Southern District of Iowa
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Federal Court Sentences Former Davenport Man for Conspiracy to Distribute MarijuanaRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA - On March 26, 2015, Jared Michael Fromknecht, age 23, formerly of Davenport, Iowa, and Denver, Colorado, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James E. Gritzner to 59 months in prison, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute at least 100 kilograms of marijuana, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Fromknecht was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release, and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund.
From approximately May 2011, to March 6, 2013, Fromknecht agreed with several individuals, including George Podes, Morgan Hermiston, Charles Williams, Harrison Summers, Jacob Aldrich, Michael Wood and Austin Iossi to distribute marijuana. Fromknecht would obtain multiple pound quantities of marijuana in Colorado, mainly from Podes, and ship this marijuana, or direct others to ship this marijuana by mail service to Iowa. During this conspiracy, Fromknecht was present at the Denver residence of George Podes, and assisted Podes in cultivating and growing marijuana. Fromknecht shipped marijuana to Charles Williams and directed Williams to deposit payment in a bank account. Fromknecht mailed packages of marijuana to Jacob Aldrich and Michal Wood and directed them to deliver this marijuana to Morgan Hermiston. He also recruited Andres Guillermo Sanchez to ship marijuana through the mail and receive payments for these drugs in Colorado. During this conspiracy, drug proceeds of over $200,000 were deposited in a bank account. Fromknecht admitted being responsible for in excess of 100 kilograms of marijuana.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the United States Postal Inspections Service, and the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
St. Charles Man Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA - On March 25, 2015, Jay A. Ochanpaugh, age 50, of St. Charles, Iowa, and formerly of Ames, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 12 months and one day in federal prison for filing a false income tax return for the calendar year 2009, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Ochanpaugh will be required to serve one year of supervised release following his release from prison, and will be required to cooperate with the Internal Revenue Service to pay his tax liability. Ochanpaugh will be required to surrender to the United States Bureau of Prisons at a date to be determined.
In a written plea agreement filed December 12, 2014, Ochanpaugh admitted that he filed false income tax returns for the calendar years 2007 through 2010, underreporting his business income, which resulted in a tax loss of at least $80,000. Ochanpaugh is in the insurance sales business, working for Ochanpaugh Financial Group, LLC, but he will not be permitted to continue to sell insurance as a result of this conviction.
This investigation was conducted 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.
Marshalltown Man Sentenced to 210 Months in Prison for Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – On February 19, 2015, John Vivian Sims, age 36, of Marshalltown, Iowa, was sentenced to 210 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, by United States District Court Senior Judge Robert W. Pratt for transportation of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt.
Sims had been under investigation in the Summer of 2012 by local law enforcement for a string of burglaries committed in Marshalltown, Iowa. When Sims fled the area, the investigation into his whereabouts revealed he had used his cell phone to persuade four minors from Oregon, Texas, New Jersey, and Florida, respectively, to take nude photographs of themselves and send them to him via email. Sims was federally charged in May 2014 with three counts of production of child pornography and one count of transportation of child pornography. He pleaded guilty to the transportation charge in October of 2014.
Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused, or of a person committing child pornography crimes, are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.
The investigation was conducted by the Marshalltown, Iowa, Police Department, and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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California Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – On March 5, 2015, David Anthony Lavera, age 33, of San Diego, California, plead guilty to federal possession of child pornography charges before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ross Walters, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Sentencing has been scheduled for June 5, 2015, at 3:00 p.m., before Chief Judge John A. Jarvey at the United States Courthouse in Des Moines, Iowa.
Lavera pled guilty under a plea agreement that calls for him to serve 63 months in federal prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.
As a factual basis for his plea, Lavera admitted that on June 11, 2014, he knowingly possessed child pornography of a minor that he had produced at a residence in Newton, Iowa, using a hidden camera.
Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused, or of a person committing child pornography crimes, are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.
The investigation was conducted by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, the Newton, Iowa, Police Department, the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Former Iowa State Researcher Pleads Guilty to Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – On February 25, 2015, Dr. Dong Pyou Han appeared in United States District Court before the Honorable Celeste F. Bremer and pled guilty to two counts of making false statements to the National Institutes of Health, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt.
According to the Indictment, while conducting research on behalf of Iowa State University, Dr. Han falsified scientific data to make it appear an experimental HIV/AIDS vaccine, gp41, neutralized, or controlled, the HIV/AIDS virus in rabbits, when in fact the vaccine did not. The Indictment further alleges that Dr. Han spiked sera samples from gp41-immunized rabbits with human sera containing HIV antibodies. The spiking of the rabbit samples made it appear that gp41 produced neutralizing antibodies against the HIV/AIDS virus. The false data was reported to the National Institutes of Health in a research grant application and funded grant progress reports.
Dr. Han, in the Plea Agreement, admitted he provided false data reported in National Institutes of Health Grant Application, “Enhancing B cell immunity against HIV-1 using novel vaccine delivery platforms” and National Institutes of Health Progress Report, “Characterization of immunogenic and structural properties of HIV-1 envelope.” Dr. Han also admitted that data derived from his spiking rabbit sera samples with human antibodies was reported to the National Institutes of Health.
Dr. Han is scheduled to be sentenced before the Honorable James E. Gritzner on May 29, 2015. Each count of making a false statement carries a maximum term of five years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
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Davenport Man Sentenced in Federal Court for Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA - On February 20, 2015, Terrell Devon Lillybridge, age 33, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 46 months in prison, after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Lillybridge was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following imprisonment, and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund.
On June 27, 2014, a Davenport, Iowa, Police Department officer attempted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven Terrell Devon Lillybridge. Prior to this date in 2007, Lillybridge had been convicted of a felony offense. Lillybridge did not stop in response to the officer’s visual indications to stop, and officers thereafter located Lillybridge a short distance away. After Lillybridge got out of the driver’s side of the vehicle, two officers approached him and observed Lillybridge drop a small baggie containing what was later determined to be marijuana. Officers placed Lillybridge into custody. During a pat down of Lillybridge, officers found in his right front pocket a loaded High Point 9mm handgun.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Davenport, 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.
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Davenport Man Sentenced in Federal Court for Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA - On February 20, 2015, Bradley Joseph Patton, age 46, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 15 months in prison, after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Patton was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his imprisonment and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund.
On April 2, 2014, Davenport, Iowa, Police officers conducted a search warrant at a Davenport house where Patton resided. Officers found and seized four firearms out of a safe. These firearms were identified as a Bushmaster XM15-E2S rifle and loaded magazine, a Remington 1100 12 gauge shotgun, a Glock 21 .45 caliber handgun with loaded magazine, and a Taurus "the Judge" .410 gauge revolver. Patton admitted that he knowingly possessed all four of these firearms. Patton was convicted of a felony in 1991.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Davenport, 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.
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Coralville Man Sentenced in Federal Court on Possession of Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA - On February 20, 2015, Anthony Arn, age 44, formerly of Coralville, was sentenced by United States District Court Stephanie M. Jones to 45 months in prison, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Arn was also ordered to serve ten years of supervised release following imprisonment, and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund. Arn will also be required to register as a sex offender.
On July 19, 2011, law enforcement officers conducted a search of Arn’s Coralville residence and seized several computers and related equipment. A forensic examination of the equipment seized found 110 digital images and 4 videos of minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Arn pled guilty to possession of child pornography on October 6, 2014.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, and 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.
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Des Moines Pharmacist Sentenced to Two Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – On February 20, 2015, Mark Graziano, previous owner of Bauder Pharmacy in Des Moines, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief Judge James E. Gritzner to 24 months in prison and three years of supervised release following the period of imprisonment, announced United States Attorney Nick Klinefeldt. Graziano stipulated that the federal tax loss was $455,204 and the State of Iowa tax loss was $122,301, and Judge Gritzner also ordered restitution in the amount of $577,505.
Graziano pled guilty to the charges of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and tax evasion on November 6, 2014. By agreement, Graziano agreed to forfeit the property listed in the Notice of Forfeiture in the Second Superseding Indictment, and the property is in the process of being sold with the proceeds being applied toward the restitution judgment.
“In addition to cheating on his taxes, Graziano has now admitted that he illegally sold hydrocodone pills out of Bauder Pharmacy” stated Nick Klinefeldt. “This occurred over five years, and involved hundreds of thousands of pills. Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem in this state and across the country. It wreaks havoc on the lives of all those involved. It has also been demonstrated to lead to the addiction of even more dangerous drugs, such as heroin. Though Graziano is a pharmacist, this activity had nothing to do with legitimate pharmacy practice. Graziano was a drug dealer: plain and simple.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Prosecution of this matter was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Davenport Man Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On February 20, 2015, David Terell Parrow, age 39, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 72 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Parrow was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release following the imprisonment and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund.
On July 5, 2014, police responded to a residence in Davenport, Iowa, reference a report of a disturbance and a suspect with a handgun. Upon arriving, officers proceeded to a backyard in that area and located Parrow. Officers approached Parrow and ordered him to the ground. As Parrow was being escorted to the ground, he pulled out a green and black 9mm handgun from his waistband and threw it in front of himself. This firearm was loaded with 5 rounds plus 1 round in the chamber. Police located 3.83 grams of crack cocaine concealed in Parrow’s sock. Prior to July 5, 2014, Parrow had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year.
This case was investigated by the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Eugene, Oregon Man Sentenced on Tax ChargeRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – On February 18, 2015, Jackie Pieter Boer, age 67, of Eugene, Oregon, was sentenced to nine months imprisonment by Judge Robert W. Pratt, for failing to file a tax return for the year 1984, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt.
Boer was originally indicted in the Southern District of Iowa in 1989, but failed to appear at his scheduled initial appearance and arraignment. For nearly twenty-five years, Boer was a fugitive, until he voluntarily contacted the United States Attorney’s Office to resolve his outstanding case. In addition to a nine month prison sentence, Boer was sentenced to one year of supervised release following his imprisonment. A $25,000 fine was also imposed.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Des Moines Area Attorney and Real Estate Agent Convicted of Bank FraudRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA - A Des Moines area attorney and real estate agent were both convicted of bank fraud after an eight-day jury trial, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Attorney Jason Springer was convicted of seven counts of bank fraud, and real estate agent Rick Makohoniuk was convicted of one count of bank fraud, in connection with a property flipping scheme. Bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $1,000,000, or both. The court also will be authorized to impose orders of restitution. United States District Judge John A. Jarvey will schedule a sentencing date at a later time.
Springer, Makohoniuk, and three other men were charged with engaging in a scheme to defraud financial institutions from approximately March 2009 to March 2011, involving approximately eighteen homes in and around Des Moines, Iowa, and a loss of approximately $400,000. Two of the other men, Nathan Smith and Patrick Steven, with the assistance of Springer and others, negotiated short sales with lenders on behalf of homeowners. Smith and Steven also purchased the homes in the short sales while deceiving the lenders into believing that the price Smith and Steven paid in the short sale was the fair market value. In fact, Smith and Steven resold the homes for a higher price the same day they purchased the home in the short sale or soon after, all without the lenders’ knowledge. Springer furthered the scheme by conducting many of the fraudulent real estate closings, including signing and submitting false HUD-1 settlement statements that stated that Smith and Steven paid cash at closing for the short sales. In some cases, Smith and Steven brought no money to closing, whereas in other cases, Smith and Steven provided checks, but there were not sufficient funds in Smith and Steven’s bank account to cover the checks they brought to closings. Springer used the proceeds of the resale to fund the short sale. Makohoniuk, a realtor, is alleged to have submitted false documents to a lender with respect to one of the homes involved in the scheme.
The three following defendants charged in the indictment each entered guilty pleas; and are scheduled to be sentenced on May 14, 2015:
• Nathan Smith and Patrick Steven both pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud; and
• Jerod Hogan, a Des Moines area mortgage broker, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to make a false statement to a financial institution.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development-Office of Inspector General, and was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Council Bluffs Resident Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - On February 12, 2015, Ronald Wayne Shenk, a 48 year-old resident of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 120 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine followed by a consecutive period of 60 months in prison for possession a firearm in relation to drug trafficking, announced United States Attorney Nicholas Klinefeldt. Shenk’s term of imprisonment is to be followed by five years of supervised release.
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement served a search warrant on Shenk’s residence in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on April 17, 2014. The search produced over one kilogram of methamphetamine, over ten thousand dollars in cash, and ten firearms. Law enforcement also located drug trafficking paraphernalia, including digital scales, multiple cellular telephones, drug notes and surveillance equipment. Shenk entered a guilty plea on October 2, 2014.
The investigation was conducted by the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Mills County Sheriff’s Office, the Council Bluffs, Iowa, 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.
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Davenport Man Sentenced for Federal Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On January 30, 2015, Curtis Anthony Newman, Sr., age 54, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Judge John A. Jarvey to 96 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Newman was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release following the imprisonment and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund.
Beginning in approximately March 2010, and continuing until about September 22, 2012, Newman conspired with other persons to distribute heroin. Specifically, on multiple occasions during the above-mentioned time period co-conspirator Lennon Hunter, Jr. obtained heroin (ranging in weight from approximately one ounce to one-half kilogram) in Los Angeles, California. The heroin was then usually sent via parcel carrier to the Quad Cities area or provided to another co-conspirator who utilized rail and bus carriers to transport the heroin to the Quad Cities. Once in the Quad Cities, the heroin was delivered to Newman in Davenport, Iowa, for Newman’s further distribution. The total quantity of heroin distributed by Newman exceeded one kilogram.
Co-conspirator Lennon Hunter, Jr. was also charged in the Southern District of Iowa with conspiracy to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin, and Hunter, Jr. was previously sentenced by Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 120 months in prison and five years of supervised release following the imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency - Quad Cities Metropolitan Enforcement Group, and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Former Davenport Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On January 22, 2015, Shawn Daniel Starling Moore, age 25, formerly of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge James E. Gritzner to 72 months in prison for possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Moore was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release following the imprisonment, pay restitution to a victim in the amount of $500, and to pay $100 to the Crime Victims Fund. A cellular telephone was ordered to be forfeited.
On August 1, 2013, two adults came to the headquarters of the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department to report that they were aware that images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct could be seen on Moore’s cellular telephone. Moore had left his cellular telephone at their residence and one of them went through photographs stored in the telephone and saw child pornography. Moore later admitted that he viewed child pornography on the cellular telephone and that he used the cellular telephone to save and store some of the child pornography that he received. A search warrant was obtained to search the contents of the cellular telephone and police found numerous images of child pornography on the device.
On October 28, 2014, Moore entered a guilty plea to the charge of possession of child pornography and agreed to forfeit his cellular telephone.
This case was investigated by the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department, and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Clinton Man Sentenced to 144 Months in Prison for Distribution, Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On January 22, 2015, Ryan Lynn Nelson, age 31, of Clinton, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 144 months in prison for distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Nelson was also ordered to serve eight years of supervised release following the imprisonment, pay a fine of $10,000, pay restitution to victims in the amount of $2,500, and pay $300 to the Crime Victims Fund. The computers and contraband images were ordered to be forfeited.
On August 12, 2011, law enforcement officers of the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force identified an IP address associated with Nelson that had child pornography available for download, and obtained a list of files that the user was sharing, including numerous files that had names and labels associated with child pornography. Three files containing child pornography from the specific IP address were downloaded. A search warrant was later issued for Nelson’s residence on October 3, 2011, where police searched the residence and found two computers containing numerous images of child pornography.
On March 6, 2014, Nelson pled guilty to all three counts of the indictment charging unlawful receipt of child pornography, unlawful distribution of child pornography and unlawful possession of child pornography.
This case was investigated by the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force including the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department, the DeWitt, Iowa, Police Department, the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Clinton, Iowa, Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Former Iowa City Area Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On January 22, 2015, Shedrick Xavier Pujoe, age 26, formerly of the Iowa City area, was sentenced by United States District Judge Stephanie M. Rose for possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of actual methamphetamine announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Pujoe was sentenced to 180 months in prison. He was also ordered to serve five years supervised release following the imprisonment, and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund.
On August 8, 2013, police executed a search warrant at a motel room in Coralville, Iowa, where Pujoe was residing. Police seized numerous items in the room indicative of drug trafficking, including 20 separately packaged amounts of ice methamphetamine totaling 88 grams. Also in the room were digital scales, latex gloves, numerous plastic baggies, and drug ledgers. Pujoe’s fingerprint was identified on the packaging containing the methamphetamine. At trial, testimony and supporting evidence was received that Pujoe sold portions of that ice methamphetamine on multiple occasions to a customer during the summer of 2014. On October 8, 2014, a jury found Pujoe guilty of the drug trafficking charge.
This case was investigated by the Johnson County Drug Task Force, the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Coralville, Iowa, Police Department, and the Iowa City, Iowa, Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Federal Court Sentences Davenport Woman on Escape from Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA - On January 22, 2015, Kenra Sharay Campbell, age 29, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge James E. Gritzner to 18 months in prison, after pleading guilty to escape from federal custody, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Campbell was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release following the imprisonment, and to pay $100 to the Crime Victims Fund.
On August 6, 2014, Campbell escaped from the Davenport Work Release Center, where she was serving the remainder of a federal sentence for felon in possession of a firearm. On August 8, 2014, the United States Marshals Service arrested Campbell in Moline, Illinois.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Federal Court Sentences Davenport Man for Conspiracy to Distribute MarijuanaRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA - On January 22, 2015, Justin Scott Coffey, age 30, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge James E. Gritzner to 63 months in prison, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Coffey also was ordered to serve four years of supervised release following the imprisonment, and to pay $100 to the Crime Victims Fund.
From June 2007 to April 2013, Coffey and other individuals entered into an agreement to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana. During this time period, Coffey traveled to California and arranged for the purchase of multiple pound quantities of marijuana. Coffey mailed packages of marijuana back to other Iowa co-conspirators for re-distribution in the Quad Cities area. Coffey also transported marijuana and drug proceeds himself in and out of Iowa.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Quad CityMetropolitan Enforcement Group (QCMEG). The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Davenport Man Sentenced to 15 ½ Years for Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On January 22, 2015, Demario Dante Palmer, age 36, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 186 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Palmer was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release following the imprisonment and to pay $100 to the Crime Victims Fund.
Palmer distributed heroin to various customers in the Davenport area beginning by at least 2008 and continuing until June 30, 2014. Palmer obtained portions of the heroin he distributed from sources in the Chicago area. Palmer utilized other persons during this time period to assist him in obtaining heroin from Chicago, including recruiting others to drive him (or other persons acting on his behalf) to Chicago for the purpose of bringing heroin to Davenport to further distribute. Palmer also utilized other persons to assist him with distributing heroin to his customers. On June 30, 2014, pursuant to a warrant, police searched Palmer’s residence in Davenport. Police located approximately 7.5 grams of heroin in 20 individually packaged baggies, packaging material, a digital scale, and a firearm, all of which belonged to Palmer. The quantity of heroin distributed by Palmer exceeded 1 kilogram.
This case was investigated by the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department and the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Federal Court Sentences Davenport Man for Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana and False Statements to a Federal Grand JuryRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA- On January 16, 2015, Harrison Sean Summers, age 23, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to two concurrent terms of 30 months imprisonment, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana and false statements to a federal grand jury, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Summers was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release, and to pay $200 towards the Crime Victims Fund.
Beginning by at least May 2011, and continuing until approximately March 2013, Summers entered into an agreement to receive marijuana from co-defendant Jared Fromknecht to distribute to others. Summers was aware that Fromknecht was shipping marijuana via mail from Colorado to Iowa for re-distribution. As part of this agreement, Summers paid Fromknecht for marijuana received by depositing drug proceeds in a bank account. At sentencing, Summers admitted to being responsible for over 40 kilograms of marijuana.
As relates to the false statements charge, Summers appeared in front of a federal grand jury on or about March 20, 2013, and falsely testified under oath that he had not received marijuana from Fromknecht.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Two Individuals Sentenced in Federal Court for Defrauding AIG out of Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars in West Des Moines, IowaRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – Former Iowa resident Christina M. Pender and California resident Robert K. Taylor have pled guilty to defrauding insurance company AIG out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Taylor also pled guilty to making false statements to a financial institution involving a mortgage fraud scheme in California. Pender pled guilty on April 17, 2014, and Taylor pled guilty on August 27, 2014.
On May 21, 2013, a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Iowa indicted Pender and Taylor for wire fraud. From approximately April 1, 2010 to January 5, 2011, Pender and Taylor perpetrated a scheme whereby Pender, then an AIG insurance adjuster located in West Des Moines, Iowa, approved payments to companies owned by Taylor for expert services that were never provided. Taylor’s companies were based in California, where he resided, and included TEI Group Associates, Inc., TEI Group, Inc., and Equitable Consulting Solutions. Pender also approved payments for expert services that were not provided to another Iowa-based company, MDP Group, which was owned, in part, by her then-boyfriend. All of the alleged services were supposed to be for consulting in furtherance of AIG’s handling of construction defect claims that were in litigation. In total, Pender admitted that she approved approximately $925,406 in payments by AIG for services that were not provided. Taylor received $666,128.98 of those payments.
During the pendency of the prosecution for wire fraud, the Government discovered that Taylor was also part of a mortgage fraud scheme in California. From approximately December 2005 through April 2006, Taylor applied for and received mortgage loans and lines of credit that he used for the purchase and refinance of several real properties in Kingsburg, California. In his mortgage loan and line of credit applications for these properties, Taylor knowingly and fraudulently identified his social security number as a number which he knew was not his social security number in an effort to influence the approval and funding of the loans. Taylor ultimately defaulted on his payment obligations, and the Kingsburg properties were foreclosed. Then, on November 20, 2012, Taylor subsequently filed a petition for bankruptcy using the fraudulent social security number. As a result of Taylor’s false statements for the purpose of obtaining the mortgage loans and lines of credit, Taylor caused lending institutions, including Countrywide Bank, losses of $326,100. Taylor pled guilty to an Information charging him with making false statements to a financial institution.
Pender was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $879,401.74 to AIG. Taylor was sentenced to 28 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $376,468.80 to Bank of America and $623,924.72 to AIG.
The wire fraud case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa. The case involving false statements to a financial institution was investigated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of California and the Southern District of Iowa.
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LeClaire Man is Sentenced in Federal Court for Conspiracy to Distribute MarijuanaRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA - On December 22, 2014, Morgan Michael Hermiston, age 26, of LeClaire, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge James E. Gritzner to 46 months imprisonment, announced U. S. Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Hermiston was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his imprisonment, and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund.
Beginning by at least November 2011, Hermiston entered into an agreement to receive marijuana from co-defendant Jared Fromknecht to distribute to others. Hermiston was aware that Fromknecht was shipping marijuana via mail from Colorado to Iowa for re-distribution. As part of this agreement, Hermiston arranged for Fromknecht to mail marijuana to others who then delivered this marijuana to Hermiston for distribution.
Hermiston pled guilty on October 4, 2013, to the charge of conspiracy to distribute marijuana. At sentencing, Hermiston admitted being responsible for over 100 kilograms of marijuana.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the United States Postal Inspections Service, and the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Former North Liberty Man Sentenced for Federal Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On December 19, 2014, Terry Joe Burns, age 49, formerly of North Liberty, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Judge John A. Jarvey to 180 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Burns was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release following the imprisonment, and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund.
Beginning in approximately July 2013 and continuing until about November 14, 2013, Burns conspired with other persons to distribute ice methamphetamine in the North Liberty, Iowa, area. On November 14, 2013, law enforcement intercepted a vehicle occupied by co-defendant Donald Lee Engstrom as it arrived at Burns’ residence near North Liberty. The vehicle contained 333 grams of highly pure ice methamphetamine and $9,255 in U.S. currency. These items belonged to Engstrom, and he was traveling to meet Burns because Engstrom had arranged with Burns to meet with Burns and an acquaintance of his for the purpose of selling that person one-half pound of ice methamphetamine.
Co-defendant Engstrom has pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced by Judge Jarvey in September 2014 to 120 months in prison.
This case was investigated by the Johnson County Drug Task Force, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, and the North Liberty, Iowa, and Iowa City, Iowa, Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Former Los Angeles Man Sentenced for Federal Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On December 19, 2014, Lennon Hunter, Jr., age 56, formerly of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced by United States District Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 120 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Hunter was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release following the imprisonment, and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund.
Beginning in approximately July 2009 and continuing until about September 22, 2012, Hunter conspired with other persons to distribute heroin. On multiple occasions during this period Hunter obtained heroin—ranging in weight from approximately one ounce to one-half kilogram—in Los Angeles, California, and then either sent the heroin via parcel carrier to the Quad Cities area, or provided it to a co-conspirator who utilized rail and bus carriers to transport the heroin to the Quad Cities. Once in the Quad Cities, the heroin was delivered to co-conspirator Curtis Newman, Sr. in Davenport, Iowa, for further distribution. The quantity of heroin distributed by Hunter exceeded 1 kilogram.
Co-conspirator Curtis Newman, Sr. has pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and is awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Quad Cities Metropolitan Enforcement Group, and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Davenport Man Sentenced in Federal Court for Possession of Firearm as FelonRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA- On December 19, 2014, Ronnell Monshanique Henderson, age 33, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 100 months imprisonment, after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm as a felon, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Henderson was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his conviction, and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund.
On March 20, 2014, officers with the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department responded to a report of a burglary in progress. Witnesses were able to provide a description of the subjects involved as well as a description and license plate number of the maroon SUV they left in. Davenport police officers in the area observed a vehicle with occupants that matched this description and conducted a traffic stop.
Henderson stepped out of the vehicle at the request of the officers, and an officer instructed him to turn around and face the vehicle. As Henderson started to turn, he swung his arm back, struck the officer and attempted to run. Two officers were able to catch Henderson and physically placed him on the ground. Henderson continued to physically resist. Henderson kept his hands underneath him and failed to respond to repeated commands to give officers his hands. Officers were finally able to get control of Henderson’s hands. Henderson continued to physically struggle with officers as they searched him. Officers found a loaded black revolver in Henderson’s right front jacket pocket. Both officers sustained injuries as a result of Henderson’s resistance to arrest.
The firearm seized was an Uberti Outlaw 44/40 caliber revolver loaded with five rounds, which had been reported stolen in February 2011. Prior to March 20, 2014, Henderson had been convicted of a robbery, a Class C felony under Iowa law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.
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Davenport Man Sentenced in Federal Court for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA- On December 19, 2014, Robert Lee Burton, age 49, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 90 months in prison, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Burton was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release following his imprisonment, and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund. Burton was also ordered to pay $2800 in restitution to one of the victims involved in this offense.
Based on an investigation involving the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force and the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, a search was performed on January 11, 2012, at Burton’s Davenport residence. Multiple hard drives, DVDs, thumb drives and computers were seized and later found to contain images and videos of child pornography. Burton pled guilty on July 1, 2014, and he will be required by state and federal law to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, the Davenport Police Department and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Project Safe Child initiative.
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Civilian Navy Employee Found Guilty of Obstruction and False Statement after Jury TrialRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal jury today returned a guilty verdict against a civilian employee of the U.S. Navy posted at the Capodichino Navy Base near Naples, Italy, for obstructing an investigation and making false statements, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt of the Southern District of Iowa.
Steven William Ashton, 41, with a last known U.S. residence in Davenport, Iowa, was found guilty after a nine-day jury trial of creating false documents to obstruct the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) investigation into Ashton’s private consulting business called BlackGrid Consulting LLC. The jury also found Ashton guilty of making false statements about his tour of duty in order to obtain federal benefits and access to military bases worldwide.
The evidence at trial showed that the NCIS was investigating Ashton for conflicts of interest and using inside government information to advance his business. When Ashton learned about the investigation, he created fraudulent documentation purporting to show that he had fully disclosed his business to Navy authorities and received approval. At Ashton’s direction, his defense counsel unwittingly submitted those false documents to the prosecutors and gave other false explanations to the Justice Department.
According to the evidence presented at trial, from April 2004 to March 2013, Ashton was employed by the Navy as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and Host Nation Programs Manager for the regions of Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia, responsible for managing contracts and agreements among the Navy and other countries to support the United States’ military efforts.
He was found not guilty on charges of theft of government funds for obtaining housing benefits, called Living Quarters Assistance, to which he was not entitled, and of obstructing that investigation.
This case was investigated by the NCIS and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Director of Procurement Fraud Litigation Catherine Votaw of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Clifford Cronk of the Southern District of Iowa.
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Shenandoah, Iowa, Resident Sentenced to 57 Months for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - On December 16, 2014, Anthony J. Simmons, a 30 year-old resident of Shenandoah, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to serve 57 months in prison for possession of child pornography, and to serve 10 years of supervised release following imprisonment, announced United States Attorney Nicholas Klinefeldt.
During the Spring of 2013, investigators located sexually explicit pictures of a fifteen year-old female on Simmons’ computer. On June 5, 2014, Simmons entered a guilty plea to possession of child pornography.
The investigation was conducted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations, Cyber Crimes Unit, and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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California Residents Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - On December 16, 2014, Mario Ruben Borboa, a 38 year-old resident of Downey, California, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge John Jarvey to 160 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and to serve five years supervised release following imprisonment, announced United States Attorney Nicholas Klinefeldt. Borboa entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine on August 14, 2014.
Borboa’s co-defendant, Melissa Nicole Gallardo, a 30 year-old resident of Lancaster, California, was sentenced by Judge John Jarvey to 65 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and to serve three years of supervised release following imprisonment. Gallardo entered a guilty plea to the charge on July 11, 2014.
On February 27, 2014, the Iowa State Patrol in Cass County, Iowa, conducted a traffic stop resulting in the seizure of approximately 16 pounds of methamphetamine that was located in the trunk of the car Borboa and Gallardo had driven from California. The investigation revealed that the methamphetamine was being transported from the Los Angeles, California, area to Waterloo, Iowa, where it was to be distributed. Money received from the sale of the methamphetamine was to be returned to California at a later date.
The investigation was conducted by the Iowa State Patrol and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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St. Charles Man Pleads Guilty to False Income Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA - On December 12, 2014, Jay A. Ochanpaugh, of St. Charles, Iowa, and formerly of Ames, Iowa, pled guilty to one count of willfully subscribing to a false income tax return, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. On October 25, 2010, Ochanpaugh made and signed an individual income tax return, Form 1040, for the calendar year 2009, in which Ochanpaugh knowingly and intentionally failed to report all income he had received in 2009.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 20, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Des Moines, Iowa. Ochanpaugh faces a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment, a fine of up to $100,000 and a term of supervised release of one year.
This investigation was conducted by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and this case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Council Bluffs, Iowa Resident Sentenced to 60 Months for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
COUNCILS BLUFFS, IA- On November 24, 2014, Anthony John Wesolowski, a 42 year-old resident of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced to 60 months in prison by United States District Judge Stephanie Rose for possession of child pornography, and he was ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release following his imprisonment, announced United States Attorney Nicholas Klinefeldt.
An extensive investigation began when law enforcement determined that Wesolowski was using a file sharing program to obtain images containing child pornography over the internet for a period of several years. On July 8, 2014, Wesolowski pled guilty and admitted that on October 31, 2013, he had images on his home computer that depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security and the Council Bluffs, Iowa, Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Former Solon Man Sentenced on Federal Charge of Possession of a Sawed Off ShotgunRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA - On November 20, 2014, Spencer James Bertling, age 22, formerly from Solon, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge James E. Gritzner to 33 months imprisonment for possession of a sawed off shotgun, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Bertling was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release following the imprisonment, and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund.
On October 18, 2013, law enforcement officers performed a search of a Solon residence as part of a narcotics investigation. During the search, officers found and seized a 20 gauge shotgun modified to have an overall length of less than 26 inches and a barrel of less than 18 inches that was not lawfully registered to Bertling in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Bertling pled guilty to this offense on August 20, 2014.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Johnson County Drug Task Force, and the Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Former Davenport Man Sentenced for 2011 Home Invasion RobberyRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On November 20, 2014, Arthur Allen, Jr., age 25, formerly of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge James E. Gritzner for conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, section 1951, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Allen, Jr. was sentenced to 240 months in prison. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following the imprisonment, pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund, and pay monetary restitution to the family of Demetrius Lewis, Jr., who was killed during the attempted robbery.
In October 2011, Warren, Hodges, and Arthur Allen, Jr. planned a robbery of money, marijuana, and other items of value from the person and residence of Alexander Hubbard, Sr. on West 17th Street in Davenport, Iowa. In preparation for the planned robbery, the conspirators sought and obtained two handguns, including a 9mm handgun, for use in the robbery. On October 17, 2011, as Warren, Hodges, and Allen had agreed to set-up the robbery, Hodges called Hubbard asking if he could visit Hubbard at his residence in order to buy marijuana from him. Hodges, Warren, and Allen then all traveled to the vicinity of Hubbard’s residence in a vehicle driven by Hodges, arriving at approximately 12:30 in the afternoon. Hodges was permitted access into Hubbard’s residence as Hubbard was expecting him. While inside, Hodges made a purchase of marijuana from Hubbard. Also inside Hubbard’s residence were three of Hubbard’s relatives who were all playing video games in the living room—20-year old Demetrius Lewis, Jr., who was Hubbard’s younger cousin, Hubbard’s then 11-year old son, and Hubbard’s 18 year-old cousin.
Upon exiting Hubbard’s residence, Hodges left the entry door to the residence open and alerted Warren and Allen—who were waiting just outside Hubbard’s residence—that Hubbard was in his residence and conducting marijuana sales. Allen and Warren then burst into Hubbard’s residence to complete the robbery. Both Allen and Warren were armed with loaded handguns. After the intruders entered the residence, multiple shots were fired. Demetrius Lewis, Jr. sustained a single 9mm gunshot wound to the abdomen. Hubbard, who upon hearing the invasion into his residence retrieved his .40 caliber handgun and fired at an intruder. Warren was struck in the abdomen with a shot fired by Hubbard. Warren and Allen ran out of the residence and fled on foot through the neighborhood. Upon locating Hodges, Allen and Warren jumped in Hodges’ vehicle. Hodges dropped Warren off near Genesis West Hospital in Davenport; he was treated there for a non-life threatening wound and released. At 12:44 p.m. a 911 call was received and emergency responders dispatched to the scene of the shooting. Demetrius Lewis, Jr. was transported to a local hospital where he died a short time later.
On October 23, 2014, Louis Warren, Jr., age 28, and John Louis Hodges, age 32, both formerly of Davenport, Iowa, were sentenced by Chief United States District Judge James E. Gritzner for attempted interference with commerce by robbery. Warren was sentenced to 168 months in prison. Hodges was sentenced to 192 months in prison. Both were also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following the imprisonment, pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund, and pay monetary restitution to the family of Demetrius Lewis, Jr. Hubbard pled guilty in 2012 to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. He was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Des Moines Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison on Federal Charge of Manufacturing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA - On November 17, 2014, Joshua Parsons, of Des Moines, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge James E. Gritzner to 18 years in prison for manufacturing child pornography, announced U. S. Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Parsons was also sentenced to a lifetime of supervised release.
Parsons volunteered his time as a mentor to children in the Des Moines area, took pornographic photographs of a young boy, and used the internet to download hundreds of images and videos of child pornography.
“This investigation involved a quick and effective response from the Marshalltown Police Department to capture a sexual predator and identify the victims of his offenses,” said Marshalltown Police Chief Michael W. Tupper. “The eighteen-year sentence in this case justly reflects the seriousness of the crime.”
The case was investigated by the Marshalltown, Iowa, Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as part of 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 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.
Anyone who knows of a child being sexually abused is encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.
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Nebraska Resident Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Carrying a FirearmRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA- On November 5, 2014, Corey Allen Brooks, a 43 year-old resident of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge John Jarvey to 30 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and a consecutive 10 years for possession of a firearm during the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Brooks’ term of imprisonment is to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.
The charges resulted from a lengthy investigation into drug trafficking by Brooks in Nebraska and Iowa. It was determined through the investigation that Brooks arranged for large quantities of methamphetamine (approximately 30 kilograms) to be delivered in Omaha, Nebraska, and Council Bluffs, Iowa, between March and September 2011. During the course of the conspiracy, Brooks carried a firearm to protect the operation from interference from outside parties. On January 6, 2014, Brooks pled guilty to both charges.
Additional members of the drug trafficking organization run by Brooks that have also been sentenced include:
Cliff Ellis was sentenced on February 15, 2013, by United States District Court Judge Stephen Rose to 175 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and a consecutive 60 months in prison for possession of a firearm during the conspiracy, to be followed by five years of supervised release.
Khodie Maves was sentenced on March 25, 2014, by United States District Court Judge John Jarvey to 80 months in prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Jason Hanan was sentenced on March 25, 2014, by United States District Court Judge John Jarvey to 120 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and a consecutive 120 months in prison for possession of a firearm during the conspiracy, to be followed by five years of supervised release.
Roy Gage was sentenced on March 25, 2014, by United States District Court Judge John Jarvey to 100 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and a consecutive 60 months in prison for possession of a firearm during the conspiracy, to be followed by five years of supervised release.
James Surber was sentenced on March 25, 2014, by United States District Court Judge John Jarvey to 60 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, to be followed by five years of supervised release.
Anthony Good was sentenced on May 29, 2014, by United States District Court Judge John Jarvey to 140 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and a consecutive 120 months in prison for possession of a firearm during the conspiracy, to be followed by five years of supervised release.
Chris Tietz was sentenced on July 1, 2014, by United States District Court Judge John Jarvey to 188 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, to be followed by five years of supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Mills County Sheriff’s Office, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Police Department, Omaha, Nebraska, Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotic Enforcement, and the United States Secret Service. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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What Cheer Man Sentenced for Taking and Possessing a Bald EagleRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA - On November 6, 2014, Jason John Thomas, age 36 of What Cheer, Iowa, was sentenced by District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 60 days imprisonment for taking and possessing a bald eagle, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Thomas was ordered to serve one year of supervised release following the imprisonment, pay a $2,000 fine, and pay $25 toward the Crime Victim Fund. Special conditions of the supervised release include that Thomas shall perform 80 hours of community service, and shall not engage in any form of hunting.
On March 16, 2011, Thomas took and possessed a bald eagle in rural Mahaska County. During a boat ride, Thomas saw the bald eagle on a bluff above the river. Thomas pursued the eagle as it flew down river, captured it after it landed in the river, and then struck and killed the bald eagle.
The 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.
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Union County Resident Sentenced to 110 Months in Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - On November 5, 2014, Peter James Wiley, a 33 year-old resident of Creston, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge John Jarvey to 110 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of firearm by a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt.
Wiley was identified as a person of interest in a shooting that occurred in Page County, Iowa, early in the evening of December 10, 2013. Several hours later, Wiley was identified as a suspect in a shooting that occurred in Adams County, Iowa. Wiley was located by Creston, Iowa Police, early in the morning of the 11th of December 2013, when he was observed driving a car that failed to stop for a stop sign. A pursuit occurred which culminated with Wiley setting his vehicle on fire, fleeing his vehicle on foot, and running into a farm field. As he fled on foot, he dropped a forty caliber semi-automatic handgun onto the roadway. He was arrested a short time later after being located by a K-9 unit. Wiley pled guilty to the charge on June 5, 2014.
The investigation was conducted by the Shenandoah, Iowa, Police Department, the Creston, Iowa, Police Department, the Page County Sheriff’s Office, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Montgomery County Resident Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - On November 5, 2014, Bill Joe Gillespie, a 32 year-old resident of Red Oak, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge John Jarvey to 70 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of firearm by a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Nicholas Klinefeldt.
An investigation revealed that Gillespie had broken into a Shell gas station in Red Oak, Iowa, during the early morning hours of December 15, 2013, and had taken, among other items, two shotguns. The shotguns were recovered from Gillespie a short time later. Gillespie pled guilty to the charge on May 8, 2014.
The investigation was conducted by the Red Oak, Iowa, Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Douglas County Resident Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - On November 5, 2014, Barvarito Garcia Longoria, a 35 year-old resident of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 84 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt.
On April 3, 2014, Garcia Longoria pled guilty to the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Pottawattamie County law enforcement investigated a domestic incident, and found Garcia Longoria in possession of a defaced 9mm handgun. Garcia Longoria was prohibited from possessing a firearm after he pled guilty in 2006 to third degree assault on an officer.
The investigation was conducted by the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Des Moines Pharmacist Pleads Guilty to Drug Diversion and Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – On November 6, 2014, Mark Graziano, principal owner of Bauder Pharmacy, and A. Michael Enloe, pled guilty to the charge of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, announced United States Attorney Nick Klinefeldt. Graziano also pled guilty to tax evasion.
“In addition to cheating on his taxes, Graziano has now admitted that he illegally sold hydrocodone pills out of Bauder Pharmacy” stated Nick Klinefeldt. “This occurred over five years, and involved hundreds of thousands of pills. Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem in this state and across the country. It wreaks havoc on the lives of all those involved. It has also been demonstrated to lead to the addiction of even more dangerous drugs, such as heroin. Though Graziano is a pharmacist, this activity had nothing to do with legitimate pharmacy practice. Graziano was a drug dealer: plain and simple.”
Sentencing is scheduled for February 6, 2015. If the Court accepts the terms of the plea agreement, Graziano faces a period of imprisonment between 24 and 37 months, and Enloe will be placed on probation for a period of one to five years. Graziano has also agreed to forfeit the property listed in the Notice of Forfeiture in the Second Superseding Indictment, and the parties have agreed that the property may be sold and the proceeds applied to restitution.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Prosecution of this matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Clinton Man Arrested on Federal Charge of Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA - On October 31, 2014, Dirk Hayo Notman, age 76, of Clinton, Iowa, made an initial appearance in federal court after being arrested on a federal complaint that alleged he possessed child pornography, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Notman was ordered detained pending a detention and preliminary hearing on November 6, 2014. As part of an ongoing investigation, law enforcement officers conducted a search of Notman’s residence on April 24, 2014. During this search, officers seized numerous DVDs containing sexually explicit images of minors.
This case is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Clinton, Iowa, Police Department, and the case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney=s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
The public is reminded that a criminal complaint is only an accusation, and that Notman is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Former Davenport Men Sentenced for 2011 Home Invasion RobberyRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On October 23, 2014, Louis Warren, Jr., age 28, and John Louis Hodges, age 32, both formerly of Davenport, Iowa, were sentenced by Chief United States District Judge James E. Gritzner for attempted interference with commerce by robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951 announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Warren was sentenced to 168 months imprisonment, and Hodges was sentenced to 192 months imprisonment. Both were also ordered to serve three years supervised release following the imprisonment, pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund, and pay monetary restitution to the family of Demetrius Lewis, Jr., who was killed during the robbery.
In October 2011, Warren, Hodges, and Arthur Allen, Jr. planned a robbery of money, marijuana, and other items of value from Alexander Hubbard, Sr. on West 17th Street in Davenport, Iowa. In preparation for the planned robbery, the conspirators obtained two handguns for use in the robbery, including a 9mm handgun.
On October 17, 2011, as Warren, Hodges, and Allen had agreed to set-up the robbery, Hodges called Hubbard asking if he could visit Hubbard at his residence in order to buy marijuana from him, and Hubbard agreed. Hodges, Warren, and Allen then all traveled to Hubbard’s residence in a vehicle driven by Hodges, arriving at approximately 12:30 in the afternoon. Hodges was permitted access into Hubbard’s residence, where Hodges made a purchase of marijuana from Hubbard. Also inside Hubbard’s residence were three of Hubbard’s relatives who were all playing video games in the living room—20-year old Demetrius Lewis, Jr., who was Hubbard’s younger cousin, Hubbard’s then 11-year old son, and another cousin of Hubbard’s, then 18.
Upon exiting Hubbard’s residence, Hodges left the entry door to the residence open and alerted Warren and Allen—who were waiting just outside Hubbard’s residence—that Hubbard was in his residence and conducting marijuana sales. Allen and Warren then burst into Hubbard’s residence to complete the robbery. Both Allen and Warren were armed with loaded handguns. After the intruders entered the residence, multiple shots were fired. Demetrius Lewis, Jr. sustained a single 9mm gunshot wound to the abdomen. Hubbard, who upon hearing the invasion into his residence retrieved his .40 caliber handgun and fired at an intruder. Warren was struck in the abdomen with a shot fired by Hubbard. Warren and Allen ran out of the residence and fled on foot through the neighborhood. Upon locating Hodges, Allen and Warren jumped into Haye’s vehicle. Hodges dropped Warren off near Genesis West Hospital in Davenport; he was treated there for a non-life threatening wound and released.
At 12:44 p.m. on October of 2011, a 911 call was received and emergency responders dispatched to the scene of the shooting. Demetrius Lewis, Jr. was transported to a local hospital where he died a short time later. Co-defendant Arthur Allen, Jr. has pled guilty to attempted interference with commerce by robbery and is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief Judge Gritzner on November 20, 2014. Hubbard pled guilty in 2012 to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and was sentenced to 96 months imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Federal Court Sentences Former University of Iowa Hospital Employee on Mail Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA - On October 23, 2014, Jennifer Robyn Whitmore-Meier, age 37, of Avon, Colorado, was sentenced by United States Chief District Court Judge James E. Gritzner to three years of probation, after pleading guilty to three counts of mail fraud, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Whitmore-Meier was also ordered to pay $300 to the Crime Victim Fund and restitution.
Whitmore-Meier worked for the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics as an IT consultant from 2002 to 2011. Between February 8, 2003, and November 2, 2011, Whitmore-Meier purchased at least 567 items with University funds without approval or notice by the University, and then sold the items on eBay for gross proceeds of $122,374.87. Whitmore-Meier also used University funds to pay for accessories, shipping materials, and shipping costs affiliated with the items that she sold on eBay and also used University funds for personal eBay purchases. Over this same time period, Whitmore-Meier electronically transferred $118,553 in proceeds to her personal bank account. Whitmore-Meier admitted that she acted with the intent to defraud in executing this scheme.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the State of Iowa Auditor's Office. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Muscatine Man Sentenced on Federal Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On October 23, 2014, Russell Lee Brossart, age 42, of Muscatine, Iowa, was sentenced to 168 month in prison by Chief United States District Judge James E. Gritzner for conspiracy to distribute at least 500 grams of a mixture of substance containing methamphetamine and at least 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Brossart was ordered to serve five years supervised release following the imprisonment, and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund.
Beginning about November 15, 2013, and continuing until about February 21, 2014, Brossart distributed more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine in the Muscatine, Iowa area. During November 2013, law enforcement utilized a confidential informant to complete two controlled purchases of “ice”—also referred to as “crystal”—methamphetamine from Brossart while under law enforcement surveillance. On November 25, 2013, law enforcement executed a search warrant for Brossart’s vehicle in Muscatine and located, among other things, approximately 6 grams of ice methamphetamine. On February 20, 2014, law enforcement located an additional 29.66 grams of ice methamphetamine in a vehicle driven by Brossart. On February 21, 2014, police executed a search warrant at Brossart’s residence in Muscatine and seized approximately 60 grams of ice methamphetamine, a digital scale, and packaging materials. All of the above-referenced methamphetamine belonged to Brossart. Brossart knowingly distributed ice methamphetamine to multiple customers in the Muscatine area.
This case was investigated by the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office, the Muscatine, Iowa, Police Department, the Muscatine County Drug Task Force, the Johnson County Drug Task Force, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Clinton Man Sentenced for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On October 22, 2014, Shane Roger Hoiland, age 22, formerly of Clinton, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Judge John A. Jarvey to 48 months in prison for bank robbery, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Hoiland was ordered to serve three years supervised release following imprisonment, and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund. Hoiland was also ordered to pay restitution to the Clinton National Bank for an amount that included the funds taken by Hoiland during the robbery.
Just prior to noon on February 25, 2013, Hoiland entered the Lyons branch of the Clinton National Bank in Clinton, Iowa. He approached a teller and handed her a note demanding money. The teller placed all of the cash from her drawer in a paper bag, handed it to Hoiland, and he took the money from the teller and left the bank. At the time of the robbery the deposits of the Clinton National Bank were insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Clinton, Iowa, Police Department, and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Pottawattamie County Resident Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - On October 21, 2014, Craig Duane Ellis, a 35 year-old resident of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge James E. Gritzner to 70 months in prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Ellis was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release following the imprisonment.
On July 18, 2014, Ellis pled guilty to the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Ellis was pulled over for a traffic stop on February 14, 2014, in Fremont County, Iowa, and two 12-gauge shotguns were found in the vehicle. Ellis was prohibited from possessing a firearm after he pled guilty in 2001 to third degree kidnapping.
The investigation was conducted by the Fremont County, Iowa Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Polk City Man Sentenced to 5 Years Imprisonment on Federal Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – On October 22, 2014, Domenic “John” Pighetti, age 70, of Polk City, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge James E. Gritzner to five years in prison for knowingly possessing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Pighetti was ordered to serve five years supervised release following the imprisonment, to pay a $17,500 fine, and to pay $100 to the Crime Victims Fund. Pighetti was also ordered to forfeit the computer equipment and media involved in the offense.
Evidence in this case included the fact Pighetti started collecting child pornography in 2006, after reading in the newspaper about someone else being caught doing so by law enforcement, and the fact that Pighetti sought out and collected child pornography from 2006 until caught by law enforcement authorities in 2013.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The 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.
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Davenport Man Sentenced on Federal Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On October 22, 2014, Joshua Jonas Edward Miller, age 33, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced to 96 months in prison by United States District Judge John A. Jarvey for conspiracy to distribute at least 280 grams of cocaine base announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. He was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release following the imprisonment, and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund.
Beginning about November 2011, and continuing until about October 30, 2012, Miller distributed more than 280 grams of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”) in the Davenport, Iowa, area. During October 2012, law enforcement utilized a confidential informant to complete a series of controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Miller while under law enforcement surveillance. On October 30, 2012, law enforcement executed a search warrant for Miller’s residence in Davenport and located, among other things, approximately 51 grams of crack cocaine and a digital scale that both belonged to Miller.
This case was investigated by the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department, the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Davenport Man Sentenced on Federal Marijuana ConspiracyRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On October 17, 2014, Edwin James Goodwin, age 36, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 60 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute at least 100 kilograms of marijuana, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Goodwin was also ordered to serve four years of supervised release following the imprisonment and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund.
Beginning in approximately July 2008 and continuing until about July 31, 2012, Goodwin conspired with other persons to distribute marijuana in the Davenport, Iowa, area. Specifically, during the above-mentioned time period Goodwin regularly sold multiple pound quantities of marijuana directly to his co-defendant Marqueis Letrell Lewis and other persons in Davenport for further distributions to various customers in the Davenport area. Over the course of the conspiracy Goodwin distributed over 700 kilograms of marijuana. Lewis pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute at least 100 kilograms of marijuana and was sentenced by Judge Rose in January 2014 to 113 months imprisonment. Goodwin also forfeited $58,433.27 to the government as proceeds derived from Goodwin’s drug trafficking activities.
This case was investigated by the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department, the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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