Northern District of Iowa

A man who illegally possessed firearms was sentenced on September 20, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.

Matthew Knowles, 38, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, pled guilty on May 3, 2024, to possessing a .380 ACP pistol, and a .410-gauge shotgun on November 10, 2022, in Fort Dodge, Iowa.  As part of an investigation of stolen property, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Knowles’ residence.  There, officers recovered thousands of dollars of stolen tools, the two firearms, and controlled substances.  Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Knowles was a user of methamphetamine, marijuana, and was a felon when he possessed the firearms.  As a felon and drug user, Knowles was prohibited from possessing firearms.         

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Knowles was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment and must serve a two year term of supervised release after the term of imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Knowles remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.  

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Iowa DCI Laboratory.  

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

The case file number is 23-3039.  

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A man who shot two people in Burlington, Iowa, and was found in Cedar Rapids with a firearm was sentenced September 19, 2024, to over four years in federal prison.

Kejonte Daishawn King, age 21, from Burlington, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 29, 2024, guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

At the guilty plea, King admitted he was previously convicted in Wisconsin for robbery by threat.  King failed to appear for his sentencing in that case.  King was in Burlington on March 24, 2023, when he shot two people and then fled the area.  The Eastern Iowa Fugitive Task Force, led by the United States Marshals Service, found King in Cedar Rapids on April 18, 2023, with two firearms.  King was later convicted of willful injury and intimidation with a dangerous weapon and is still serving his prison sentence in that case.

King was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  King was sentenced to an additional 54 months’ and 21 days’ imprisonment to be served concurrently with the remainder of his prison sentence for the Burlington shooting and consecutive to any sentence imposed for his Milwaukee robbery conviction.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

King is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be returned to the Iowa Department of Corrections to complete service of his Iowa sentence and then be sent to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Reinert and investigated by the Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force comprised of officers from the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Cedar Rapids Police Department, Waterloo Police Department, Marion Police Department, Independence Police Department, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Iowa Department of Corrections, the Southern Iowa Fugitive Task Force, the Burlington Iowa Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

The case file number is 24-CR-00010.

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A woman who trafficked methamphetamine was sentenced on September 17, 2024, to 180 months in federal prison for her involvement in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of “ice” methamphetamine.

Courtney Annette Kappel, age 43, from Iowa Falls, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 12, 2024 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.         

Starting in August or September of 2022, Kappel received large quantities of methamphetamine from her drug supplier, Victoria Kay Oestereich.  Kappel received at least 17 pounds of methamphetamine from Oestereich for redistribution.  In January 2024, when law enforcement searched Kappel’s residence in Iowa Falls, they located over 1,000 grams of methamphetamine.

Kappel was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Kappel was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment.  She must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Kappel is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tri‑County Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force, the Black Hawk County Sherriff’s Office, and the Iowa Falls Police Department.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 24-CR-00008.

Siouxland Surgery Center LLP, doing business as Dunes Surgical Hospital (Dunes), United Surgical Partners International Inc. (USPI) and USP Siouxland Inc. have agreed to pay approximately $12.76 million to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations relating to improper financial relationships between Dunes and two physician groups. Dunes is a surgical hospital located in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. Since July 1, 2014, USPI has maintained partial ownership of Dunes through USP Siouxland, a wholly owned subsidiary of USPI. Dunes and USPI disclosed the arrangements at issue to the government following an internal compliance review and independent investigation.

The settlement resolves allegations that, from at least 2014 through 2019, Dunes made significant financial contributions to a non-profit affiliate of a physician group whose physicians referred patients to Dunes. Those payments allegedly funded the salaries of athletic trainers who generated referrals to both the physician group and to Dunes. The settlement also resolves allegations, that during the same time period, Dunes provided another physician group with free or below-fair-market-value clinic space, staff, and supplies. The United States alleged that these arrangements violated both the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) and the Physician Self-Referral Law, commonly known as the Stark Law. The AKS prohibits the provision of remuneration to induce the referral of services or items that are paid for by a federal health care program. The Stark Law prohibits hospitals from billing for certain services referred by physicians with whom the hospital has a financial relationship, unless that relationship satisfies one of the law’s statutory or regulatory exceptions. A claim submitted in violation of the AKS or the Stark Law can also violate the False Claims Act.

“The AKS and Stark Law are designed to ensure that decisions about patient care are based on physicians’ independent medical judgment and not their personal financial interest,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “As this settlement reflects, we will hold accountable those who violate these important safeguards, but we will also give to those who disclose their wrongdoing, take appropriate remedial actions and meaningfully cooperate with the government’s investigation.”

In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that Dunes and USPI took a number of significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government. Following an internal compliance review and independent investigation, Dunes and USPI promptly took remedial actions and disclosed the relevant arrangements to the government. Dunes and USPI also provided the government with a detailed and thorough written disclosure and cooperated with the government throughout its investigation.

“Illegal kickbacks and self-referrals make healthcare more expensive and create the potential for medical decisions that are not based on what is best for patients,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy T. Duax for the Northern District of Iowa. “Our office welcomes the cooperation of those who self-disclose and will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that taxpayers do not bear the costs of illegal and unethical practices.”

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to fostering a healthcare environment that prioritizes patient well-being above all,” said U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell for the District of South Dakota. “We stand firmly against any actions that could undermine the trust and transparency that form the cornerstone of patient care and remain committed to working closely with healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies to promote ethical practices to ensure patients receive the highest standard of care.”

“Individuals and entities that participate in the federal health care system are required to obey laws designed to preserve the integrity of program funds and ensure the provision of appropriate, quality services to patients,” said Special Agent in Charge Linda T. Hanley of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Together with our federal and state law enforcement partners, we remain committed to investigating allegations of improper arrangements that can put patient safety at risk.”

The settlement resolves allegations of false billings to the Medicare, TRICARE and Medicaid programs. The Medicaid program is jointly funded by the federal and state governments. In addition to the approximately $12.76 million to be paid to the federal government for alleged violations of the False Claims Act, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska will collectively receive approximately $1.37 million for their share of the Medicaid portion of the settlement.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota; and HHS-OIG.

The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

Trial Attorney Nathan Green, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Gray for the Northern District of Iowa and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexis Warner for the District of South Dakota handled the matter.

The claims resolved by the United States in the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

Siouxland Surgery Center LLP, doing business as Dunes Surgical Hospital (Dunes), United Surgical Partners International Inc. (USPI) and USP Siouxland Inc. have agreed to pay approximately $12.76 million to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations relating to improper financial relationships between Dunes and two physician groups. Dunes is a surgical hospital located in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. Since July 1, 2014, USPI has maintained partial ownership of Dunes through USP Siouxland, a wholly owned subsidiary of USPI. Dunes and USPI disclosed the arrangements at issue to the government following an internal compliance review and independent investigation.

The settlement resolves allegations that, from at least 2014 through 2019, Dunes made significant financial contributions to a non-profit affiliate of a physician group whose physicians referred patients to Dunes. Those payments allegedly funded the salaries of athletic trainers who generated referrals to both the physician group and to Dunes. The settlement also resolves allegations, that during the same time period, Dunes provided another physician group with free or below-fair-market-value clinic space, staff, and supplies. The United States alleged that these arrangements violated both the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) and the Physician Self-Referral Law, commonly known as the Stark Law. The AKS prohibits the provision of remuneration to induce the referral of services or items that are paid for by a federal health care program. The Stark Law prohibits hospitals from billing for certain services referred by physicians with whom the hospital has a financial relationship, unless that relationship satisfies one of the law’s statutory or regulatory exceptions. A claim submitted in violation of the AKS or the Stark Law can also violate the False Claims Act.     

“The AKS and Stark Law are designed to ensure that decisions about patient care are based on physicians’ independent medical judgment and not their personal financial interest,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “As this settlement reflects, we will hold accountable those who violate these important safeguards, but we will also give to those who disclose their wrongdoing, take appropriate remedial actions and meaningfully cooperate with the government’s investigation.”      

In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that Dunes and USPI took a number of significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government. Following an internal compliance review and independent investigation, Dunes and USPI promptly took remedial actions and disclosed the relevant arrangements to the government. Dunes and USPI also provided the government with a detailed and thorough written disclosure and cooperated with the government throughout its investigation.  

“Illegal kickbacks and self-referrals make healthcare more expensive and create the potential for medical decisions that are not based on what is best for patients,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy T. Duax for the Northern District of Iowa. “Our office welcomes the cooperation of those who self-disclose and will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that taxpayers do not bear the costs of illegal and unethical practices.”

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to fostering a healthcare environment that prioritizes patient well-being above all,” said U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell for the District of South Dakota. “We stand firmly against any actions that could undermine the trust and transparency that form the cornerstone of patient care and remain committed to working closely with healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies to promote ethical practices to ensure patients receive the highest standard of care.”

“Individuals and entities that participate in the federal health care system are required to obey laws designed to preserve the integrity of program funds and ensure the provision of appropriate, quality services to patients,” said Special Agent in Charge Linda T. Hanley of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Together with our federal and state law enforcement partners, we remain committed to investigating allegations of improper arrangements that can put patient safety at risk.”

The settlement resolves allegations of false billings to the Medicare, TRICARE and Medicaid programs. The Medicaid program is jointly funded by the federal and state governments. In addition to the approximately $12.76 million to be paid to the federal government for alleged violations of the False Claims Act, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska will collectively receive approximately $1.37 million for their share of the Medicaid portion of the settlement.   

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota; and HHS-OIG.

The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

Trial Attorney Nathan Green, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Gray for the Northern District of Iowa and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexis Warner for the District of South Dakota handled the matter.

The claims resolved by the United States in the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

Settlement

A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.

Pedro Salazar-Trejo, age 37, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Coralville, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 10, 2024, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported following a conviction for an aggravated felony.

 At the guilty plea, Salazar-Trejo admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government.  Salazar-Trejo has prior convictions in Texas for forgery of government documents, a social security card and driver’s license, in 2005 and fleeing the scene of an accident in 2008.  He was first deported in March 2008.  Salazar-Trejo was deported a second time in May 2014 following a conviction in the Southern District of Texas for illegal entry into the United States.  He was deported a third time in December 2017 following his arrest during a traffic stop in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, by immigration officials.  He was also deported a fourth time in September 2019 following a conviction in the Western District of Texas for Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien, a felony.

Salazar-Trejo was convicted in January 2022 in the Northern District of Iowa of possession of a firearm by an alien, served 27 months’ imprisonment and placed on a three-year term of supervised release before being deported a fifth time in September 2023.  On March 22, 2024, Salazar-Trejo was arrested in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for violating the terms of his supervised release by reentering the United States without permission. 

Salazar-Trejo was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Salazar-Trejo was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  Salazar-Trejo was also sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment to be served consecutively for violating the terms of his supervised release on his prior firearm conviction.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Salazar-Trejo is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file numbers are 24-CR-27 and 21-CR-48.

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Lance Kohler, age 46, from Mason City, Iowa, was sentenced September 13, 2024, to 6 years in federal prison after a May 6, 2024, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

At the guilty plea, Kohler admitted that on December 5, 2023, law enforcement responded to a rollover accident in Cerro Gordo County.  Kohler was the sole occupant of the vehicle.  Officers could see a firearm in plain view and a few hypodermic needles.  Law enforcement eventually seized firearm and approximately 13 grams of methamphetamine from the vehicle.  Kohler told the arresting officer he was “just” a user of methamphetamine, and initially denied owning the firearm.  During a subsequent interview with another officer, Kohler admitted to possessing the methamphetamine and the firearm.  Lab results later confirmed that defendant had methamphetamine and cocaine in his system at the time of the accident. 

Kohler was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 72 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 2-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Kohler is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was investigated by Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 24-3002.

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Dereck Meyer, 34, from Council Bluffs, IA, was sentenced on September 13, 2024, to 144 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana.  Meyer pled guilty April 19, 2024, to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.  In 2011, Meyer was previously convicted in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa for possession with intent to distribute more than 5 grams of methamphetamine within a protected location.

Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that on November 19, 2022, law enforcement officers in Denison, Iowa stopped a vehicle driven by Meyer.  Meyer admitted to being in possession of marijuana, failed to follow officer’s commands and drove off at a high rate of speed initiating a pursuit through Denison, Iowa.  Meyer ultimately drove into the alley and was taken into custody.  During a search of the vehicle officers located 55.46 grams of methamphetamine in the rear seat next to Meyer’s wallet.  Officers also seized four plastic bags, each containing approximately one ounce (about 28 grams) of marijuana, a clear plastic bag containing 4.4 grams of marijuana, and a clear plastic bag containing 3 grams of suspected cocaine.  Meyer intended to distribute some or all of the drugs to another person or persons.   

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Meyer was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment and must serve an eight-year term of supervised release following imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Meyer remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa DCI Laboratory, and the Denison Police Department. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 23-4013.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

A man who escaped from custody in the Gerald R. Hinzman Center was sentenced September 13, 2024, to 24 months in federal prison.

Casey Duhme, age 35, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the sentence after an April 16, 2024, guilty plea to one count of escape from federal custody.  At the plea hearing, Duhme admitted that he was in custody at the Hinzman Center under a federal court order pursuant to his prior conviction for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.  Duhme admitted that, between June 12, 2023, and August 31, 2023, he left custody without authorization by failing to return to the Hinzman Center as required.

Duhme was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Duhme was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and the Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force.

Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is CR 24-20.

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A felon who possessed a firearm was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison.

Malachi Patton Handley, age 23, of Cedar Rapids, received the sentence after a January 30, 2024, guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  At the plea hearing, Handley admitted that, between December 2022 and March 2023, he possessed an SCCY pistol after having been convicted of three felonies.

Handley was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Handley was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).  PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Marion Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is CR 23-57.

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An accountant and adjunct business instructor who laundered over $800,000 of the proceeds of a multi-state business email compromise scheme was convicted by a jury after a three-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.

Margo Ann Williams, age 62, from Scranton, Pennsylvania, was convicted of one count of bank fraud, three counts of money laundering, three counts of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity, and one count of money laundering conspiracy.  The verdict was returned this morning following about five hours of jury deliberations.

The evidence at trial showed that, between December 2022 and July 2023, five victims—a Cedar Rapids church, two businesses, a non-profit, and an individual—had their electronic payments misdirected due to hacked email accounts.  The email accounts were hacked while the victims were in the process of making large wire and automatic clearinghouse (“ACH”) transactions to others.  The victims received “spoofed” emails that falsely appeared to come from legitimate and trusted sources.  The fraudulent emails contained instructions to change the routing information for the wire and ACH transactions.  Unbeknownst to the victims, those accounts listed in the new instructions belonged to Williams.  After receiving “spoofed” emails, the victims instructed their banks to wire the funds according to the new payment instructions.  Williams received the funds into bank accounts she controlled, and then she rapidly transferred the stolen money to other bank accounts that she controlled.  Williams eventually transferred stolen funds to two national cryptocurrency exchanges and an individual in Florida.

For example, in June 2023, a Cedar Rapids church was engaged in a $7 million renovation of its campus.  The hackers compromised the email account of the project’s architect and caused the church to receive “spoofed” emails in which the email domain of the project’s general contractor was slightly changed.  As a result, the church representatives thought they were engaged in email correspondence with the project’s general contractor when, in truth, unknown individuals were impersonating the general contractor’s employees.  As a result, the church unwittingly wired over $466,000 to Williams’s shell corporation, “MBCI & Evercorp, LLC.”  Other victims in the business email compromise scheme included a hotel manager in Colorado, a large non-profit in Washington state, a self-employed homebuilder in Montana, and a general commercial contractor in Pennsylvania.

During the scheme, Williams repeatedly opened bank accounts at major national banks, including one in the name of her shell corporation.  As the banks discovered the fraud and closed the accounts, Williams would continue to open new accounts at other banks in an effort to continue to perpetrate the fraud.  Williams claimed at trial that she was doing so at the direction of a famous British actor with whom she had formed a romantic relationship.  Williams earned approximately $25,000 from the scheme.  Williams made many personal purchases with the stolen money, including an Apple Watch and a Louis Vuitton handbag.

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Williams remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing.  Williams faces a possible maximum sentence of 140 years’ imprisonment, a $4.25 million fine, and 5 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and Kyndra A. Lundquist and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 23-CR-64.

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A man who re-entered the country as an aggravated felon, failed to register as a sex offender, and violated his supervised release was sentenced September 6, 2024, to 21 months in federal prison. 

Melvin Geovani Aguilar-Lopez, age 31, from Rock Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 3, 2024, guilty plea to one count of illegal re-entry as an aggravated felon; a May 17, 2024, guilty plea to one count of failure to update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2250(a); and a May 17, 2024, admission to violations of his supervised release.

At a plea hearing, Aguilar-Lopez admitted to re-entering the country after being deported in April of 2023, after a conviction for re-entry of a removed alien convicted of an aggravated felony in the Southern District of Texas.  On December 9, 2016, the defendant was convicted in the Iowa District Court for Lyon County for Sex Abuse in the Third Degree, a Class C felony in Case No. FECR005748.

In a plea agreement, Aguilar-Lopez admitted that he was required to register and update his registration under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act by reason of a conviction of Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree in the Iowa District Court for Lyon County Criminal No. FECR005748 on December 9, 2016.  Aguilar-Lopez admitted he knew he needed to update his sex offender registration to reflect the fact he had been living in Rock Rapids for approximately 5 months and working in Lyon County for approximately 2 months.  Aguilar-Lopez also admitted to violations of his supervised release.    

Aguilar-Lopez was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Aguilar-Lopez was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Fletcher and was investigated by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Department, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations (Sex Offender Unit) and the United States Marshal’s Service. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 24-CR-04004 and 23-Cr-4077.

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A man who conspired with others to distribute large quantities of cocaine that resulted in the death of a young Dubuque woman pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.

Michael Samuel Knight, age 38, from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams of more of cocaine within 1000 feet of several parks and schools in Dubuque, Iowa, between 2017 and April of 2021, that resulted in the death of a young Dubuque woman on February 14, 2021.  Knight also pled guilty to personally distributing the cocaine on February 14, 2021, that caused the woman’s death.

At the plea hearing, Knight admitted he was a member of a conspiracy to distribute cocaine in the Dubuque area near numerous parks and schools.  He admitted getting cocaine from the individual who brought it from Chicago, and then worked with others to distribute the cocaine to customers in Dubuque.  On February 14, 2021, Knight distributed cocaine to a young woman in Dubuque who went home, used the cocaine and died. 

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Knight remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Knight faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $6,000,000 fine, and up to life on supervised release following any imprisonment.  Knight will also be required to pay restitution to the family of the young woman who died using the cocaine distributed by him.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick J. Reinert and Nicole Nagin and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department

of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Iowa Medical Examiner’s Office and the Dubuque Drug Task Force, comprised of Dubuque Police Department, Dubuque Sheriff’s Office. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 23-CR-01013.

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Kelli Biller, 39, from Sheldon, Iowa, was sentenced on September 4, 2024, to over 9 years in federal prison.  On April 24, 2024, Biller pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that from about January 2022 through November 2023, Biller was involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine and at least 200 grams of fentanyl.  Biller admitted to helping transfer 2,000 fentanyl pills from a source in Sioux City to another for re-distribution in the Sheldon/Primghar area.  Biller also admitted obtaining several ounces of methamphetamine from her source for redistribution in Northwest Iowa.  During a traffic stop in Sioux City on November 10, 2023, agents seized 19 M30 type fentanyl pills from Biller for re-distribution.    

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Biller was sentenced to 119 months’ imprisonment and must serve a four-year term of supervised release following the imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Biller remains in custody of the United States Marshal until she can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.   

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 24-4010. 

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A man who possessed a firearm while being an illegal drug user was sentenced today to 6 months in federal prison.

Larry Wayne Robbins, age 67, from Goodell, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 11, 2024, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful drug user, marijuana, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), and 18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(8).

In a plea agreement, Robbins admitted he waived a gun at a neighbor in Hancock County while that individual was mowing a ditch approximately 300 yards east of Robbins’s house.  A search warrant later executed at Robbins’ home located guns, ammunition, and marijuana. 

Robbins was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Robbins was sentenced to 6 months’ imprisonment less 46 days credit for time served on his sentence in Hancock County. He must also serve a 2-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Robbins will remain on supervision by United States Probation until he can self- surrender to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Fletcher and was investigated by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Hancock County Attorney’s Office. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 23-CR-03031.

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A man who was prohibited from possessing a firearm pled guilty August 29, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.

Casey Tuttle, 26, from Spencer, Iowa, was convicted of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.  Tuttle was previously convicted in the Iowa District Court of burglary, third degree; possession of methamphetamine, third or subsequent offense; and burglary, second degree.  Each of these are felony convictions which prohibited Tuttle from possessing any firearm or ammunition.

At the plea hearing, evidence showed that on April 4, 2024, Spencer Police Department officers stopped Tuttle riding his bike in the dark without taillights or reflectors.  It was then determined that Tuttle had outstanding arrest warrants, so he was placed under arrest.  During a search of Tuttle at arrest, law enforcement located .22 ammunition, 1 gram of marijuana, multiple knives, 1 gram of methamphetamine, a German .22 caliber revolver, a methamphetamine pipe, scale, and pills.  Tuttle admitted being a drug user and possessing the firearm which he obtained in exchange for methamphetamine. 

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Tuttle remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Tuttle faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Spencer, Iowa Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 24-4032.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to more than two months in federal prison.

Roberto Medina-Soto, age 39, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Shullsburg, Wisconsin, received the prison term after a July 10, 2024, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.

At the guilty plea, Medina-Soto admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government.  Medina-Soto was previously deported in March 2020, April 2020, and four times in October 2020.  On April 29, 2024, immigration officials learned Medina-Soto had illegally returned to the United States and found Medina-Soto at the Dubuque County Jail following his arrest on state charges for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI).  On June 20, 2024, Medina-Soto was convicted in state court of OWI and sentenced to 50 days’ imprisonment.

Medina-Soto was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Medina-Soto was sentenced to 75 days’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Medina-Soto is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 24-CR-1015.

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A man who possessed a firearm as a felon and person convicted of domestic violence was sentenced today to more than 4 years in federal prison.

Michael Ryan Mikkelson, age 37, from Clear Lake, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 26, 2024, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and a person convicted of domestic violence.

In a plea agreement, Mikkelson admitted that on the night of September 15, 2023, he was riding his bicycle in Clear Lake, when an officer from the Clear Lake Police Department spotted him.  The officer was aware Mikkelson had an arrest warrant out of Cerro Gordo County and made contact with him.  After being advised he was to be taken into custody on the warrant, Mikkelson ran.  After a short foot pursuit, the officer lost Mikkelson in the dark between houses at the end of an alley.  Mikkelson later turned himself in.  On October 3, 2023, a resident found a handgun next to a garage where the officer lost sight of Mikkelson during the foot pursuit.  Mikkelson later admitted the gun was his. 

Mikkelson was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Mikkelson was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).  PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Mikkelson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Fletcher and was investigated by the Clear Lake Police Department, Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, Mason City Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Cerro Gordo County Attorney’s Office, and United States Marshal’s Service. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 24-CR-03009.

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A man who sold methamphetamine to an undercover agent was sentenced today to 306 months in federal prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

James Douglas Morrison, age 40, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 22, 2024 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.           

In 2022, an undercover agent purchased methamphetamine from Morrison in Waterloo, Iowa.  Morrison also directed others, including co-defendant Heather Sue Hartzell, to sell “ice” methamphetamine on his behalf.  Approximately one month later, law enforcement officers stopped Morrison while he was driving back from Des Moines with Hartzell.  Hartzell and Morrison had almost 2,000 grams of “ice” methamphetamine inside the car that Morrison had obtained from his supplier in Des Moines, Iowa.  Morrison also had a gun.

Morrison was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Morrison was sentenced to 306 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Morrison is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tri‑County Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Black Hawk County Sherriff’s Office, and the Waterloo Police Department. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 23-CR-2045.

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A felon who possessed a firearm and drugs was sentenced today to five years in federal prison.

Carlos Danacio Traywick, age 51, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 27, 2024 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that deputies stopped a car that Traywick was driving in Waterloo on July 16, 2022.  During the traffic stop, Traywick removed methamphetamine and marijuana from his pockets.  Traywick attempted to run from officers, but he was apprehended after a brief foot chase.  In the car that Traywick was driving, deputies located a loaded firearm and cocaine. 

Traywick was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Traywick was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a four-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Traywick is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, Waterloo Police Department, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 23-CR-2023.

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A man who had been deported, illegally returned to the United States, and then used someone else’s social security number to obtain employment was sentenced Monday to ten months in federal prison.

Elder Moises Ramirez-Melgar, age 32, a citizen of Honduras illegally present in the United States and residing in Postville, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 17, 2024, guilty plea to one count of unlawful possession of an identification document and one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.

In a plea agreement, Ramirez-Melgar admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government.  Ramirez-Melgar was previously deported in December 2009, September 2014, March 2016, March 2017, May 2020, and March 2023. 

Ramirez-Melgar also admitted he possessed a fraudulent Social Security card bearing an alias name when he was arrested on January 30, 2024, for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence (OWI).  Ramirez-Melgar admitted he knowingly used the fraudulent Social Security card to prove his authorization to work in the United States when he completed employment and tax forms at businesses in West Union, Iowa in December 2021, in Lime Springs, Iowa in August 2022, and in Cresco, Iowa in November 2023.  Illegal aliens are not authorized to work in the United States.  The number on the Social Security card was a real Social Security number assigned to a United States citizen.  On the employment applications, Ramirez-Melgar falsely claimed to be a citizen of the United States. 

On January 31, 2024, immigration officials learned Ramirez-Melgar had illegally returned to the United States and found Ramirez-Melgar at the Allamakee County Jail following his arrest for OWI.  On March 15, 2024, Ramirez-Melgar was convicted of OWI in state court and sentenced to 35 days’ imprisonment.  Ramirez-Melgar was previously convicted in January 2023 in the Northern District of Iowa of illegally reentering the United States, served four months’ imprisonment and was deported.  Ramirez-Melgar was also convicted in the District of Arizona in February 2017 and March 2020 of illegal entry into the United States.

Ramirez-Melgar was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Ramirez-Melgar was sentenced to ten months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Ramirez-Melgar is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 24-CR-1004.

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A man who illegally purchased three firearms was sentenced on August 20, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.

Hunter Collier, 22, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, pled guilty on April 1, 2024, to making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.

Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Collier, a marijuana user, purchased a .380 ACP pistol in July of 2022, from a federally firearms licensed business, in Fort Dodge.  At the time of the purchase, Collier represented on the federal purchasing form that he was not a marijuana user, and that he was purchasing the firearm for himself, when in fact he was purchasing the firearm for another.  The next day, Collier illegally purchased two additional firearms in Des Moines, Iowa.

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Collier was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment and must serve a two-year term of supervised release following imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Collier was taken into U.S. Marshals custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Webster County Sheriff’s Office. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 23-3035. 

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A man who sold fentanyl powder, pills containing fentanyl, and “ice” methamphetamine in Dubuque, Iowa, was sentenced today to 118 months in federal prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

Alexander John Chapman, age 31, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 20, 2024 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.        

From March 2023 through December 2023, Chapman obtained controlled substances through the mail from three sources of supply in Arizona.  While some of the packages with controlled substances were shipped directly to Chapman’s residence in Dubuque, Chapman also had packages mailed to other addresses. 

In May 2023, Chapman received a package from one of his suppliers containing fentanyl pills and fentanyl powder and re-distributed the substances to others. 

An individual who used the fentanyl powder distributed by Chapman and overdosed.  From March 2023 through December 2023, Chapman received at least 28 packages containing controlled substances from his sources of supply in Arizona.

Chapman was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Chapman was sentenced to 118 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Chapman is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force and the United States Postal Inspection Service, at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is 24-CR-01003.

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Oscar Navarro-Zepeda, 42, from Spencer, Iowa, was convicted by a jury on August 22, 2024, after a 3 ½ day trial in federal court in Sioux City.  Navarro-Zepeda was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of firearm by prohibited person; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Evidence at the trial showed that between April 2021 and April 2023, in the Northern District of Iowa and elsewhere Navarro-Zepeda was involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, including more than 50 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine.  Evidence also showed that on April 18, 2023, during a search warrant at Navarro-Zepeda’s residence in Spencer, Iowa, law enforcement seized approximately 33 pounds of methamphetamine, which he intended to distribute to others in the Spencer, Iowa, area.  Officers also seized $17,932; an AR-15 style .223 caliber rifle, with two loaded magazines in a rifle case and a partial box of .223 ammunition, as well as various items of drug distribution and use paraphernalia.  Navarro-Zepeda was prohibited from possessing firearms and possessed either or both firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking, to protect himself, his drugs and drug proceeds from others. 

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Navarro-Zepeda remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  On all of the convictions, Navarro-Zepeda faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.­

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 23-4029.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

A man who sold purported heroin that contained fentanyl in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was sentenced today to 163 months in federal prison.

Rodney Eugene Lewis, age 49, from Chicago Heights, Illinois, received the prison term after a February 6, 2024 guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.        

Between February 2020 and June 2020, Lewis distributed purported heroin in Cedar Rapids.  When Lewis was unavailable provide drugs to his customers, he provided his drug-trafficking cellphone to his sister and co-defendant, Marsha Celes Dismukes, so that Dismukes could supply his customers with controlled substances.  During this time, Lewis provided an individual with purported heroin that also contained fentanyl.  After using the controlled substance provided by Lewis, the individual overdosed.  Lewis was previously convicted of two different drug trafficking offenses in Illinois.

Lewis was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Lewis was sentenced to 163 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Lewis is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Cedar Rapids Police Department, at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is 21-CR- 00068.

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Two Cedar Rapids men that distributed hundreds of pills containing fentanyl were recently sentenced to federal prison. 

Henry Sorrell Barnes, Jr., age 35, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 12, 2024 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. 

Noah Christopher Ward, age 25, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 13, 2024 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. 

Evidence disclosed at prior hearings and their respective sentencings showed that between January 2023 and September 27, 2023, Barnes distributed at least 4,000 pills containing fentanyl in Cedar Rapids.  Between May 2023, and late October 2023, Ward obtained at least 815 pills containing fentanyl from different sources, including Barnes, and Ward distributed many of the pills that he obtained.  On two occasions, Ward sold Barnes a firearm in exchange for pills containing fentanyl. 

On August 13, 2024, Barnes was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Barnes was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a five‑year term of supervised release after the prison term. 

On August 7, 2024, Ward was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Williams.  Ward was sentenced to 39 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a four‑year term of supervised release after the prison term. 

There is no parole in the federal system.

Barnes and Ward are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to a federal prison.

These cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Johnson County Drug Task Force, consisting of the Johnson County Sherriff’s Office, the Iowa City Police Department, the Coralville Police Department, the North Liberty Police Department, the University of Iowa Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the United States Parcel Service. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file numbers are 23‑CR‑70 and 23‑CR‑77.

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A woman who was involved in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, in which a young woman died from using cocaine distributed by the conspirators, was sentenced on August 15, 2024, to more than nine years in federal prison.

Whitaker Jo Ingles, age 30, from Dyersville, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 14, 2024 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine between 2019 and February 17, 2021, near Madison Park in Dubuque, Iowa.

At the guilty plea and sentencing, Ingles admitted she was a member of a conspiracy to distribute cocaine in the Dubuque area.  She helped get the cocaine from the individual who brought it from Chicago, and then worked with others to distribute the cocaine to customers in Dubuque.  On February 14, 2021, one of her partners distributed cocaine to a young woman in Dubuque who went home, used the cocaine and died from using the cocaine.

Ingles was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Ingles was sentenced to 115 months’ imprisonment.  She was ordered to make $13,911.02 in restitution to the victim’s family.  She must also serve an eight-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Ingles is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick J. Reinert and Nicole Nagin and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department

of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Iowa Medical Examiner’s Office and the Dubuque Drug Task Force, comprised of Dubuque Police Department, Dubuque Sheriff’s Office.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 24-CR-01006.

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A man who fled Sioux City Fleet Farm with the firearm was sentenced today, to more than 2 years in federal prison.

Lythung Thach, age 23, from Sioux City, received the prison term after a April 3, 2024, guilty plea to possession of a stolen firearm.

Evidence in the case revealed in June, 2023, Thach was inside Fleet Farm and requested assistance from an employee to view a handgun.  An employee removed the firearm from the case, removed the magazine and handed it to Thach.  Thach observed the firearm for a moment before suddenly fleeing out the front doors with the gun, where he got on a bicycle and fled the area.  Upon review of surveillance cameras, officers were able to identify Thach.  Two days after the incident, officers observed Thach on his bicycle at the intersection adjacent to the police department, where he was taken into custody for the stolen firearm.  Thach had the firearm on his person and a magazine he acquired from an unknown source and further admitted to stealing the firearm for “fun”.

Thach had previously attempted to gain access to the Sioux City Police Department through the personnel only secure entrance where he was directed to leave.  Thach then entered through the public entrance where he advised that he was a new hire and was there to pick up his uniform.  Command staff spoke with Thach where it became apparent Thach was not a new hire and he further advised that he had, in fact, not completed an application due to a prior domestic abuse conviction.

Thach was previously arrested in December, 2022, for serious assault.  Sioux City officers were dispatched for a physical disturbance between siblings.  The victim had several lacerations on his back and advised that Thach had been hit several times with a PVC pipe.

Thach was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 30 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).  PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Thach is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was investigated by the United States Department of Justice-Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Sioux City Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 23-4054.

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Andrew Snyder, age 56, from Mason City, Iowa, was sentenced today to more than 18 years in federal prison after a March 13, 2024, guilty plea to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual pure methamphetamine, and 2 counts of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual pure methamphetamine.  Evidence in the case revealed that between July 2023 and August 2023, Snyder conspired to distribute pound-quantities of methamphetamine in the Mason City area.  Law Enforcement utilized a confidential source to conduct a controlled purchase where Snyder exchanged approximately 50 grams of methamphetamine for cash and was in possession of approximately a pound more.  On another occasion, during a traffic stop, Snyder was found to have six baggies containing approximately 25 grams of methamphetamine.  Snyder has three previous convictions for trafficking methamphetamine and possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. 

Snyder was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 220 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Snyder is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was investigated by the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff Department and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 23-3033.

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A woman who sold methamphetamine to an undercover agent was sentenced today to 160 months in federal prison for her involvement in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Heather Sue Hartzell, age 32, from Waverly, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 21, 2023 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.           

In 2022, an undercover agent purchased methamphetamine from Hartzell outside her residence in Waterloo, Iowa.  Approximately one month later, law enforcement officers stopped Hartzell while she was in a car with her eventual co-defendant James Douglas Morrison returning from Des Moines.  Inside the car, Hartzell and Morrison had almost 2,000 grams of “ice” methamphetamine that Morrison had obtained from his supplier in Des Moines, Iowa.  Morrison also had a gun.

Hartzell was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Hartzell was sentenced to 160 months’ imprisonment.  She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Hartzell is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tri‑County Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Black Hawk County Sherriff’s Office, and the Waterloo Police Department. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 23-CR-2045.

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A man caught exchanging gun fire with another vehicle and in possession of fentanyl was sentenced July 31, 2024, to 10 years in federal prison.

Macarr Hill, age 28, from Minneapolis, received the prison term after a March 27, 2024, guilty plea to possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Evidence in the case revealed on June 16, 2023, at approximately 11pm, while Sioux City Police Officers were on an unrelated call for service, they heard gunshots, then observed two vehicles chasing each other.  Officers relayed information related to the vehicles but couldn’t immediately locate them.  Just before 5:00 a.m. on June 17, officers observed a vehicle matching the description previously relayed, and were able to conduct a stop for traffic violations.  Hill was the driver and owner of the vehicle and gave officers consent to a search of his vehicle.  During the search, officers located 2 fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone, a baggie containing 3.5 grams of methamphetamine, 4 grams of cocaine, and a loaded magazine.  A fuller search of the car occurred on June 19, 2023, and that search revealed an additional 801 fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone and a firearm consistent with the magazine. 

Hill was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 120 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).  PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Hill is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 23-4057.

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A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced August 13, 2024, to more than three months in federal prison.

Alvaro Gomez-Lopez, age 35, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Postville, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 28, 2024, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.

At the guilty plea, Gomez-Lopez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government.  Gomez-Lopez was previously deported in March 2006.  On April 28, 2024, immigration officials learned Gomez-Lopez had illegally returned to the United States and found Gomez-Lopez at the Allamakee County Jail following his arrest on state charges.  Immigration officials helped determine Gomez-Lopez’s identity through fingerprints after he provided an alias name and date of birth when he was booked into the jail.  In 2022, Gomez-Lopez was convicted in Allamakee County under the same alias name for interference with official acts.

Gomez-Lopez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Gomez-Lopez was sentenced to 104 days imprisonment.  He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Gomez-Lopez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 24-CR-1014.

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A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced on August 9, 2024, to more than four months in federal prison.

Edwin Junech-Pastor, age 37, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Decorah, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 10, 2024, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.

In a plea agreement, Junech-Pastor admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government.  Junech-Pastor was previously deported in June 2008.  On March 22, 2024, immigration officials learned Junech-Pastor had illegally returned to the United States and found Junech-Pastor at the Winneshiek County Jail following his arrest on state charges. 

In the plea agreement, Junech-Pastor also admitted he used a fraudulent Social Security card and a fraudulent Permanent Resident card, also known as a “green card,” both bearing his name, to prove his authorization to work in the United States when he completed employment and tax forms in June 2019 at a business in Decorah, Iowa.  Illegal aliens are not authorized to work in the United States.  The number on the Social Security card was assigned to a United States citizen and the number on the Permanent Resident card was assigned to a Mexican male.

Junech-Pastor was previously convicted in May 2008 in the Northern District of Iowa following an immigration enforcement action in Postville, Iowa, of using fraudulent documents to unlawfully gain employment in the United States. 

Junech-Pastor was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Junech-Pastor was sentenced to 138 days’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Junech-Pastor is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 24-CR-2014.

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An Earlville man who assaulted his girlfriend and shot at her was sentenced today, August 9, 2024, to 97 months in prison.  

Christopher Wuchter, age 38, from Earlville, received the prison term after a February 7, 2024, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a drug user. 

Information disclosed during the plea and sentencing hearing revealed that on January 9, 2023, Wuchter was arrested for domestic abuse following an incident that occurred at his residence.  Officers later executed a search warrant at the residence and found drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine, multiple rounds of ammunition, and over 30 firearms.  Two of the firearms were determined to be sawed-off shotguns.  During their investigation, investigators learned that in August 2022, Wuchter and his girlfriend at the time had gotten into an argument.  Wuchter assaulted his girlfriend’s minor son causing a bloody nose.  Wuchter then fired three shots from a second-story bedroom at his girlfriend as she was trying to leave the residence.

At the time of both incidents, Wuchter was a user of methamphetamine and marijuana.  Wuchter has a criminal history, which includes 11 prior adult criminal convictions.    

Wuchter was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Wuchter was sentenced to 97 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery and investigated by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 23-CR-2024.

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A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to more than three months in federal prison.

Javier Santiz-Santiz, age 32, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Tama, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 12, 2014, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.

At the guilty plea, Santiz-Santiz admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government.  Santiz-Santiz was previously deported in January 2013 and February 2013.  On May 2, 2024, immigration officials learned Santiz-Santiz had illegally returned to the United States and found Santiz-Santiz at the Tama County Jail following his arrest on state charges. 

Santiz-Santiz was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Santiz-Santiz was sentenced to 98 days’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Santiz-Santiz is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 34-CR-36.

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A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to more than three months in federal prison.

Javier Santiz-Santiz, age 32, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Tama, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 12, 2014, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.

At the guilty plea, Santiz-Santiz admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government.  Santiz-Santiz was previously deported in January 2013 and February 2013.  On May 2, 2024, immigration officials learned Santiz-Santiz had illegally returned to the United States and found Santiz-Santiz at the Tama County Jail following his arrest on state charges. 

Santiz-Santiz was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Santiz-Santiz was sentenced to 98 days’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Santiz-Santiz is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.

 Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 34-CR-36.

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  A man who received child pornography pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.  Jeffrey Alan Bradley, age 50, from Marion, Iowa, was convicted of one count of receipt of child pornography.

In a plea agreement, Bradley admitted that between May 2020 and February 2022, he received at least 600 visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.  The depictions included material portraying sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence, as well as the sexual abuse or exploitation of an infant or toddler.  Law enforcement searched Bradley’s residence in February 2022, and recovered the child pornography. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Bradley remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Bradley faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, $40,100 in special assessments, a $250,000 fine, and a life of supervised release following any imprisonment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is 24-CR-40.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

A man who attempted to solicit a minor to engage in prostitution was convicted by a jury on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, after a two-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.

Joshua Johnson, age 50, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was found guilty of attempted sex trafficking of a child and destruction of evidence.

The evidence at trial showed that, in December 2023, Johnson responded to an ad on a website for prostitution.  He exchanged text messages with a person who stated that she was 13 years old; she actually was an undercover law enforcement officer.  Johnson sent messages describing sex acts he could perform with the minor, and he traveled to Hiawatha, Iowa, to meet with her.  After meeting with officers, Johnson wiped his cell phone.

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Johnson remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Johnson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, $5,200 in special assessments, and supervised release for 5 years to life following any imprisonment.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Hiawatha Police Department.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is CR 24-38.

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A man who was found with more than 25 stolen firearms and explosives was sentenced July 31, 2023, to 2 years in federal prison.

Tommy Gretillat, age 44, from Corwith, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 5, 2024, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.

Evidence in the case revealed that when Hancock County Sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant at Gretillat’s residence related to an investigation into multiple burglaries in the Humboldt County area, he was found to have more than 25 stolen firearms, explosives or destructive devices, a pipe-bomb, as well as other stolen property.

Gretillat’s criminal history includes several burglary convictions and a previous conviction for possession of a firearm by a felon, all of which precluded his lawful possession of firearms.

Gretillat was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 24 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 2-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).  PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Gretillat is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was investigated by Hancock County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 23-3004.

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A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to more than three months in federal prison.

Secundino Garcia-Lopez, age 37, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Ackley, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 13, 2024, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.

At the guilty plea, Garcia-Lopez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government.  Garcia-Lopez was previously deported in August 2012.  On April 23, 2024, immigration officials learned Garcia-Lopez had illegally returned to the United States and found Garcia-Lopez at the Mitchell County Jail following his arrest on state charges. 

Garcia-Lopez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Garcia-Lopez was sentenced to 102 days’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Garcia-Lopez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 24-CR-2018.

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A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to more than three months in federal prison.

Secundino Garcia-Lopez, age 37, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Ackley, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 13, 2024, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.

At the guilty plea, Garcia-Lopez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government.  Garcia-Lopez was previously deported in August 2012.  On April 23, 2024, immigration officials learned Garcia-Lopez had illegally returned to the United States and found Garcia-Lopez at the Mitchell County Jail following his arrest on state charges. 

Garcia-Lopez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Garcia-Lopez was sentenced to 102 days’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Garcia-Lopez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 24-CR-2018.

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A felon and drug user who possessed a firearm was sentenced on August 1, 2024, to 63 months in federal prison.

Christopher King, age 52, of Cedar Rapids, received the sentence after a February 26, 2024, guilty plea to one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.  At the plea hearing, King admitted that, in February 2023, he possessed a Glock pistol after having been convicted of two felonies and while being an unlawful drug user.

King was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  King was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).  PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the High Risk Unit of the Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is CR 23-62.

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A man who possessed a firearm while on probation for a felony conviction was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.

Marshaun Daniel DeMoss, age 23, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 20, 2024, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

At the guilty plea, DeMoss admitted that on October 27, 2023, he knowingly possessed a firearm, a Taurus G3 9x19mm caliber pistol, as a felon.  Specifically, during a fight with his girlfriend, DeMoss assaulted, strangled, and hit her in the head with the firearm.  When his girlfriend fled in her vehicle, DeMoss followed in his car and pointed the firearm out the car window at her.  After his girlfriend reported the assault to police, officers stopped DeMoss’s car and found a loaded Taurus G3 pistol with an extended magazine with a round in the chamber.  At the time of the incident, DeMoss was on probation on a state felony conviction for trafficking in stolen weapons.  He was also on probation for domestic abuse assault.

DeMoss was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  DeMoss was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

DeMoss is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 24-CR-01.

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A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine while illegally in the United States was sentenced on August 2, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.

Juan Cardona-Tinajero, 34, from Guadalajara, Mexico, pled guilty on March 15, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and being an illegal alien in United States.

At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that from January 2023 and September 22, 2023, Cardona-Tinajero and others in the conspiracy agreed to distribute nearly 20 pounds of methamphetamine. Cardona-Tinajero also admitted that he was caught receiving approximately nine pounds of methamphetamine by mail which he intended to further distribute.  Cardona-Tinajero was receiving packages through the U.S. postal service from California which contained methamphetamine that he distributed in Sioux City area.  Evidence further showed that Cardona-Tinajero was removed from the United States in 2010, and again in 2014, and was in the United States illegally.  

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Cardona-Tinajero was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment and must serve a five-year term of supervised release following the imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Cardona-Tinjaro remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Shawn S. Wehde and Kevin C. Fletcher and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 23-4063 and 23-4072. 

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A Monona County, Iowa man was sentenced today, August 2, 2024, to 16 years in federal prison.

Allen Jones, age 35, from Ute, Iowa received the prison term after a March 19, 2024, guilty plea to kidnapping.

Evidence in the case revealed on July 7, 2023, Jones called his employer and stated his car would not start and that he needed a ride to work.  Jones supervisor instructed a co-worker to pick up Jones at his residence.  When the co-worker pulled into the driveway, Jones lured the co-worker into the garage, pointed a loaded shotgun at him, and said we are “going for a ride.”  Jones held his victim at gunpoint, forced him into his (Jones’s) car, and ordered him to drive to a near-by casino.  Jones told his victim that he planned “to shoot up the casino” and use the victim as a human shield. 

On the way to the casino, Jones instructed the victim to change course, because he wanted to confront a former girlfriend before he committed the mass-shooting.  Near Mapleton, Iowa, Jones further directed his victim to stop at a gas station, go into the store, and buy him food and beer.  Jones warned his victim not to try to escape.  The victim entered the store, selected some items, held them up to the window for Jones to see, but then set the items down and fled out of the back of the store.  The victim ran alongside a storage unit, across a field, struggled across the Maple River, crossed another field, and ran onto an airfield where the victim found help. 

When law enforcement arrived, they learned Jones had left the gas station on foot.  Jones was located and arrested.  On his person Monona County Sherriff’s Deputies located methamphetamine and in the truck they located the loaded shotgun.  A subsequent search of Jones’ home revealed additional firearms, ammunition, various prescription pills, methamphetamine, and other items of contraband.  

Jones has a lengthy criminal history including a 2013 federal conviction for illegally possessing a firearm as a felon and a history of marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine use.    

Jones was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Jones was sentenced to 192 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Jones is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was investigated by the Iowa Department of Public Safety-Iowa State Patrol, Monona County Sherriff’s Office, and the United States Department of Justice-Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 23-CR-4048. 

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A former union president who misspent over $30,000 in union funds was sentenced on July 25, 2024, to eight months in federal prison.  Brock A. Willson, also known as Brock A. Cligrow, age 43, received the prison term after a January 25, 2024, guilty plea to one count of bank fraud.

In a plea agreement and at hearings in the case, it was established that, from no later than about March 2020, and continuing through at least October 2021, Willson served in various capacities as a local labor union’s president, business manager/financial secretary, and coordinator of its joint apprenticeship training committee.  By virtue of his high-level positions within the union, Willson had access to its bank accounts.  From the bank accounts, the labor organization entrusted defendant with making authorized payments for certain authorized expenses, including its training committee.  Willson abused his position of trust at the union to cause the local bank to make payments for his own personal expenses, including but not limited to payments on his personal vehicle loan and purchases at department stores.  Willson ultimately agreed to repay over $30,000 in misspent union funds.

Willson has a criminal history, including a prior felony conviction for serious injury by vehicle and reckless driving.  While on pretrial release, federal probation officers found a firearm and ammunition in the residence in which Willson was residing at the time.  Willson was jailed for over a month because of that incident in late 2023.

Willson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Willson was sentenced to 8 months’ imprisonment.  He was ordered to make $30,280.98 in restitution to the labor union and its insurer.

Willson must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

“While the vast majority of union officials do their work diligently and without incident, unfortunately criminal violations do occur.  When they do, it is the union and its members that are the victims.  Brock Willson embezzled funds from a local union that should have been used for its members’ benefit,” said Christiane Abendroth, District Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards.  “OLMS is committed to hold accountable anyone who unlawfully exploits their position for financial gain at the expense of their fellow union members.” 

United States Attorney Timothy Duax stated, “We appreciate the hard work done by OLMS in helping hold Mr. Willson accountable for his crime. Willson took advantage of the people he was supposed to serve. There is a price to be paid for such conduct, and Mr. Willson will pay that price while in prison.”

Willson was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons at a date yet to be set.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards.  The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department also assisted in the investigation. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 23-CR-67.

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A man who distributed fentanyl in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was sentenced today to more than eight years in federal prison.

Colby Joseph Manley, age 26, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 8, 2024 guilty plea to four counts of distribution and aiding and abetting the distribution of a controlled substance and two counts of distribution of a controlled substance.

Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that, in April 2022, Manley distributed an amount of fentanyl to another person, which caused the person to suffer an overdose and die.  Following the overdose, on six separate occasions between December 2022 and February 2023, under cover law enforcement officers purchased pills containing fentanyl from Manley.

Manley was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Manley was sentenced to 98 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Manley is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated as part of the Northern Iowa Heroin Initiative and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Johnson County Drug Task Force and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.  The Johnson County Drug Task Force consists of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa

City Police Department, the Coralville Police Department, the North Liberty Police Department, the University of Iowa Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 23-CR-41.

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Shannon Ivory, 43, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty July 31, 2024, in federal court, to four counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

At the plea hearing, evidence showed that on March 20, 2023, Ivory was arrested on state of Iowa charges.  During the arrest multiple types of illegal drugs packaged in separate bags were found on Ivory.  Ivory was found in possession of over 26 grams of pure methamphetamine; over 15 grams of crack cocaine; over 4 grams of powder cocaine; and 25 morphine pills.  Ivory admitted to possessing the drugs and his intent to distribute them to other persons.

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  On the convictions, Ivory faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, an $8,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service, the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department, and the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 23-4038. 

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A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty July 31, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.

Amanda Johnson, f/k/a Amanda Adams, 35, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.  In 2020, Johnson was convicted in federal court of same conduct - conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute and aiding and abetting another in the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

At the plea hearing, Johnson admitted her involvement in a conspiracy that distributed more than 150 grams of methamphetamine in the Fort Dodge area for six months in 2023. On November 15, 2023, Johnson and another distributed about ¼ pound methamphetamine in a controlled drug purchase transaction in Waterloo, Iowa.  On December 4, 2023, Johnson made an agreement to distribute ¼ pound of methamphetamine to an undercover agent, distributed 2 grams of methamphetamine, then fled.   

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Johnson remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  On the conspiracy conviction Johnson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and at least ten years of supervised release following any imprisonment.  On the distribution conviction Johnson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $8,000,000 fine, and at least eight years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Iowa DCI Laboratory, Fort Dodge Iowa Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Waterloo, Iowa, based Tri-County Drug Task Force. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 24-3005. 

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Terrance Buescher, 59, from Rock Valley, Iowa, was sentenced on July 26, 2024, to 5 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.

Buescher pled guilty on March 15, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. 

Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that from April 2022 through January 2023, Buescher was involved in a conspiracy that distributed at least 20 pounds of methamphetamine in the Rock Valley, area.  Buescher admitted to obtaining pounds of methamphetamine about every ten days from a source in Colorado to distribute in Northern Iowa, during 2022 and 2023.  

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Buescher was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment and must serve a three year term of supervised release following the imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Buescher remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Rock Valley, Iowa Police Department and the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 23-4014. 

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