Northern District of Iowa

A man who attempted to flee police twice while illegally possessing firearms and drugs, was sentenced today to more than six years in federal prison.

Raymon Olague, age 31, from Sioux City, received the prison term after a February 12, 2024, guilty plea to illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Evidence in the case revealed on May 1, 2023, Olague was involved in a car chase that reached speeds in excess of 100 mph.  Stop sticks were deployed, which struck a front tire, but Olague continued to flee law enforcement at a high rate of speed for several blocks.  Olague pulled into an alley and threw a loaded handgun, with an obliterated serial number, out of the driver’s side door, before fleeing on foot into a nearby residence.  Olague failed to comply with officers’ verbal commands but was found hiding under a child’s bed in the residence, and was apprehended.  Olague posted a cash bond for the eluding charges.

On September 21, 2023, while officers were conducting surveillance on another incident, Olague was observed entering the residence without any bags or backpacks, and two minutes later, exited carrying a backpack.  When a uniformed officer approached Olague, he refused commands and fled on foot, dropping the backpack and multiple items from his waistband.  Olague was apprehended and taken into custody on a warrant for failing to appear at a hearing related to the May 1 incident.  Officers located the items Olague dropped, and inside the backpack was a second loaded pistol that had been reported stolen, along with drug paraphernalia.

Olague was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Leonard T. Strand to 90 months’ imprisonment adjusted for time served on a related state offense.  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.

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

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

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

The case file number is 23-4064.

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A Sioux City man who previously served time for distribution of cocaine was sentenced today to more than four years in federal prison.

Jerry Wilson, age 62, from Sioux City, received the prison term after a February 23, 2024, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon and drug user.

Evidence in the case revealed that on September 20, 2023, Wilson was stopped for traffic violations, and was also found to have a suspended license.  As the officer approached, Wilson immediately became apprehensive and argumentative.  The officer noticed the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and asked the occupants to step out.  Upon search of the vehicle, officers located the keys in the ignition had a container attached which contained approximately 2 grams of a white powdery substance that field tested positive for cocaine.  Officers also located a box in the center console, containing a THC vape pen and a contained with approximately 1 gram of a white crystal substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine.  In the glove box was another THC vape pen. Under the driver’s seat, officers located a revolver.  Prior to transporting Wilson to the jail, officers searched Wilsons’ person and also located a pill bottle in Wilson’s jacket that contained 21 fentanyl pills, disguised as oxycodone, 18 individual baggies  containing methamphetamine, and 2 baggies containing cocaine.

Wilson has an extensive criminal history including delivery of controlled substance, pimping and pandering, possession of cocaine and carrying weapons, possession of a weapon by a felon, as well as a previous federal conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Wilson was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 51 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.

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

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

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

The case file number is 23-4075.

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A Sioux City man who previously served time for possession of a firearm in violation of federal law, was sentenced today to another 8 years in federal prison.

Anthony Goodshield, age 41, of Sioux City, received the prison term after a March 6, 2024, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon and drug user.

Evidence in the case revealed Goodshield, who was taken into custody on an outstanding state warrant, was found to be in possession of several items of drug paraphernalia, as well as the firearm that he attempted to stash in an air duct vent.  

Goodshield’s criminal history includes burglary, going armed with intent, eluding, possession with intent to distribute controlled substance, as well a previous federal felon in possession of a firearm conviction.

Goodshield was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 96 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.

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

The case was investigated by Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and 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 23-4056.

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Aki Awou, age 33, from Omaha, Nebraska, was found guilty by a jury on March 1, 2024, of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.  His brother, Karom Bol, age 20, of Sioux City, pled guilty on February 21, 2024, to five related counts: conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of firearms by a drug user, and possession of a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Evidence in the case revealed that the two were gang members and between January 2022 and May 2022, Awou, traveled to the Phoenix, Arizona area, where he would mail packages containing thousands of fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone to Bol’s address’ in Sioux City, Iowa.  The Omaha Police Department’s Gang Intelligence Unit utilized a GPS tracker on Awou’s vehicle to pinpoint Awou’s travels and package mailing activities, including his shipment of fentanyl to addresses in Sioux City from post offices in Arizona.  Postal Inspectors were able to intercept a package and conduct a controlled delivery with assistance from the DEA and the Sioux City Police Department, at one of the Sioux City addresses.  Afterwards, law enforcement executed a search warrant.  During the search warrant, Bol was observed throwing firearms out a second story bedroom window.  Agents identified a second Sioux City location tied to Bol and Awou, and obtained a second search warrant for that residence.  Additional evidence, including illegal pills, was found at that location. 

Postal Inspectors later received notice of another package being sent from Arizona to the address in Sioux City and were able to intercept and search that package, revealing that it also contained thousands of fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone.  Awou’s fingerprints were on three packages used as evidence in the case and Bol’s palm print was located on the package used during the controlled delivery.  In total, Bol and Awou were responsible for nearly two pounds of fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone. 

Awou was sentenced on July 24, 2024, in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 192 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.   

Bol was sentenced July 10, 2024, in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 180 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.

United States Attorney Timothy Duax stated, “Fentanyl is an incredibly dangerous illegal drug, and when people like Awou and Bol bring fentanyl to our community, they place our citizens at risk of serious harm and death. Accordingly, we are grateful for the hard work and cooperation of federal and state law enforcement agencies in stopping these individuals and sending a clear message that fentanyl traffickers will be caught and severely punished in the Northern District of Iowa.”

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

This case was investigated by the Omaha, Nebraska Police Department, Sioux City, Iowa Police Department, United States Postal Inspector, DEA Tri-State Drug Task Force, Lancaster County, Nebraska Sheriff’s Department, and the ATF.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ron Timmons, Shawn Wehde, and Patrick Greenwood. 

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

The case file number is 22-4051.

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Michael Dean Hanus, Jr., 45, from Clarion, Iowa, was sentenced on July 22, 2024, to over four years in federal prison.  Hanus, Jr. pled guilty on March 11, 2024, to possessing a firearm by a prohibited person.  Hanus, Jr. was previously convicted of Interference with Official Acts – Dangerous Weapon, which prohibits a person from possessing a firearm.

Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that in October 2023, law enforcement in Wright County, Iowa were investigating elder abuse. During the investigation, law enforcement received information that Hanus, Jr. possessed an AR-15 style rifle, at his father’s residence in Humboldt, Iowa, where Hanus, Jr. was living for some time.  An agent seized an HDR-15 rifle from Hanus, Jr., and later determined the firearm was stolen.  Hanus, Jr. admitted to possession of the firearm, including his knowledge of his previous felony conviction, which prohibited his possession of any firearm.  Evidence also showed Hanus had ten previous convictions for assault-based conduct over past 20 years.

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Hanus, Jr. was sentenced to 52 months’ imprisonment and must serve a three-year term of supervised release following the imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Hanus, Jr. remains in custody of the United States Marshal 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 Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Wright 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 23-3043.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

 A Sioux City man who tried to run from law enforcement, but didn’t get far, was sentenced today to more than 10 years in federal prison.

 Jeremy Martin, age 45, originally from El Paso, Texas, received the prison term after a March 11, 2024, guilty plea to felon in possession of a firearm.

 Evidence in the case revealed that on January 26, 2023, Sioux City Police attempted to stop the vehicle Martin was operating for speeding.  Martin attempted to flee, getting the vehicle high centered and stuck in snow.  Martin then fled on foot but was promptly apprehended by officers from the Sioux City Police Department.  Martin admitted to the arresting officer to having a firearm in his jacket, a box of ammunition containing 100 rounds, that had been stolen, a syringe, scale and a baggie that contained more than 3 grams of methamphetamine.          

Martin’s criminal history included a felony, which prohibited him from legally possessing firearms.

Martin was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 126 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.

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

The case was investigated by 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 23-4017.

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A Hancock County man was sentenced July 23, 2024, to two and one-half years in federal prison for making three false statements in attempt to purchase a firearm.

Trevor Kent Hueneman, age 26, from Garner, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 20, 2024, guilty plea to making false statements during the purchase of a firearm.

In a plea agreement, Hueneman admitted that on or about July 21, 2022, he went to EzPawn in Mason City, Iowa, and attempted to purchase a Glock.40 caliber S&W pistol that he had previously pawned at the store.  Hueneman filled out the standard ATF form 4473 and marked he had not been previously convicted of a felony crime, he had not been convicted of a crime of misdemeanor domestic violence and he was not subject to a court order restraining him from harassing, stalking, or threating an intimate partner, all three statements were false. 

Hueneman was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Hueneman was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Hueneman was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit and investigated by Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tabacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

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

The case file number is 23-CR-3017.

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A woman who trafficked methamphetamine was sentenced today to 270 months in federal prison for possessing large quantities of methamphetamine.

Victoria Kay Oestereich, age 32, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 23, 2024 guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance after a prior conviction for a serious drug felony.       

In 2023, Oestereich was traffic stopped by police in Waterloo, Iowa, while returning from her drug supplier in Des Moines, Iowa.  When police tried to stop the car, the driver, Daniel Chisum, sped off, and Oestereich, a passenger in the car, threw over 13 pounds of methamphetamine from the car window.  At the time of the traffic stop, Oestereich had over $11,000 of drug proceeds on her person and was on probation for a prior drug trafficking conviction.  Oestereich sourced other large drug suppliers in the Iowa Falls and Waterloo area with methamphetamine.

Oestereich was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Oestereich was sentenced to 270 months’ imprisonment.  She must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Oestereich 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, and the Black Hawk County Sherriff’s Office.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is 23-CR-2071.

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A man who distributed fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.

Michael Henry Vandermillen, Jr., age 30, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 6, 2024, guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance near a protected location. 

At the guilty plea, Vandermillen admitted that on April 25, 2023, in Dubuque, Iowa, he transferred methamphetamine to another person within 1,000 feet of two parks.  Evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that one month later, he distributed heroin and fentanyl to a confidential informant.  When law enforcement officers came to search his residence in May 2023, they discovered him in the bathroom, where he was attempting to hide heroin, Xanax, and Ativan by consuming the substances.  Two days later, his blood tested positive for fentanyl, cocaine, amphetamine, benzodiazepine, and THC.

Vandermillen was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Vandermillen was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a 6-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Vandermillen is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake 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 with the Dubuque Police Department and the Dubuque Drug Task Force. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is 23-CR-1023.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

A man caught with two firearms and whose social media and cell phone documented his unlawful possession of another ten firearms over a three-year period was sentenced on July 16, 2024, to more than five years in federal prison.

Semaje Jeyvon Star, age 23, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 1, 2024 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.

 Information from sentencing showed that in 2018, police officers apprehended Star after a foot chase.  Star was armed with a loaded handgun and in possession of marijuana.  The officers had seen Star engage in a hand-to-hand transaction.  Then in May 2020, officers located Star driving despite his status as a barred driver.  Officers found a loaded pistol in the car.  Star’s fingerprint was on the firearm found in his car.  Star tested positive for marijuana and methamphetamine.  Star’s Facebook records contained multiple conversations related to using, purchasing, and selling marijuana.  Photos and videos from Star’s phone, Snapchat, and Facebook profile showed him possessing at least ten additional firearms, including firearms with extended magazines, in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

Star was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Star was sentenced to 63 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.

Star 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 Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force.  The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.

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

The case file number is 23-CR-0092.

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

Eslyn Hernandez-Milla, age 28, a citizen of Honduras illegally present in the United States and residing in Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 8, 2024, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.

At the guilty plea, Hernandez-Milla admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government.  Hernandez-Milla was previously deported in June 2018.  On January 26, 2024, immigration officials learned Hernandez-Milla had illegally returned to the United States and found Hernandez-Milla at the Black Hawk County Jail following his conviction on state charges.  Hernandez-Milla was convicted on January 26, 2024, in the Iowa District Court in Black Hawk County of two counts of Willful Injury Causing Bodily Injury, one count of Domestic Abuse Assault by Strangulation, and one count of Domestic Abuse Assault by Display or Use of a Weapon. 

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

Hernandez-Milla 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-2007.

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A felon who possessed a firearm pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.  Diago Davis, age 50, from Chicago, Illinois was convicted of one count of possession of a firearm as a felon.

In a plea agreement, Davis admitted that on February 3, 2024, law enforcement officers searched his residence in Hiawatha, Iowa, where they found a firearm that Davis knowingly possessed.  Davis has three drug‑related felony convictions.  In a prior hearing, evidence showed that earlier in the day on February 3, 2024, Davis had pistol-whipped a victim with that same firearm, resulting in the victim falling down several stairs and sustaining injuries.

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 before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Davis remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Davis faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by the Hiawatha Police Department. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is 24-CR-41.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced on July 10, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.

Kenneth Dawdy, 39, from Sioux City, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine on January 26, 2024.

At the plea and sentencing hearings evidence showed that Dawdy participated in a conspiracy from January 2021 through June 2023 that distributed at least 3500 grams of methamphetamine in the Sioux City area.  Dawdy admitted to assisting others in the conspiracy by acquiring and delivering money and methamphetamine to/from others involved in the conspiracy.   

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Dawdy was sentenced to 31 months’ imprisonment and must serve a term of three years of supervised release following imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Dawdy remains in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service 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 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 23-4055.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

Johnnie A. Cannon, 38, from Sioux City, Iowa, formerly from Osceola, Arkansas, was sentenced on July 9, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City. 

On January 18, 2024, after a 3-day jury trial, Cannon was convicted, by jury verdict, of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and three counts of distributing and aiding and abetting another in the distribution of methamphetamine. 

The evidence in this case showed that Cannon conspired with others to distribute at least 19 pounds of methamphetamine from January 2021 through March 14, 2023.  Evidence further showed that on at least three occasions in February and March 2023, during three control drug purchase operations, Cannon was observed to provide ¼, ½ and ½ pounds of methamphetamine to a co-conspirator, who then in turn, distributed the methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement.  On March 14, 2023, during a traffic stop immediately following the last drug purchase operation, Cannon was found in possession of $3000 in pre-serialized, buy money used by law enforcement in the drug purchase.  In 2007 and 2008, respectively, Cannon was convicted of delivery of crack cocaine in Arkansas.  In 2010, in the Northern District of Iowa, he was federally convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.  Cannon was released from federal prison in 2019 and was on federal supervised release at the time he committed his new offenses.  

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Cannon was sentenced to 299 months’ imprisonment – 262 months on his new offense, plus 37 months’ consecutive thereto for revocation of his federal supervised release from his 2010 offense.  Cannon must serve a ten-year term of supervised release following imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system. Cannon 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 Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City 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 23-4023.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

A man who attempted to entice a minor to engage in sex acts was convicted by a jury on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, after a one-and-a-half-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.

Cory Gall, age 30, of Marion, Iowa, was found guilty of attempted enticement of a minor.

The evidence at trial showed that, in December 2023, Gall exchanged text messages with a person who stated that she was 13 years old.  The person was actually an undercover law enforcement officer.  Gall sent messages describing sex acts he could perform with the minor, and he traveled to Hiawatha, Iowa, to meet with her.

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Gall remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Gall faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $5,100 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 Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 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 24-32.

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An illegal alien and two other individuals who conspired to obtain over $500,000 in federally funded health care benefits, including a kidney transplant, were sentenced to prison on June 24, 2024, and July 2, 2024.

  Jeremias Otoniel Herrera Rosales (“Herrera Rosales”), age 37, from Worthington, Minnesota, originally from Guatemala, received a 16-month prison term after a February 7, 2024, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

Jennifer Guadalupe Herrera (“Herrera”), age 43, from Worthington, Minnesota, received a one-month prison term after a February 9, 2024, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

Jaklyn Guerra (“Guerra”), age 52, from Wells, Minnesota, received a one-month prison term after a February 6, 2024, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

Evidence in the defendants’ criminal case established that Herrera Rosales was a citizen of Guatemala with no legal status in the United States.  No later than 2012, Guerra and Herrera provided Herrera Rosales with the name, date of birth, and social security number of D.G.  Herrera and Herrera Rosales were married, and Guerra is Herrera’s sister.

Beginning no later than 2015, Herrera Rosales assumed D.G.’s identity and used D.G.’s identification documents to apply for Medicare and Minnesota Medicaid benefits.  The United States funds Medicare and, through a cost-sharing arrangement, also partially funds Minnesota Medicaid benefits.  Between 2015 and

2020, Herrera Rosales obtained more than $500,000 in benefits from Medicare, Minnesota Medicaid, and the Social Security Administration using D.G.’s identity without D.G.’s knowledge or consent.

As part of the scheme, Herrera Rosales gained placement on the organ donor registry under the false and fraudulent pretense that he was D.G. and eligible for a kidney transplant.  In 2019, Herrera Rosales obtained a federally funded kidney transplant in Minnesota.  Herrera Rosales in his plea agreement admitted that, because he received the kidney transplant fraudulently, another person who needed the kidney did not receive it.

The defendants were sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Herrera Rosales was sentenced to 16 months of imprisonment, Herrera was sentenced to one month of imprisonment, and Guerra was sentenced to one month of imprisonment.  All three defendants were ordered to make $510,949.61 in restitution as a joint and several obligation.  Each defendant must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after their respective prison terms.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Herrera Rosales is being held in United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.  Herrera and Guerra were released on bonds previously set and are to surrender to the United States Marshal on future dates.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy L. Vavricek and Ronald Timmons and investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. 

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

The case file number is 23-CR-4062.

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A Lyon County man who defrauded pork producers while working as the regional manager of an Iowa livestock dealer, “Lynch Livestock,” was sentenced on June 24, 2024, to six months in federal prison.  Robert Harry Bickerstaff, age 52, from Rock Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 1, 2023, guilty plea to one count of wire fraud.

At plea and sentencing hearings, and in his plea agreement, Bickerstaff admitted that he had worked as a regional manager for Lynch Livestock between 2018 and 2021  As a regional manager, Bickerstaff oversaw livestock buying stations in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota.  From time to time, Bickerstaff also personally counted, classified, and weighed swine at these stations.

Bickerstaff admitted he participated in a scheme to defraud livestock producers personally and by directing others to (1) falsely and fraudulently lower the weights and reduce the numbers and classifications of swine that producers and sellers had delivered to the dealer at its buying stations; (2) manipulate the weights of swine either manually or using a crowbar, paddle, or other similar object, and thus defeat the electronic scales on which livestock producers’ swine was weighed at his buying stations; and (3) create fraudulent “sort sheets” and scale tickets containing false numbers, classifications, and weights of producers’ swine for transmission to Lynch Livestock’s headquarters in Waucoma, Iowa.  Finally, concerned about a potential investigation into his conduct in early 2021, Bickerstaff instructed others to destroy anything with his name on it.

Bickerstaff held a degree in Agribusiness and was experienced in the pork industry.  Bickerstaff was a pork producer himself.  In February 2022, Bickerstaff won a “Hog Wild” award from a statewide pork producers’ association for his role in promoting pork in Lyon County.

Bickerstaff was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on a date yet to be set.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Bickerstaff is the fifth manager of Lynch Livestock sentenced in this livestock fraud scheme. 

Billie Joe Wickham, of Waucoma, Iowa, pled guilty on July 15, 2022, to one count of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States.  On January 13, 2023, Wickham was sentenced to six months of imprisonment and fined $3,000.  Wickham must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Charlie Lynch, of Fort Atkinson, Iowa, pled guilty on July 25, 2022, to one count of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States.  On January 13, 2023, Lynch was sentenced to five years of probation and fined $3,000.

Leland “Pete” Blue, of Fredericksburg, Iowa, pled guilty on July 28, 2022, to one count of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States.  On January 13, 2023, Blue was sentenced to five years of probation and fined $1,000.

Tyler Thoms, of Fayette, Iowa, pled guilty on August 9, 2022, to one count of Causing a Livestock Dealer to Keep Inaccurate Accounts and Records.  On January 13, 2023, Thoms was sentenced to one year of probation.

Bickerstaff’s employer, Lynch Family Companies, Inc., of Waucoma, Iowa, also known as “Lynch Livestock,” pled guilty on July 29, 2022, to one count of Failing to Comply with an Order of the Secretary of Agriculture.  On February 10, 2023, Lynch Livestock was sentenced to five years of probation, fined $196,000, and ordered to pay over $3 million in restitution to livestock producers and farmers.

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

The case file number is 23-CR-2026.  The prior case file numbers are 21-CR-2074 (Wickham and Lynch), 21-CR-2042 (Blue), 22-CR-2043 (Lynch Family Companies, Inc.), and 22-CR-2044 (Thoms).

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Ian Ward, 37, from Denison, Iowa, pled guilty on July 2, 2024, to one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm, one count of possession of a short-barreled rifle, and one count of possession of silencers.

At the plea hearing, evidence showed that on August 21, 2023, a traffic stop in Pocahontas County found Ward, high on fentanyl (he admitted as much to the deputy who stopped him), with six traditional firearms, including an illegal, short-barreled rifle, plus several full silencer/suppresser type devices.  Law enforcement also located and seized from Ward’s vehicle methamphetamine, THC wax, and drug user paraphernalia.  Ward admitted to being a user of fentanyl, meth, and marijuana and to a previous conviction for a felony drug offense in Minnesota.  Being a felon as well as illegal user of drugs prohibited Ward from possessing any firearm.

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 before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Ward remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  On the prohibited possession of firearm conviction, Ward 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.  On the two convictions of possession of illegal firearm/silencers, Ward faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release following imprisonment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Pocahontas County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, 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 23-3024.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

Amy Parks, 57, and Brandy Binneboese, 44, both from Sioux City, Iowa pled guilty in federal court in Sioux City, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.  Binneboese pled guilty on June 7, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of distributing methamphetamine.  Parks pled guilty on June 27, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  

At the plea hearings, Binneboese and Parks admitted their involvement in a conspiracy from January 2021 through June 2023, that distributed over seven pounds of methamphetamine.  Evidence showed that on three occasions in 2023, Binneboese and Parks participated in the distribution of methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement, and on an additional four occasions Parks distributed methamphetamine to that same person.  On June 1, 2023, just after one of the meth transactions was completed, Binneboese was stopped by law enforcement and found with two baggies (each containing approximately 8.5 grams methamphetamine) hidden in her bra area and was further found to have $2,500 in pre-serialized buy money that had been used during the drug purchase, moments earlier, in her purse.  On June 19, 2023, upon arrest of Parks, law enforcement searched her residence and seized approximately 2 ounces of methamphetamine, digital scales, drug use/distribution paraphernalia, cash, and a loaded 9mm firearm.  Parks further admitted possessing the handgun in furtherance of her drug trafficking conduct, namely to protect her person and property in connection with her methamphetamine trafficking.                   

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after presentence reports are prepared.  Parks remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Binneboese remains (temporarily) on release from custody under the supervision of United States Probation.  On the drug conviction, both women face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 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 imprisonment.  On the firearm conviction, Parks faces an additional mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment (consecutive to any term imposed on the drug conviction) and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and no more than three years of supervised release.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, 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 23-4042.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

Matthew Bradley, 37, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, pled guilty on June 27, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City, to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

At the plea hearing, evidence showed that on April 11, 2024, law enforcement in Fort Dodge, Iowa, observed Bradley on a bicycle, wearing a backpack, and knew he had an outstanding arrest warrant.  Officers arrested Bradley and seized small baggies of methamphetamine in each of his front pockets.  Law enforcement also seized the backpack, which contained a 9mm pistol, and more baggies/vials of small amounts of methamphetamine and marijuana, plus a digital scale.  Bradley was previously convicted of at least five state felony offenses. Bradley admitted to his previous felony convictions and to being a regular user of drugs both of which prohibited him from possessing a firearm.    

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 before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Bradley remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Bradley faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than 3 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 Fort Dodge Police Department, the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, 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 24-3022.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

An emergency room doctor who illegally obtained the personal health information of multiple individuals pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.  Dr. Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez Roman, age 30, of Puerto Rico, formerly of Iowa City, Iowa, was convicted of one count of Wrongfully Obtaining Individually Identifiable Health Information Relating to an Individual Under False Pretenses.

In a plea agreement, Dr. Hernandez Roman admitted that, in June 2020, the State of Iowa issued him a resident physician license.  That same month, Dr. Hernandez Roman began participating in the emergency medicine residency program at a university hospital in the State of Iowa.  Between 2020 and 2023, Dr. Hernandez Roman worked in the emergency departments of hospitals within the State of Iowa, including “Hospital-1” in Cedar Rapids and “Hospital-2” in Iowa City.

In January 2022, Dr. Hernandez Roman knowingly and without authorization obtained the individually identifiable health information of “K.F” under false pretenses at Hospital-1.  Specifically, Dr. Hernandez Roman used his access, as a resident doctor, to Hospital-1’s electronic medical records system to access K.F.’s medical records and learn private medical information about K.F. without K.F.’s knowledge or consent. At no time did K.F. consent to Dr. Hernandez Roman accessing K.F.’s medical records. Dr. Hernandez Roman accessed K.F.’s medical records while working a shift in Hospital-1’s emergency department. K.F. was never Dr. Hernandez Roman’s patient and was not a patient in Hospital-1’s emergency department at the time defendant accessed K.F.’s medical records.

In his plea agreement, Dr. Hernandez Roman also admitted to accessing K.F.’s medical records at Hospital-2 in March 2021, as well as the medical records of “M.C.” at Hospital-2 in October 2020.  Dr. Hernandez Roman also admitted that, in January 2022, he sent a photograph of one of Hospital-1’s patients to another individual via SnapChat. The photograph showed the patient in a hospital setting, wearing a gown, with the patient’s rectum clearly hanging out of the body. Dr. Hernandez Roman had no legitimate medical purpose for taking this photograph or, further, for sending it via SnapChat to the individual.

Finally, Dr. Hernandez Roman admitted that, in June 2023, he mailed a letter to the Iowa Board of Medicine in which he admitted accessing the confidential medical records of K.F. and M.C. and to sharing the photograph of the prolapsed rectum.  In his plea agreement, Dr. Hernandez Roman admitted he falsely wrote in the letter that he had sent the photograph of the prolapsed rectum to his mother to remind her of the importance of fiber intake.

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Dr. Hernandez Roman remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing.  Dr. Hernandez Roman faces a possible maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by the Iowa Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. 

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

The case file number is 24-CR-34.

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A man who possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possessed multiple firearms in furtherance of that crime was sentenced on June 26, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.  Esequiel Gomez, 35, from Denver, Colorado, had pled guilty on October 13, 2022.

Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that on April 27, 2022, law enforcement responded to an early morning alarm at the Sioux City Ford Lincoln car dealership.  Defendant had broken into the dealership and stolen an F-350 pickup while a codefendant waited in a U-Haul van.  Law enforcement ultimately located the pair traveling north on Highway 75 when a high-speed pursuit began.  During the pursuit, defendant travelled in excess of 100 miles per hour and the pair were observed discarding items.  The pursuit ultimately ended when the pair hit a parked car in Le Mars, Iowa, and sustained varying degrees of injury.  Both were transported to Iowa hospitals for treatment.  In the vehicles, and along the road, law enforcement discovered over 150 pounds of stolen marijuana from a Colorado dispensary, approximately one pound of methamphetamine, three firearms, and a substantial amount of other stolen items.  Gomez has a significant number of warrants for pending charges in Colorado for auto thefts.     

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Gomez was sentenced to 19 years’ imprisonment and must serve five years of supervised release following imprisonment.  Gomez remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood 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 22-4045.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

A Cedar Rapids man who made a false statement when purchasing a firearm and possessed multiple firearms as a drug user was sentenced today to more than four years in federal prison.

Alexander Wesley Ledvina, age 27, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 1, 2023 verdict following a bench trial in which Ledvina was found guilty of one count of possession of a firearm by a drug user and one count of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.

Evidence at the bench trial and sentencing hearing showed that on July 29, 2022, Ledvina purchased a firearm from a gun store in the Northern District of Iowa and falsely stated that he was not an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any other controlled substance.  However, during the bench trial, Ledvina stipulated that he knew that he was using controlled substances, including marijuana, THC, and cocaine, in March, April, May, June, and July 2022.  On August 11, 2022, law enforcement investigators searched Ledvina’s home.  Investigators located a total of five firearms.  Investigators also located multiple rounds of ammunition, multiple firearm magazines, a drum magazine that had a 100-round capacity, marijuana, and cannabis inside Ledvina’s residence. 

  Ledvina was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Ledvina was sentenced to 51 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 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.

Ledvina 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 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Cedar Rapids Police Department. 

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

The case file number is 23-CR-36.

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A Sioux City man who barricaded himself inside his residence, with a firearm when sheriff’s deputies attempted to serve a protection order was sentenced June 21, 2024, to more than 2 years in federal prison.

Gabriel Krusen, age 46, from Sioux City, received the prison term after a February 13, 2024, guilty plea to one-count of possession of a firearm by a felon and drug user.

Evidence in the case revealed Woodbury County Sheriff’s deputies attempting to serve a protection order on Krusen were met with resistance and evasion as Krusen either fled when he observed law enforcement, or would barricade himself inside of his residence with barrels, barbed wire, and other obstacles. Krusen also kept a shotgun near the barricaded door.

On the night of July 31, 2023, Sheriff’s Deputies were able to take defendant into custody on multiple driving violations and served him with the protection order. During the subsequent execution of a search warrant, paraphernalia, methamphetamine, marijuana, and the firearm were seized.

On February 3, 2024, while Krusen was on pre-trial release, deputies with the Woodbury County Sheriff’s office were dispatched to disturbance at Krusen’s residence, where an assault had taken place.  Members of the SWAT team were called to assist with the arrest of the defendant because of his past, and used an armored vehicle to approach Krusen.  Krusen eventually surrendered without further incident. The defendant was arrested and charged with domestic abuse assault- injury or mental illness. These charges are pending in the Woodbury County, Iowa District Court.

Krusen was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 34 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.

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

The case was investigated by Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office and 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 23-4069.

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A Pennsylvania man who organized a scheme to defraud the government out of COVID-19 pandemic loan moneys pled guilty on June 14, 2024, in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Alhaji Kundu Aly, age 35, from Chester, Pennsylvania, was convicted of one count of wire fraud.

In a plea agreement, Aly admitted that he and others recruited and assisted various individuals in the Northern District of Iowa and elsewhere to apply for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans for which they did not actually qualify, in exchange for a fee. False, fraudulent, and fictitious documents and statements were submitted to various lending institutions in support of the PPP loans for the PPP applicants. After the PPP applicants received the fraudulent PPP loans, it was part of the scheme to demand a portion of the PPP moneys from the PPP applicants and, if necessary, Aly traveled to demand payment in person. Aly traveled to Iowa and demanded payment in person from a PPP applicant. Aly admitted in his plea agreement that he is responsible for no less than $250,000 in loss based on no less than 21 fraudulent PPP loans as a result of the scheme to defraud.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts.  For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice's National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Aly remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Aly faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, and 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-9.

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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.

Manuel De Jesus Segovia, age 48, a citizen of El Salvador illegally present in the United States and residing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 3, 2024, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.

At the guilty plea, Segovia admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government.

Segovia first illegally entered the United States in October 2004 and was apprehended by immigration officials at the border. Segovia was released on his own recognizance and absconded from ICE supervision. Segovia was not found by immigration officials until March 2007 and was first deported in June 2007. Segovia was again deported in March 2014 after illegally reentering the United States. On two consecutive days in June 2022, Segovia was apprehended at the border and returned to Mexico. On March 13, 2024, immigration officials learned Segovia had illegally returned to the United States and arrested him near his residence in Cedar Rapids.

Segovia was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Segovia 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.

Segovia 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-23.

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A Cedar Rapids, Iowa, contractor who scammed victims of the 2020 derecho was sentenced on June 11, 2024, to four years in federal prison. Scott Gregory Adkins, age 48, received the prison term after a February 1, 2024, guilty plea to one count of wire fraud. In a plea agreement, Adkins admitted that, from December 2020 through March 2022, he devised and perpetrated a scheme to defraud his customers, including victims of the 2020 derecho. Adkins was a contractor doing business as “Adkins Home Improvements LLC.”

On August 10, 2020, a severe storm, commonly referred to as a derecho, struck multiple counties in the Northern District of Iowa, as well as other parts of the States of Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. Media reporting on the event, citing public and private sources, have estimated that the derecho, with winds exceeding 100 mph, caused an estimated total of $7.5 billion in damage across the affected states. The derecho caused long-duration power outages across the Northern District of Iowa and the larger region, millions of acres of crops were damaged or destroyed, and numerous semi-trucks were blown off major interstate highways.  Just within the city of Cedar Rapids, power was cut to nearly all of the city’s residents by the derecho, and damage estimates indicate that over 1,000 housing units were rendered unlivable while hundreds of additional homes suffered damage.  Many of the city’s businesses were also damaged during the storm.

Adkins organized “Adkins Home Improvements LLC” in October 2020, approximately two months after the derecho. By means of “Adkins Home Improvements LLC,” Adkins offered home repair services to victims of the derecho, as well as other individuals in the Cedar Rapids area who needed projects completed in the tight-labor, post-derecho construction market.

As a part of his scheme, Adkins offered to provide construction services and materials to prospective customers of “Adkins Home Improvements LLC,” including but not limited to victims of the derecho. Adkins provided estimates to those customers and demanded substantial advance deposits or downpayments before undertaking work on the projects. Instead of completing the projects, Adkins spent some of the advanced funds on personal expenses, including but not limited to food, and transferred other such funds to a family member by means of a mobile payment service. Adkins also made false statements and excuses to his customers about the status of their projects to conceal his illicit use of the funds and to lull his customers into a false sense of security.

In total, Adkins stole over $190,000 from 22 victims as part of his scheme.  One of Adkins’ victims was an elderly widow who suffered roof damage to her Cedar Rapids residence from the derecho. Adkins has a lengthy criminal history, including theft-related convictions in Iowa and Michigan.

Adkins was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Adkins was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $192,770.72 in restitution the victims. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

Adkins 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 Timothy L. Vavricek and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department. 

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

The case file number is 23-CR-66-LTS-MAR.

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Dominique Burow, 37, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty June 12, 2024, in federal court, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

At the plea hearing, evidence showed that from January 2022 through February 2023, Burow and others distributed at least 5 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Sioux City area.  Evidence showed that twice in 2022, Burow distributed or aided another in the distribution of methamphetamine to individuals cooperating with law enforcement.  Burow also admitted to obtaining at least nine pounds of meth from a number of sources to distribute in Sioux City. Burow also wired money – drug proceeds, to sources in Mexico and California.  Burow was also caught with methamphetamine while on pre-trial release for her original charges.

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Burow remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Burow faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 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 imprisonment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, 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.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

A man who possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute pled guilty on June 12, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.

Jose L. Velez, Sr., age 39, from Omaha, Nebraska, was convicted of one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, methamphetamine.

At the plea hearing, Velez admitted on or about February 23, 2024, he knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine.

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Velez remains in custody of the United States Marshal and will remain in custody pending sentencing.  Velez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and 5 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.­

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Fletcher and was investigated by the North Central Iowa Drug Task Force, the Cerro Gordo Sheriff’s Office, the Clear Lake Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Mason City Police Department, the Iowa State Patrol, the Iowa DCI Laboratory, and the Cerro Gordo County Attorney’s Office.

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

The case file number is 24-CR-03018.

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A California man who used the mail to send dangerous drugs to Iowa was sentenced June 11, 2024, to more than seven years in federal prison.

Tyler Vuong Le, age 28, from Anaheim California, received the prison term after a January 3, 2024, guilty plea to distribution of a controlled substance.

In a plea agreement, Le admitted he mailed packages on multiple occasions from California to Iowa that were pressed to look like oxycodone pills, but instead contained other controlled substances including fentanyl. Le believed the pills would be redistributed in Iowa.  Le also sent cocaine, counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, and LSD to Iowa.  Fortunately, these items were being sent to an individual that was working with law enforcement and the controlled substances, including over 5,900 of the counterfeit oxycodone pills, were seized by law enforcement before they could be redistributed.  According to the DEA, fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug that is 100 times more potent that morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/Fentanyl%202022%20Drug%20Fact%20Sheet-update.pdf

Le was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Le was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 4-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Le 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 Emily K. Nydle 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 United States Postal Inspectors, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department. 

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

The case file number is 23-cr-2042.

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A woman who sent controlled substances into a jail was sentenced on June 10, 2024, to 71 months in federal prison.

Brookelyn Marie Lindquist, age 42, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 11, 2024 guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.        

Lindquist sent multiple packages to another individual in jail.  That individual was in prison pending sentencing for a federal drug trafficking conviction. Inside these packages, Lindquist sent the individual controlled substances that included a mixture of fentanyl and heroin.  When the individual used the controlled substances sent by Lindquist, they suffered an overdose.  Lindquist was on state parole at the time of her conduct due to another drug trafficking conviction.

Lindquist was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Lindquist was sentenced to 71 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.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Waterloo Police Department, the Black Hawk County Sherriff’s Office, and the Tri-County Drug Task Force.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is 23-CR- 2079.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

A woman who sent controlled substances into a jail was sentenced on June 10, 2024, to 71 months in federal prison.

Brookelyn Marie Lindquist, age 42, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 11, 2024 guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.       

Lindquist sent multiple packages to another individual in jail.  That individual was in prison pending sentencing for a federal drug trafficking conviction. Inside these packages, Lindquist sent the individual controlled substances that included a mixture of fentanyl and heroin.  When the individual used the controlled substances sent by Lindquist, they suffered an overdose.  Lindquist was on state parole at the time of her conduct due to another drug trafficking conviction.

Lindquist was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Lindquist was sentenced to 71 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.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Waterloo Police Department, the Black Hawk County Sherriff’s Office, and the Tri-County Drug Task Force.

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

The case file number is 23-CR- 2079. 

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A man who possessed firearms as a drug user and made false statements during the purchase of firearms pled guilty on June 7, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.

Brian Lee Byers, age 39, from Christmas, Florida, was convicted of 4 counts of possession of a firearm by an unlawful drug user and 4 counts of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.

At the plea hearing, Byers admitted that between July of 2019 and February of 2020, in Cero Gordo County, Iowa, Black Hawk County, Iowa, Winnebago County, Iowa, Grundy County, Iowa and Hancock County, Iowa he possessed multiple firearms while using marijuana and methamphetamine. He admitted that on July 25, 2019, November 9, 2019, February 22, 2020, and February 24, 2020, he stated on federal forms he was not a drug user while purchased multiple firearms. 

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Byers remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Byers faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ up to life, a fine of $250,000, and 5 years of supervised release. 

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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Fletcher and was investigated by the Mason City Police Department, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. 

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

The case file number is 23-CR-3018.

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A man who possessed a firearm as a felon and illegal drug user was sentenced on June 7, 2024, to more than 4 years in federal prison.

Riley Joe Morris Brekke, age 24, from Clear Lake, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and an unlawful drug user.

In a plea agreement, Brekke admitted that on May 11, 2023, while outside a liquor store in Mason City, he was approached by Mason City Police officers regarding outstanding warrants for a probation violation and escape from custody.  Brekke ran from the officers, was caught, and arrested.  While running, Brekke threw the backpack he was carrying.  During a search of Brekke, officers located a needle and a bag of methamphetamine on his person.  They also located a gun, ammunition, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia in the backpack he threw. Brekke had previously been convicted of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, a felony, in Cerro Gordo County in 2022. 

Brekke was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Brekke was sentenced to 54 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.

Brekke 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 Fletcher and investigated by Mason City 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 23-CR-03020.

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A woman who conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced today to more than 12 years in federal prison.

Brandy Herman, age 48, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 7, 2023 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and three counts of distribution of a controlled substance.

Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Herman was involved in a large-scale drug trafficking organization that was responsible for mailing methamphetamine from California to Iowa through the United States Postal Service.  Herman received multiple packages to her address in Cedar Rapids containing methamphetamine from California on behalf of one of her co‑conspirators.  In addition, Herman and one of her co-conspirators utilized Herman’s daughter’s address to receive packages from California that contained methamphetamine. 

Herman was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Herman was sentenced to 145 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.

Herman 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 Adam J. Vander Stoep 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 United States Postal Inspection Service,

the Internal Revenue Service, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force.  The DEA Task Force consists of the DEA, the Linn County Sheriff's Office, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Marion 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 22-CR-91.

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A man who conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced today to more than six years in federal prison.

Alan Sanchez, age 32, from San Jacinto, California, received the prison term after an October 23, 2023 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.

Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Sanchez was involved in a large-scale drug trafficking organization that was responsible for mailing methamphetamine from California to Iowa through the United States Postal Service.  Sanchez mailed packages that contained many pounds of methamphetamine on behalf of the drug trafficking organization.

Sanchez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Sanchez was sentenced to 76 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.

Sanchez 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 Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force.  The DEA Task Force consists of the DEA, the Linn County Sheriff's Office, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Marion 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 22-CR-91.

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A man who possessed methamphetamine and illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced June 7, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.

Edwin Diaz, 34, from Odebolt, Iowa, was convicted of two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm on February 9, 2024.  Diaz was previously convicted of felony theft, burglary, and possession of a controlled substance, which prohibit a person from possessing firearms.

At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that in the early morning hours on December 31, 2022, an Ida County Sheriff’s Deputy, stopped to check on an oddly parked vehicle, finding defendant and another in the vehicle.  The deputy seized a baggie with 45 grams of methamphetamine and another bag with 35 grams of marijuana.  Evidence further showed that days later, in the early morning hours of January 4, 2023, Diaz and his girlfriend coaxed the person with Diaz on December 31 into a vehicle.  Then Diaz forced this person to sign a note, written by Diaz, saying the methamphetamine seized from Diaz’s vehicle on December 31, was this person’s and not Diaz’s.  During the execution of a search warrant at Diaz’s residence, agents seized evidence of Diaz’s conduct in obtaining the false letter, including handcuffs and the false note. Diaz’s conduct constituted obstruction of justice. Agents also seized approximately ½ ounce of methamphetamine, a small quantity of marijuana, various pills, drug distribution paraphernalia, a Ruger .22 rifle with a loaded magazine and 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition.   

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Diaz was sentenced to 185 months’, 27 days’ imprisonment and must serve a term of four years of supervised release.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Diaz is being held in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service 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 Ida County Sheriff’s Office, Sac County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa Public Safety-Division of Criminal Investigation Laboratory, 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 23-4012. 

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A drug user who possessed firearms pled guilty on June 3, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa.

Brittany Graham, age 36, of Mason City, was convicted of one count of being a drug user in possession of firearms.  At the plea hearing, Graham admitted that, in August 2022, she possessed four pistols while she was an unlawful user of marijuana.

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Graham remains free on bond previously set.  Graham faces a possible maximum sentence of fifteen years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mason City Police Department, the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

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

The case file number is CR 23-3014.

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A man who possessed a firearm as un unlawful drug user pled guilty June 3, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.

Cory Allen More, age 33, from Manly, Iowa, was convicted of one count of possession of a firearm by a drug user.

In a plea agreement, More admitted that on October 23, 2023, his vehicle ran out of gas in Clear Lake, Iowa.  A Clear Lake police officer saw More pull his vehicle over to the side of the road.  The officer made contact with More while he was outside of his vehicle near the engine bay where he had just opened the hood.  At that time, the officer observed 2 marijuana baggies with a green leafy substance on the ground between More’s feet and the officer’s feet.  The officer seized the two baggies which were found to contain marijuana.  More also had a handgun in a holster on his belt in plain view of the officer.  On October 27, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at More’s residence in Manly, Iowa and seized marijuana, scales, drug paraphernalia, and an additional 16 firearms and ammunition.   

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  More remains free on bond previously set.  More faces a potential mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

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.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Fletcher and was investigated by the Clear Lake Police Department, Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, Manly Police Department, Worth County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Cerro Gordo County Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, 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-03006.

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First Choice Surgical Center, an ambulatory surgical center located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has agreed to pay $125,000 to the United States to resolve allegations that it violated civil provisions of the Controlled Substances Act.

First Choice Surgical Center is the surgical center affiliated with Fox Eye Laser & Cosmetic Institute, P.C., a practice performing laser vision correction and cataract surgery. The settlement resolves allegations that First Choice failed to maintain complete and accurate records concerning the controlled substances it purchased and dispensed and failed to provide effective controls and procedures to guard against theft and diversion of controlled substances.

In August 2019, other employees of First Choice discovered that Sabrina Thalblum, a registered nurse at First Choice, had been tampering with vials of fentanyl. The fentanyl was kept at First Choice for patient use during out-patient surgical procedures. A criminal investigation revealed that Thalblum stole the fentanyl for her own use. Thalblum withdrew fentanyl from the vials, reinjected saline into the vials, and returned the vials, which now contained less than declared values of fentanyl, to storage at First Choice.  In January 2021, Thalblum pled guilty in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to charges related to the theft and, in January 2022, was sentenced to five years-probation.

A related civil investigation identified at least 130 separate occasions in which the record-keeping requirements of the Controlled Substances Act were allegedly violated by First Choice. The DEA’s investigation found that First Choice employees “batch signed” records indicating they had witnessed the wasting of fentanyl remaining after surgery when it was not First Choice’s practice to ensure those employees had witnessed the wasting. Additionally, First Choice failed to make a timely report to DEA after it learned of the fentanyl theft.

With the passage of the Controlled Substances Act, Congress took steps to create “a closed system” of distribution of controlled substances in which every facet of the handling of the substances – from their manufacture to their consumption by the ultimate user – is subject to intense governmental regulation.  This mission was taken against the backdrop of trying to prevent the diversion and abuse of legitimate controlled substances, while still ensuring that an adequate supply of those substances meet the medical and scientific needs of the United States.           

“This settlement highlights one part of our office’s efforts to battle the opioid crisis,” said Timothy T. Duax, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa. “Healthcare providers must do their part to ensure the safety of our community by maintaining accurate records and safeguarding access to dangerous controlled substances.”

“The DEA works vigilantly to make sure hospitals are enforcing the rules and regulations that ensure patient safety,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “Lives are unnecessarily put at risk when accuracy and good record keeping habits are brushed aside. These rules are in place for a reason and should provide families with peace of mind that they are receiving the best care possible when they walk in the door of any hospital in the United States.”

The claims asserted against First Choice are allegations only; there was no determination of liability.

The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Brandon J. Gray and was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Office of Diversion Control.

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A man who fled from law enforcement while possessing methamphetamine pled guilty May 31, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.

Chad Hughes, 40, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.  Hughes was previously convicted of a federal firearms offense in 2005.

At the plea hearing, Hughes admitted possessing almost ½ pound of methamphetamine which he intended to distribute to others in Sioux City.  Evidence showed that on June 24, 2023, law enforcement attempted to stop the motorcycle Hughes was operating.  Hughes fled from law enforcement with high-speed pursuits overlapping in cities of Sioux City, Iowa and North Sioux City, South Dakota during which Hughes ditched the motorcycle and a backpack to avoid apprehension.  Law enforcement seized the backpack which contained methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and other items (one shoe, lottery tickets, etc.) which aided in the ultimate identification of Hughes.

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Hughes remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Hughes faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 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 imprisonment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa State Patrol, North Sioux City, South Dakota, 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 23-4053.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

A Waterloo man who possessed over 1,000 grams of marijuana and two firearms was sentenced May 29, 2024, to more than three years in federal prison.

Daquavion Marquise Walker, age 21, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 10, 2024 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a drug user.

Information disclosed at sentencing showed that, in March 2022, Walker was charged in state court with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and failure to affix a drug tax stamp.  In June 2022, while the state charge was pending, Walker had someone buy him a Glock pistol from a federal firearms licensee in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  In January 2023, law enforcement officers searched an apartment and a vehicle associated with Walker and they seized two Glock pistols, including the Glock purchased for Walker in June 2022, which had a thirty‑one‑round magazine attached to it; a fifty‑round drum magazine; and over 1,000 grams of marijuana.          

Walker was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Walker was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment, and 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.

Walker 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 Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Waterloo Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and 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‑02053.

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A man who shot into a residence and threatened people was sentenced on May 28, 2024, to 13 years in federal prison.  Archester Rodgers, age 42, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 23, 2024, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

Evidence in the case revealed that on September 20, 2022, in Fort Dodge, police officers responded to a call from a woman being threatened by Rodgers, who was outside her apartment with an assault rifle.  During the call, the victim heard Rodgers fire the gun and other people began calling 911 to report hearing shots.  Rodgers fled from police when they arrived, eventually crashing his car.  In Rodgers’ crashed car, officers found spent shell casings which were determined to be fired from Rodgers’ assault rifle, which was later recovered by police.  It was later determined that earlier the same night, Rodgers shot his assault rifle into another residence in Fort Dodge at least three times.  Rodgers was also in violation of his duty to register as a sex offender.  Rodgers has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for: Rape, Sexual Battery, Domestic Assault—Bodily Harm (twice), Failure to Register as a Sex Offender (four times), Assault, Terroristic Threats, Criminal Sexual Conduct—Fifth Degree—Nonconsensual Sexual Contact, Domestic Assault—Commits Act to Cause Fear or Immediate Bodily Harm or Death, Possession of a Controlled Substance (twice), and Eluding (twice).  

Rodgers was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 156 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.  Rodgers is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

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.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons and was investigated by the Fort Dodge Police Department and the United States Marshal Service. 

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

The case file number is 23-3027.

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A woman who formerly worked as the city clerk for the City of Clutier, Iowa, and who committed wire fraud to steal from the city was sentenced today to nearly two years in federal prison.

Keri Kopriva, age 44, from Elberon, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 26, 2023, guilty plea to one count of wire fraud.

Information from a plea agreement and at sentencing showed that Kopriva was working as the city clerk for the City of Clutier between January 2016 and December 2018.  During this time, Kopriva stole money from the city in various ways, including writing checks to herself and to family members, using city credit cards for personal expenses, and pocketing money meant for utility payments from citizens of the city.  Information at sentencing showed that over the nearly three years, Kopriva stole more than $107,000 from the city. 

Kopriva was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Kopriva was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment.  She was ordered to make more than $108,000 in restitution to the City of Clutier.  She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Kopriva 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 Anthony Morfitt and 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-13.

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A man who conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine and launder proceeds from trafficking drugs was sentenced May 30 to 30 years in federal prison.

Albert McReynolds, age 35, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 2, 2023, jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and one count of engaging in a monetary transaction involving property derived from unlawful activity.

The evidence at trial showed that McReynolds was a methamphetamine dealer in the Cedar Rapids area.  Between September 2020 and November 2021, McReynolds worked with others to distribute methamphetamine.  The evidence at trial showed that McReynolds and one of his coconspirators, Calvin Williams, traveled to California to meet with another person to get methamphetamine.  Following the meeting, the source of supply in California sent packages containing methamphetamine through the United States Postal Service to several addresses in Cedar Rapids.  McReynolds had the packages sent to other individuals’ addresses to avoid having the methamphetamine delivered directly to him.  Investigators intercepted and searched three packages that were mailed from California to addresses associated with McReynolds in Cedar Rapids.  In each of those packages, investigators located multiple pounds of methamphetamine.  In total, investigators identified 46 packages mailed from California to the Cedar Rapids area between September 2020 and November 2021 that all shared similar characteristics to the packages that investigators intercepted and searched.  These 46 packages had a combined total mailing weight of over 700 pounds.

The evidence at trial showed that, between October 2020 and November 2021, McReynolds also conspired with others to commit money laundering.  McReynolds and others distributed the methamphetamine McReynolds received from California.  McReynolds vacuum-sealed the money that he made from selling methamphetamine, and McReynolds and Williams sent packages containing cash through the United States Postal Service to multiple different addresses associated with the methamphetamine source in California.  McReynolds and Williams placed fake names and addresses on the return labels of the packages containing the cash so law enforcement would not be able to link McReynolds and others to those packages.  On July 28, 2021, McReynolds mailed a package from Cedar Rapids to an address associated with his source in California.  Investigators intercepted and searched that package and located $56,470 in cash.

McReynolds was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  McReynolds was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a ten-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

McReynolds 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 Attorneys Adam J. Vander Stoep and Shawn S. Wehde 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 United States Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force.  The DEA Task Force consists of the DEA, the Linn County Sheriff's Office, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Marion 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 22-CR-91-CJW.

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A prohibited person who possessed firearms pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Kyler Goettsch, age 26, of Cedar Rapids, was convicted of one count of being a prohibited person in possession of firearms.  At the plea hearing, Goettsch admitted that, in November 2023, he possessed a Springfield pistol and a Sig Sauer pistol after having been convicted of four felonies and a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

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

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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department 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 24-16.

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A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced in federal court in Sioux City on May 30, 2024, to 30 years’ imprisonment.

Britt Lander, 42, from Akron, Iowa, was convicted by a jury on December 6, 2023, of conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of pure methamphetamine.  In 2012, Lander was previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa.

The evidence at trial and sentencing showed that Lander, along with others, conspired to receive at least 88 pounds of methamphetamine by mail and vehicle transport from California and Mexico to distribute in the Sioux City and Akron, Iowa areas.  Evidence also showed Lander assisted in unloading 5 to 15 pound loads of methamphetamine, and audio/video recordings showed Lander and another using cutting tools to remove 7 kilograms (roughly 15 pounds) of methamphetamine from inside a spare tire that was used to transport the methamphetamine from Mexico. 

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Lander was sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment and must serve term of 10 years supervised release following imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Lander 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 South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, 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 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; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.   

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

The case file number is 22-4071.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

Jermiah Preston, 41, from Fort Dodge pled guilty May 22, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City to distribution of methamphetamine.

In March 2017, Preston was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and distributing a controlled substance in the United States District Court in Northern District of Iowa.

At the plea hearing, evidence showed that on January 23, 2023, Preston participated in a meth transaction with a confidential informant.  During a traffic stop after the transaction, Preston was observed to throw two bags of methamphetamine out the truck window.  The buy money expended was found on Preston’s person, and DNA on the discarded bags of meth matched Preston’s.

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Preston remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Preston 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, Iowa DCI Laboratory, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, and Iowa State Patrol. 

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

The case file number is 23-3029.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty May 28, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City.

At the plea hearing, Pamela Brownell, 63, from Des Moines, Iowa, admitted that from September 2022 through October 2023, she and others conspired to distribute more than 45 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Fort Dodge, Iowa area.  In October 2023, law enforcement purchased ½ pound of methamphetamine from Brownell in a controlled drug transaction.  Also in October 2023, a traffic stop of Brownell resulted in the seizure of ½ pound of methamphetamine which she intended to distribute to others.  In 2006 Brownell was previously convicted in federal court of an attempt to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute.        

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Brownell remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Brownell 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.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Iowa State Patrol, the Iowa DCI Laboratory, and the Polk, Hamilton, and Webster County Sheriffs’ Offices. 

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

The case file number is 24-3007.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.