear Clark displayed in his hunting lodge in Jefferson County, Iowa. Clark killed the grizzly bear in Alaska without a proper license and without tagging and sealing the bear as required by Alaska law. Clark also admitted after he became aware he was under investigation, he engaged in multiple conversations with potential witnesses and encouraged them to not disclose information to law enforcement.
This investigation was conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Des Moines Man Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison for Robbing Two Local BanksRead the Press Release
Des Moines, IA – On December 21, 2015, Laymon Clovesee English, 49, of Des Moines, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 188 months in prison for two counts of bank robbery, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. English will be required to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.
English, at his change of plea hearing on August 28, 2015, admitted he robbed Bankers Trust, 150 East Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, on December 31, 2014. English also admitted he robbed U.S. Bank, 2500 East Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, two days later, on January 2, 2014. English was apprehended by U.S. Bank customers when he committed the second robbery.
This matter was investigated by the Des Moines Police Department, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Pottawattamie County Man Sentenced to Prison and Fined $15,000 for Filing a False Federal Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – On December 17, 2015, Craig A. Tripp, 62, of Avoca, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to three months imprisonment and fined $15,000 for filing a false 2009 tax return, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. In addition, Tripp was ordered to serve one year of supervised release following his prison term. According to the plea agreement, Tripp agreed to pay his tax liability, in an amount to be determined by the Internal Revenue Service.
At the sentencing hearing, Chief Judge Jarvey found Tripp failed to provide for an accurate accounting of his profits derived from the sale of beer and other items from his business, the Blue Moon Bar and Grill in Avoca, Iowa. Chief Judge Jarvey also found Tripp had failed to report business profits on his 2007, 2008, and 2010 federal tax returns.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Audubon County Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – On December 17, 2015, Brock Daniel Knapp, 27, of Exira, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 12 months and a day in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Knapp was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.
According to the plea agreement, beginning in June of 2014, Knapp assisted in the distribution of methamphetamine by delivering money from the sale of methamphetamine to methamphetamine suppliers involved in the conspiracy.
This matter was investigated by the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Former Legislative Clerk Pleads Guilty to White Powder Hoax on Floor of Iowa LegislatureRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – On December 14, 2015, Michael Dekota McRae, 28, appeared
before the Honorable John A. Jarvey and pled guilty to conveying false information concerning a
biological weapon, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.
According to the plea agreement, McRae, a former legislative clerk to Iowa State
Representative Ako Abdul-Samad, admitted to writing a threatening letter addressed to
Representative Abdul-Samad. The letter contained racial slurs and threats to kill both McRae
and Representative Abdul-Samad. McRae subsequently inserted the letter, along with a white
powdery substance, into an envelope which he placed into a legislative mail receptacle. On
April 3, 2012, McRae opened the threatening letter on the chamber floor during an active session
of the Iowa Legislature. When McRae opened the letter, the white powder was released and
came into contact with McRae and Representative Abdul-Samad.
McRae also admitted in the plea agreement that he intended the white powder simulate a
biological agent or toxin, and he perpetrated the hoax for the purpose of creating fear in others.
McRae is scheduled to be sentenced before Chief Judge Jarvey on March 25, 2016, at
9:00 a.m. in Des Moines, Iowa. Conveying false information concerning a biological weapon is
a felony that carries up to five years imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine. McRae may also
be required to reimburse the state for costs associated with the commission and investigation of
this crime.
Federal Court Sentences Honduras Woman on Illegal Re-Entry ChargeRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA - On December 4, 2015, Sandra Lagos Neda, age 51, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 12 months and one day in prison after pleading guilty to illegal re-entry into the United States, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Lagos Neda was also ordered to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund. After serving her sentence, Lagos Neda will be turned over to immigration authorities for deportation proceedings.
This matter was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Federal Court Sentences Clinton Man on Threating Communication ChargeRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA - On December 4, 2015, Gerald W. Ledford, age 57, of Clinton, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to four years’ probation, with the first six months in home confinement, after pleading guilty to transmitting a threatening communication, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Ledford was also ordered to pay $100 to the Crime Victims Fund, to have no contact with the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center or any of its employees, to allow a search of his residence under certain conditions, and to restrict his possession of a computer or access to the Internet without prior approval by the United States Probation Office.
On October 20, 2014, an employee of the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center (ISBCC) discovered two messages posted to the ISBCC’s Facebook page. The ISBCC is located in Roxbury, Massachusetts, and is a member of the New England Muslim community. According to its website, the ISBCC is not just a mosque, but a dynamic cultural center that is designed to serve the entire community by offering a variety of educational, spiritual, and social services. The first post made derogatory statements about "Mohamed," and made threats to harm Muslims. The second post also made a threat of violence toward Muslims.
The Facebook page posting these two messages displayed the name "Gerry Ledford" and was identified with a unique account identification number. This account was deactivated on November 14, 2014. A "friend" of this account was another Facebook publically viewable page under the name of "Gerry.ledford.3," also with a unique account identification number. Search warrants were obtained for both of these Facebook accounts. Based on information obtained from these search warrants these accounts had certain personal identifiers, such as date of birth, hometown, current city of residence, educational history and digital photographs that were consistent with the same personally identifiable information about Gerald Ledford. Both accounts logged in from an identified Internet Protocol (IP) address identified to a known family member of Ledford’s. Information obtained from the search warrants showed that one of these identified Facebook accounts conducted a search for the ISBCC on October 19, 2014. A day before the posted messages, one of these Facebook accounts was used to search for information about the "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant" and two minutes later a search for information on the "Islamic Society of Boson Cultural Center (ISBCC)." Additional searches were conducted on similar topics both before and after October 19, 2014.
Gerald Ledford admitted in his plea proceeding that he was the individual user registered to these Facebook accounts, that on or about October 19, 2014, he knowingly posted these two threatening messages, and that he individually selected this victim because of the religious affiliation of ISBCC. Gerald Ledford further admitted that he knew that these two messages would be viewed as a threat.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Clinton, Iowa, Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Des Moines Woman Sentenced to Prison for Filing a False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – Julilath Kouangvan, 46, of Des Moines, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief Judge John A. Jarvey on November 23, 2015, to 14 months’ in federal prison for filing a false tax return, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Kouangvan also was ordered to serve one year of supervised release following her term of incarceration.
According to the Indictment, from approximately 2006 until at least 2009, Kouangvan solicited investment funds from individuals by promising a high rate of return. Unbeknownst to the individuals, the money was not invested by Kouangvan. Kouangvan admitted in her plea agreement that she failed to account in her 2009 tax return for the funds provided to Kouangvan. As part of her sentence, Kouangvan was also ordered to pay restitution in the amounts of $522,233.34 to the victims and $199,042 to the Internal Revenue Service.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa
Federal Court Sentences Illegal Alien on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA - On November 19, 2015, Jose Manuel Dominguez-Anguiano a/k/a Manuel Francisco Zuniga, age 44, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 46 months in prison on the charges of conspiracy to distribute a mixture or substance containing cocaine, and distribution of a mixture or substance containing cocaine, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin VanderSchel. Dominguez-Anguiano was also ordered to pay $200 towards the Crime Victims Fund. Dominguez-Anguiano will be turned over to the Immigration officials upon release from prison.
Between November 2007 and May 2008, Dominguez-Anguiano participated in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine which involved the sale of more than 1,000 grams of cocaine in the Iowa City, Iowa, area.
This matter was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Johnson County, Iowa, Drug Task Force, and Iowa City, Iowa, Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.
Federal Court Sentences Davenport Man on Charge of Being a Fugitive in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA - On November 19, 2015, Darion Daquan Gardner, age 19, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 30 months in prison on the charge of fugitive in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin VanderSchel. Gardner was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following the period of imprisonment, and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund.
In May 2014, the United States Marshal’s Service began attempting to locate Gardner, a fugitive from Mississippi, in the Davenport area. On August 13, 2014, officers received information that Gardner was at a certain Davenport residence and was armed with a firearm. When officers went to the residence, Gardner barricaded himself in a bedroom for approximately 20 minutes, but then surrendered without incident. A stolen and loaded Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol was recovered in the residence. Under federal law, fugitives are prohibited from possessing a firearm.
This matter was investigated by the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department, United States Marshal’s Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.
Federal Court Sentences Davenport Man for Possession of a Sawed-off Shotgun and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA - On November 19, 2015, Chazz Dominic Kimble, age 19, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 20 months in prison on the charge of possession and transfer of a weapon made from a shotgun, and another consecutive 60 months in prison on the charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin VanderSchel. Kimble was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following the period of imprisonment, and to pay $200 towards the Crime Victims Fund.
On June 14, 2014, an investigation by Davenport, Iowa, police officers revealed that Kimble discharged a 12-guage JC Higgins sawed-off shotgun into the air during an altercation with rival gang members. The sawed-off shotgun was eventually recovered by police in a nearby residence. The sawed-off shotgun was modified to have a barrel of less than 18 inches, and the shotgun was not registered with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Records, making the shotgun illegal to possess.2
Kimble was indicted on October 22, 2014, on a federal charge of possession and transfer of a weapon made from a shotgun. Later that day, Kimble was stopped by police while driving in Davenport, and Davenport police executed the arrest warrant on Kimble. Subsequent to the arrest, officers found a backpack containing a loaded Accu-Tek .380 pistol and marijuana that Kimball intended to distribute. A Superseding Indictment was thereafter filed which added a charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Kimble pleaded guilty to the charges on April 21, 2015.
This matter was investigated by the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Life in Prison Plus 50 YearsRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On November 19, 2015, James Everett Faler, 49, formerly of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge John A. Jarvey to five life sentences for five counts of Production of Child Pornography, and five consecutive ten-year sentences for committing the offenses while being required to register as a sex offender, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Faler also was ordered to serve life on supervised release if he is ever released from prison, and to pay $1,000 towards the Crime Victims Fund.
On May 31, 2013, police in Louisville, Kentucky, encountered Faler at an apartment complex after receiving a call from a concerned citizen. During the encounter, the police learned that Faler was a registered sex offender from Davenport who had not complied with sex offender registration requirements, and they arrested him. After the arrest, the police found Faler’s backpack which contained a thumbdrive with pornographic images of children, including five different minor boys, some of them engaging in sexual activity with Faler at a trailer park in Davenport. These images became the basis for federal charges in Iowa.
On July 13, 2015, Faler plead guilty to all charges. Because Faler has multiple prior convictions for sexual abuse of children, the mandatory federal sentence for each charge of production of child pornography is life in prison.
This case was investigated by the Louisville, Kentucky, Police Department and the Scott County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office, and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Alabama Man Sentenced for Assisting Illegal Guided Deer HuntsRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA - On November 20, 2015, Kinsman Bruce Wolfe, 63, of Semmes, Alabama, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge John A. Jarvey to sixty days imprisonment for his role in illegal, guided deer hunts in Southern Iowa, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin VanderSchel. Wolfe was also ordered to pay $12,000 in restitution to the Iowa Division of Natural Resources, pay a $3,000 fine, and pay for the costs associated with having court-appointed counsel. A term of three years of supervised release was imposed following Wolfe’s release from imprisonment, a condition of which will be the prohibition against Wolfe engaging in hunting and fishing activities. Wolfe was also ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund.
Wolfe was convicted at trial on July 23, 2015, on two felony counts of violation of the Lacey Act for the unlawful sale of wildlife, and one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act. From around 2009 to January 2014, Steven Miller leased land in rural Lucas County, Iowa, to Robert Jerome Wilkins of Alabama in order for Wilkins to hunt white-tail deer. Wilkins, with the assistance of Wolfe, guided out-of-state hunters during paid hunts for trophy white-tail buck deer on Miller's land. None of these out-of-state hunters possessed hunting license or tags as required by the laws and regulations of the State of Iowa. Some of the hunters were successful in illegally killing white-tail buck deer, and the capes and antlers of those deer were transported from Iowa to Alabama.2
Wilkins previously pled guilty to conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, a felony. He was sentenced on July 17, 2015, to four years of probation, with a special condition of six months home confinement. Wilkins was also ordered to pay $12,000 in restitution, and pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund. Miller previously pled guilty to a misdemeanor violation of the Lacey Act and on October 21, 2015, he was sentenced to four years of probation. Miller was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine, a $2,500 money judgment in lieu of forfeiture of equipment used during the illegal hunts, and a $25 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund.
This investigation was conducted by the United State Fish and Wildlife Service, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and the Alabama Game and Fish Division. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Former City Clerk Indicted for Mail Fraud and ArsonRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA - On November 18, 2015, Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel announced the return of an indictment stemming from an investigation into the misappropriation of city funds and burning of a community building in Casey, Iowa. The indictment charges Dorothy L. Dillinger, the former Casey City Clerk, with five counts of mail fraud for her role in a scheme to defraud by using the City's credit card to purchase items for personal use. The indictment also charges Dillinger with one count of malicious use of fire for the fire that destroyed the Casey Community Building, which housed the City Clerk's Office. The Community Building fire was set just prior to midnight of August 19-20, 2014. Personnel from the State Auditor's Office were scheduled to arrive at the Clerk's Office on the morning of August 20, 2014, to conduct an audit of the City's records following a successful petition drive by citizens of Casey seeking an audit.
The joint investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, State Fire Marshal Division of the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Guthrie County Sheriff's Office, Guthrie County Attorney's Office, and the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
An initial appearance and arraignment have been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on November 30, 2015, at the United States Courthouse in Des Moines, Iowa.
Federal Court Sentences California Man to 80 Months for Counterfeit Credit Card SchemeRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA - On November 13, 2015, Stephen Thomas, age 49, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced by Chief District Judge John A. Jarvey to 80 months in prison for his role in leading a sophisticated counterfeit credit and debit card scheme in Iowa in February 2015, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Thomas was also ordered to pay restitution, to serve 3 years of supervised release following the period of imprisonment, and to pay a $300 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund. Thomas previously pleaded guilty to the charges of conspiracy, access device fraud, and false statements to a federal official.
The investigation of this matter began as a result of a suspicious package that was delivered to a hotel in Des Moines. Law enforcement determined that the package contained counterfeit debit and credit cards that had been mailed from California to Thomas and others. Thomas and three co-defendants—Ronald Barre, Jr., Nakika Carter, and Richard Foust—left California together to execute the scheme across the Midwest. The group used counterfeit debit and credit cards to withdraw money from casinos in Minnesota and Iowa, and to purchase items at retailers. The counterfeit cards contained legitimate debit and credit card information encoded onto the strips of the back of the cards, but were embossed with the names of the defendants. 2
Thomas traveled with a California driver’s license in another person’s name, and provided a false name, date of birth, and social security number to law enforcement. At the time of his arrest, Thomas had an active arrest warrant for having escaped from federal custody.
Thomas’s co-defendants were previously sentenced for their roles in the scheme. Foust, age 58, received 24 months imprisonment; Carter, age 39, received 20 months’ imprisonment; and Barre, age 50, received 32 months’ imprisonment. All co-defendants are jointly and severally liable for restitution.
This investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Secret Service, the Des Moines Police Department, the Bloomington, Minnesota, Police Department, and the Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Criminal Investigation. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.