Northern District of Iowa

A man who possessed a firearm and ammunition as a felon was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.

Federico Luna, age 23, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 4, 2022 guilty plea to one count of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon.  Luna had previously been convicted of reckless use of a firearm, harassment in the first and third degree, assault, and criminal mischief in the second degree.

Evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that Luna sped through a residential area in Cedar Rapids while leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase.  During the chase, he threw a backpack out of the window of the car.  That backpack contained a loaded firearm, false U.S. currency, and pills.  Luna abandoned the car and attempted to flee on foot before he was taken into custody. 

Luna was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Luna was sentenced to 46 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.

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

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake, and it was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department. 

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.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is 21-CR-64.

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A Sioux City man who possessed a stolen firearm as a felon pled guilty September 1, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City.  Michael David Groves, age 26, from Sioux City, Iowa was convicted of possession of a firearm by a felon.  In a plea agreement, Groves admitted to being a convicted felon and knowing he was prohibited from owning a firearm.  Groves admitted to possessing a 12-gauge shotgun, which was reported stolen after a burglary in Plymouth County, Iowa.

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.

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Groves remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Groves faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 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 Ron Timmons and was investigated by the United States Marshal Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nebraska State Patrol, Sioux City Police Department, and Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office. 

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

The case file number is 22-4046.

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A drug user who possessed firearms and ammunition was sentenced September 1, 2022, to six months in federal prison.

Douglas Studer, age 63, of Cedar Rapids, received the sentence after a November 15, 2021 guilty plea to one count of being a drug user in possession of firearms and ammunition.  At the plea hearing, Studer admitted that, on May 17, 2019, he knowingly possessed two pistols and 932 rounds of ammunition while being a user of methamphetamine.

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

Studer was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on October 3, 2022.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Dubuque Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, 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 21-1027.

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A man who had previously served a federal term of 235 months’ imprisonment was sentenced to another term of 15 months’ imprisonment for violating conditions of his supervised release.

On August 29, 2022, Mingo Flores, 38, from Mason City, Iowa, received the prison term after violating terms of his supervised release.  Specifically, Flores was determined by the district court to have two new law violations, including an assault and possession of methamphetamine-second offense.  When Flores was arrested on the federal supervision violation stemming from the assault allegations, he was found with methamphetamine, which he attempted to destroy by attempting to flush the methamphetamine down a toilet at the Cerro Gordo County Jail. 

In 2001, Flores was sentenced to federal prison for a term of 235 months and a five-year term of supervised release for distribution of LSD.  Flores had been on supervised release for approximately two years prior to his violations of the terms of his release. On August 29, 2022, Flores was sentenced in Sioux City, Iowa, by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 15 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after service of this prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Flores remains 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 Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Mason City Police Department, the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, and United States Probation.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is 01-3052/22-3027.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

A man who possessed over 6,000 grams of methamphetamine and $460,726 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, pled guilty today.

Terrell McBride, age 31, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of distribution of methamphetamine.

In a plea agreement, McBride admitted to distributing over 1,500 grams of methamphetamine throughout the Cedar Rapids area.  The Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives searched McBride’s home and recovered over 6,900 grams of methamphetamine and $460,726 in United States Currency.  McBride admitted that he used or intended to use all of the United States Currency seized for the purpose of drug trafficking.

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  McBride remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  McBride faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment and the following maximum penalties: (1) not more than life imprisonment, without the possibility of parole; (2) a fine of not more than $10 million; (3) a mandatory special assessment of $100; and (4) a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.

This case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Dorval Norwood.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is 22-CR-00005-CJW.

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A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced on August 30, 2022, to more than eleven years in federal prison.  Jonathan Roy Wright, age 43, from Marion, Iowa, received the prison term after a April 14, 2022 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. 

Information disclosed at sentencing showed that, between October 2020 and October 2021, Wright distributed at least 1,800 grams of ice methamphetamine.  Wright also has a serious and long criminal history, having been convicted of several assault-related offenses and eleven prior drug-related offenses.       

Wright was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Wright was sentenced to 136 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.

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

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Devra Hake and Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards, and it was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting 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-00007-LTS.

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A man who possessed a firearm as a felon was convicted by a jury today after a two-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Daniel Arsenio Rodgers, age 33, from Dubuque, Iowa, was convicted of one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.  The verdict was returned this afternoon following about one hour of jury deliberations.

The evidence at trial showed that Rodgers knowingly possessed a Beretta 9mm handgun on June 25, 2021.  On that date, Rodgers shot at a residence on West Locust in Dubuque before ditching the car he was driving.  Later that day, Rodgers shot at a residence on W. 11th Street as a passenger in a different vehicle.  Dubuque police officers were able to track that vehicle using traffic cameras from W. 11th Street to a local restaurant where Rodgers was arrested on an outstanding warrant a short time later.  The Beretta used in both shootings was found in the vehicle in which Rodgers traveled to the restaurant.

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Rodgers remains in the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Rodgers faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 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 Daniel C. Tvedt and was investigated by the Dubuque Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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.

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

The case file number is 22-CR-1013.

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A man who robbed a Century cab on April 29, 2011, pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.

Johnathan DeWayne Mitchell, age 44, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of interference with commerce by robbery.

The guilty plea occurred during the opening stages of Mitchell’s jury trial after exhibits had been admitted and the jury was selected.  In the plea hearing, Mitchell admitted he robbed a Century cab on April 29, 2011, and took money and personal effects from the driver.  Evidence admitted at the trial, before the plea was entered, showed the cab driver died of multiple stab wounds she sustained during the robbery. 

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Mitchell remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Mitchell faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, restitution to the victim’s family, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick Reinert and Dillan Edwards and was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

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

The case file number is 16-CR-00029-LTS.

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A man who escaped from a Cedar Rapids, Iowa, halfway house while serving a sentence for unlawful firearms possession was sentenced on August 18, 2022, to more than an additional year in federal prison.  Ricky Joe Vaughn, age 43, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 8, 2022 guilty plea to one count of escape from custody.

At Vaughn’s plea and sentencing hearings, the evidence showed that Vaughn was sentenced in June 2015 to serve 96 months in federal prison for possessing firearms and ammunition illegally.  Vaughn was scheduled to be released from a federal prison in Michigan in February 2022.  In November 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”) granted Vaughn the privilege of home confinement.  In December 2021, after Vaughn violated the terms of his home confinement, the BOP rescinded Vaughn’s home confinement privileges and ordered Vaughn to reside in a Cedar Rapids halfway house.  On January 10, 2022, while a resident of the halfway house, Vaughn cut off his ankle monitor at his workplace and fled in another person’s vehicle.  The United States Marshal’s Service arrested Vaughn three days later at the other person’s apartment.

Vaughn was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Vaughn was sentenced to 21 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.

Vaughn has an extensive criminal history extending back to 2001.  In addition to his prior federal firearms conviction, Vaughn’s criminal history in state court includes felony convictions for theft and conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.  Vaughn 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 Tim Vavricek and investigated by the USMS. 

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

The case file number is 22-CR-12.

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A Sioux City woman who defrauded the United States Government was sentenced August 19, 2022, to 4 months in federal prison.

Margaret Ortega, age 45, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 14, 2022, guilty plea to theft of government funds.

In a plea agreement, Ortega admitted she embezzled and stole from the United States Social Security Administration (SSA) no less than $92,744.51.

Specifically, Ortega concealed her living arrangements with her husband, Hassan Ortega, by providing false statements to the SSA and the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS).  In her statements, Ortega attested that Hassan was not part of her household and that she received no support from him (since November 2010).  An investigation conducted by the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) revealed evidence that refuted Ortega’s statements and showed Hassan was a member of Ortega’s household since November 2010.

As a result of her actions, Margaret Ortega was overpaid $88,176.51 in SSA Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, on behalf of her daughter, Jasmine Ortega, from January 2011 through November 2020, and $4,568 in SSI benefits for herself, for the same time period (total $92,744.51).

As a result of her actions, Ortega was also overpaid $20,152 in Iowa Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from November 1, 2014, to October 31, 2019, and $2,927 in SNAP benefits from February 17, 2020 to November 30, 2020 for the household (total $23,079).

Ortega was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Ortega was sentenced to 4 months’ imprisonment.  She was ordered to pay $115,823.51 in restitution ($92,744.51 to SSA and $23,079 to IDHS).  She must also serve a 2-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Ortega was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal; Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons and Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Fletcher and investigated by Iowa Department of Human Services and Social Security Administration. 

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

The case file number is 22-4015.

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A man who possessed over 150 grams of methamphetamine in Eldora, Iowa pled guilty on August 17, 2022.

Shane Anthony Johnson, age 45, from St. Anthony, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine throughout the Northern District of Iowa.

In a plea agreement, Johnson admitted to being involved in the transport of 165 grams of methamphetamine before being apprehended by Eldora Police officers.  It was later discovered Johnson had obtained approximately four ounces of methamphetamine from the same supplier before the date of his arrest.

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Johnson remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Johnson faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment and the following maximum penalties: (1) not more than life imprisonment, without the possibility of parole; (2) a fine of not more than $10 million; (3) a mandatory special assessment of $100; and (4) a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.

This case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Dorval Norwood.

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

The case file number is 22-CR-00031-CJW.

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A prohibited person who possessed firearms and ammunition was sentenced today to 33 months in federal prison.

Douglas Hurt, age 42, of Anamosa, Iowa, received the sentence after a February 3, 2022, jury verdict finding him guilty of possessing two firearms and ammunition after having been convicted of one felony and three misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence.  The evidence at trial showed that, in June 2020, in the cabin where he lived, Hurt possessed a Chinese Type 56 7.62 x 39 mm caliber rifle, a Remington 870 Express Magnum 12-gauge shotgun, and ammunition.

Hurt was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Hurt was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

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

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by Jones County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, 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 21-59.

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A man who was shot during an exchange of gunfire was sentenced today to more than eight years in federal prison.

Chad Lee, age 20, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 3, 2022, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

In a plea agreement, Lee admitted that, on August 26, 2020, he knowingly possessed a firearm, a Springfield XD 9mm handgun, as a prohibited person.  Lee was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was previously convicted on July 2, 2020, of Interference Displaying a Firearm, in the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, a felony.  On August 2, 2020, Waterloo police officers responded to a call of shots fired.  Upon responding, officers learned that multiple individuals were involved in an altercation wherein multiple people exchanged gunfire.  Officers located between 20 to 30 shell casings but no firearms.  Officers also learned that Lee had just been admitted at a nearby hospital with a gunshot wound.  Surveillance video of the shooting showed Lee exchanging gunfire with another group of individuals.  On August 26, 2020, Waterloo police officers executed a search warrant at Lee’s residence and found the Springfield handgun with an extended magazine under his pillow.  The Springfield had been reported stolen in February 2020.  Lee admitted he was one of the shooters on August 2 but stated he used a Beretta handgun which he dropped after being shot.  Lee said he never found the Beretta and had just acquired the Springfield handgun and used it for protection.

Lee was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Lee was sentenced to 100 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.

Lee 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 Ashley Corkery and investigated by the Violent Crime Apprehension Team (VCAT) of the Waterloo Police Department. 

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

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

The case file number is 20-CR-2056.

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Carmelo Valdez Romero, 35, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on February 25, 2022, after a 4-day jury trial. 

Evidence at trial and sentencing showed that on March 17, 2020, Valdez Romero and others possessed with intent to distribute about 20 pounds of methamphetamine.  Valdez Romero aided others in the removal of 20 one-pound packages of methamphetamine hidden in the gas tank of a rental vehicle which had traveled from California to rural Dickinson County, Iowa. The methamphetamine was intended for redistribution in northwest Iowa.  Specifically, in a machine shed on the property, Valdez Romero removed the rear seats of the vehicle, removed the fuel pump, as well as other equipment attached to the gas tank and physically helped another retrieve the methamphetamine from the two-part gas tank.  During the execution of a search warrant at the property, law enforcement agents seized 15 pounds of methamphetamine from a safe inside the machine shed, and five more pounds of methamphetamine being driven away from the property, including one pound of methamphetamine from the vehicle operated by Valdez Romero.  Agents also seized $700 from Valdez Romero and $900 from the other two vehicle occupants, all the cash was pre-serialized money used by agents earlier that day to purchase one pound of methamphetamine from Valdez Romero’s drug associate.   

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Valdez Romero was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment and must serve a term of five years supervised release following any imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Valdez Romero 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 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, as well as the Dickenson County Sheriff’s Department, the Iowa State Patrol and other members of the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.  

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

The case file number is 20-4051.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

WDC Acquisitions LLC d/b/a Wellman Dynamics located in Creston, Iowa, will pay $500,000 to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act for failing to conduct contractually required testing and falsifying test results for parts used in military aircraft, the Justice Department announced today.

Wellman manufactures large metal castings that it supplies to prime defense contractors, including Bell Helicopter, Textron, Sikorsky Aircraft and the Boeing Company, for use in the UH-1Y, AH-1Z, AH-64 Apache, V22 Osprey and UH-60 Black Hawk programs.  

The United States alleged that, between 2014 and 2021, Wellman failed to conduct required metallurgic and other tests on the castings, including tensile strength testing, destructive testing, microstructure analysis, hot isostatic testing and salt fog testing, and falsely certified results of tests that had not been performed. The settlement was based on an analysis of the company’s ability to pay.

“Proper testing is critical for ensuring the proper performance of the equipment that is provided to our men and women in uniform” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will hold accountable those who knowingly falsify or fail to conduct required tests and put our military at risk.”

“It is imperative that our defense contractors and subcontractors provide the high-quality and properly tested products the military needs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Timothy Duax for the Northern District of Iowa. “We are proud to work tirelessly with our partners to ensure that this is the case.”

The settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Wellman employee Bradley Keller. Under those provisions, a private party can file a lawsuit on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. Keller will receive $90,000. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Bradley Keller v. WDC Acquisitions, LLC d/b/a Wellman Dynamics and Trive Capital Management LLC (N.D. Iowa No. 20-CV-100-LTS-MAR).

This matter was investigated by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. The investigation was handled by Senior Trial Counsel Alicia J. Bentley of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Gillespie.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

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A Minnesota man who possessed a 12-gauge shot gun while using marijuana and being a convicted felon, was sentenced August 4, 2022 to 10 years in federal prison. 

Michael Anthony Hangman, age 36, from Worthington, MN, received the prison term after a guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

At the plea hearing, Hangman admitted to possessing a 12-gauge shotgun while being an unlawful user of marijuana and having prior felony convictions.  Hangman led law enforcement on a police chase beginning in Minnesota and ending in Iowa.  Hangman was traveling at speeds reaching 100 mph.  Hangman’s shotgun was modified or cut to approximately 19 inches. Officers recovered marijuana, a digital scale with meth residue on it, and baggies from Hangman’s car.  Hangman was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his drug use and prior felony convictions in the State of Minnesota for Terroristic Threats-Reckless Disregard, and Drugs-Storing Meth Paraphernalia in the Presence of Child or Vulnerable Adult.

Evidence presented at sentencing also revealed that Hangman brutally assaulted an inmate while incarcerated in the Woodbury County Jail on July 16, 2021 pending trial in this case and stabbed two more inmates in U.S. Penitentiary Leavenworth shortly before sentencing, on July 11, 2022.  

Hangman was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Hangman was sentenced to 120 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.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ron Timmons and Mikala Steenholdt-Purdy, and was investigated by Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Osceola County Attorney’s Office, Nobles County Sheriff’s Office (MN), Buffalo Police Department (MN), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms,

Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations Crime Laboratory, and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. 

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

The case file number is 21-4003.

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A Dakota City, Nebraska woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced August 3, 2022, to more than 8 years in federal prison.

Erika Rojas, age 38, from Dakota City, Nebraska, received the prison term after a March 16, 2022, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Rojas admitted to being part of a drug ring selling large quantities of methamphetamine in the tri-state area.  Rojas and her co-defendants, Anthony Crist, Dennys Rodriguez, and Randall Nichols received methamphetamine from Mexico through the mail in the form of decorative masks that covered the wax methamphetamine mixture.  Rojas’ co-defendants would then extract the meth from the masks and redistribute the methamphetamine around Sioux City.  A search of Rojas’s storage locker resulted in the decorative masks being found and multiple pounds of methamphetamine recovered.  Rojas was the last of her co-conspirators to be sentenced.

Rojas was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Rojas was sentenced to 102 months’ imprisonment.  She must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Rojas 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 Jack Lammers and 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 21-4046.

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A Sioux City man who possessed a firearm and ammunition as a felon, was sentenced to 12 years in Federal Prison July 29, 2022.

Rudy Johnson, age 28, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted of possession of firearm and ammunition by a felon.  Johnson committed the instant offense after being released from federal prison for a 2012 crime spree.

In the summer of 2012 Johnson illegally acquired 16 guns.

On June 19, 2012, Christopher Bailey, Joshua Fields, David Johnson, Rudy Johnson, Terrence Miles, and Austin Peters used one of those stolen weapons -- a shortened semi-automatic rifle – to rob the employees of Seoul Foods in South Sioux City, Nebraska.  The clerks’ children (ages 4, 10, 12, and 14) were also inside the store at the time.  Johnson used a knife to hold the store’s butcher at bay during the robbery. 

The same day as the 2012 robbery Johnson and others contemplated robbing a Chinese-owned business in Sioux City, Iowa, but the plot was abandoned because the store appeared to be too busy; Instead, Johnson participated in an attempted drive-by shooting of an individual elsewhere in Sioux City, Iowa.  The gun misfired and the would-be shooters drove off.

On August 15, 2013, Johnson was sentenced to federal prison for offenses related this crime spree. On December 11, 2020, Johnson commenced a term of federal supervised release after his term of imprisonment and – that same day – he criminally acquired a handgun. On December 20, 2020, he transported that firearm to Iowa, shot a victim nine times with it in Iowa, concealed it, and fled Iowa.

At sentencing Johnson said he did not intend to murder the victim of the December 20, 2020 incident, and he requested a lighter sentence. However, it was undisputed defendant told another that he had “a gun on” him and “whatever happens, happens”, and it was undisputed that defendant shot the victim approximately nine times, hitting nobody else, despite the parking lot being crowded with people. 

Acting United States Attorney Timothy Duax stated, “This case is a good example of law enforcement using the current federal gun laws to remove a dangerous repeat offender from our community.”

Johnson was sentenced before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 120 months’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm as a felon.  His term of supervised release was also revoked, and he was sent back to prison for another 24 months’ imprisonment.  The two terms of imprisonment were ordered to run consecutively to one another resulting in a total new sentenced of 144 months. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Johnson remains in custody of the United States Marshal’s until he can be transported to a federal prison. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Marshalls, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Task Force and the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.

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

The case file number is 21-4086.

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A man who presented false identification documentation and who was in possession of false documents was sentenced today to over four months in federal prison.

Lino Suastegui-Leon, age 49, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Tama, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 12, 2022 guilty plea to the unlawful use of an identification document, misuse of a social security number, and unlawful possession of an identification document. 

At the guilty plea, Suastegui-Leon admitted that on October 19, 2020, he knowingly used a social security number which had been unlawfully obtained.  He also admitted that on April 1, 2022, he possessed a social security card bearing someone else’s name and social security number. 

Suastegui-Leon was located at the Tama County, Iowa, treasurer’s office in possession of a variety of false documents, including a social security card and bank cards in the name of his alias.  He also had a true copy of a Puerto Rican birth certificate.  The investigation revealed he used the social security number and an out of state driver’s license to obtain employment in Iowa.  

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

Suastegui-Leon 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 Liz Dupuich 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 22-cr-29.

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A man who was found with a firearm in Dubuque, Iowa, was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.

Lorenzo Lemons, age 29, currently residing in Dubuque, Illinois, received the prison term after a March 18, 2022 guilty plea to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

At the guilty plea, Lemons admitted that on September 13, 2021, he was found in Dubuque, Iowa, in possession of a Springfield XD-9 9mm handgun.  Lemons was previously convicted of residential burglary in Champaign County, Illinois, in 2013, and retail theft in Champaign County, Illinois, in 2015.  On September 13, 2021, Dubuque Police Department officers were conducting surveillance to locate a wanted fugitive.  When they attempted to speak to Lemons, he immediately fled.  He was apprehended and resisted arrest. He was ultimately found with a 9mm firearm in his waistband.

Lemons was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court  Judge C.J. Williams.  Lemons was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment and fined $100.  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.

Lemons 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 Liz Dupuich  and investigated by the Dubuque 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 21-cr-1034.

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A man who robbed the Country Store in Denison, Iowa, was sentenced August 4, 2022, to 17 years in federal prison.

Nhial Biliew, age 24, from Denison, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to one count of interference with commerce by robbery.

Evidence in the case revealed on June 23, 2020, Biliew used a gun to rob the Country Store in Denison, Iowa.  Biliew had previously been convicted for (1) Interference with Official Acts; (2) Theft, in the 4th Degree; (3) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; (4) Providing False Identification Information; and (5) Criminal Mischief in the 5th Degree. 

Biliew was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 204 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.

Biliew 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 investigated by Denison, Iowa Police Department, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Crawford County Sherriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.   

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

The case file number is 21-CR-04034.

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A man who received child pornography was sentenced August 2, 2022 to 5 years in federal prison.

Dason Ku, age 42, from Whiting, IA, received the prison term after a May 11, 2022, guilty plea to receipt of child pornography.  At his plea hearing, Ku admitted that on October 24, 2018, he knowingly received visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Ku was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Ku was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution to victims.  He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

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

The case file number is 21-CR-4098.

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A man who used a false identification document and someone else’s social security number was sentenced today to eight months in federal prison.

Juan Perez-Astello, age 45, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Postville, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 21, 2022 guilty plea to one count of unlawful use of an identification document.

In a plea agreement, Perez-Astello admitted he used a fraudulent Social Security card bearing someone else’s name and Social Security number when he completed employment and tax forms in November 2020 at a business in Lime Springs, Iowa.  On the employment application, Perez-Astello falsely claimed to be a United States citizen.  However, Perez-Astello had been deported to Mexico in January 1999, November 2002, and August 2014 and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government after each removal.  Perez-Astello was convicted in the Northern District of Iowa in May 2014 of illegal reentry into the United States after deportation and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.  Perez-Astello was also convicted in the Iowa District Court for Allamakee County in December 1998 of possession of a fraudulent Permanent Resident card, also known as a “green card,” and a fraudulent Social Security card immediately prior to his first deportation.

Perez-Astello was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Perez-Astello was sentenced to eight 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.

Perez-Astello 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 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 21-CR-2030.

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Joe Ripka, 34, from Hartley, Iowa, pled guilty on August 1, 2022, to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.  Ripka was previously convicted of Failure to Affix Drug Stamp, in the Iowa District Court for Emmet County, on October 23, 2017.    This conviction prohibits a person from possessing a firearm. 

Evidence at the plea hearing showed that on December 22, 2021, law enforcement observed the vehicle Ripka was driving without any license plates.  During the stop, Ripka displayed signs of impairment.  A K9 was deployed on the exterior of the car and indicated the presence of controlled substances from within, at which time Ripka stated there was a firearm in the car and acknowledged he was a felon.  Law enforcement uncovered a .380 handgun in the driver’s door.  Later, upon inspection of the officer’s vehicle near where Ripka had been seated on December 22, 2021, the arresting officer located a pack of cigarettes wedged between the seats which contained 1 gram of methamphetamine. 

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Ripka remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Ripka faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than 3 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 Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee 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 22-4041.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

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

Maria Julia Diaz-Ventura, age 34, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Cedar Falls, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 26, 2022 guilty plea to one count of unlawful use of an identification document and one count of illegal reentry into the United States.

In a plea agreement, Diaz-Ventura admitted she had previously been deported from the United States and that she illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government.  Diaz-Ventura was deported in December 2017.  Diaz-Ventura also admitted she used a fraudulent Social Security card bearing someone else’s name and Social Security number when she completed employment and tax forms in May 2018 at a business in Waterloo, Iowa.  She also completed employment and tax forms businesses using the fraudulent Social Security card in New Hampton in February 2021, in Lime Springs in April 2021, and in Cedar Falls in August 2021.  On each employment application, Diaz-Ventura falsely claimed to be a citizen of the United States.  On April 13, 2022, Diaz-Ventura was found and arrested by immigration agents at the business in Cedar Falls where Diaz-Ventura was employed.

Diaz-Ventura was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Diaz-Ventura was sentenced to 113 days’ imprisonment.  She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by 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 22-CR-2016.

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An El Salvador man residing in Sioux City who sexually assaulted a child was sentenced July 28, 2022, to 30 years in federal prison.

Juan Pablo Hernandez, age 44, originally from El Salvador but living in Sioux City, received the prison term after a March 10, 2022, guilty plea to aggravated sexual abuse of a child.

At the plea hearing, Hernandez admitted to driving from South Sioux City, Nebraska to Sioux City with a minor under the age of 12 to sexually assault the minor.  Hernandez took sexually explicit photographs of the minor. 

Hernandez was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Hernandez was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe 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.”

Hernandez 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 Ron Timmons and was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. 

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

The case file number is 21-4093.

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A California man who was providing meth to dealers in Sioux City and the tri-state area pled guilty August 3, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City.

Francisco Fabian Gurrola-Garcia, age 35, from Los Angeles, California, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.  At the plea hearing, Gurrola-Garcia admitted to conspiring to sell methamphetamine around Sioux City and the tri-state area.

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Gurrola-Garcia remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Gurrola-Garcia 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 up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons and was investigated by 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 21-4055.

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A Waterloo woman who purchased and possessed firearms while being a user of marijuana was sentenced July 29, 2022, to more than a year in federal prison. 

Allyssa Stovall, age 23, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 1, 2022 jury verdict finding her guilty of one count of being a drug user in possession of firearms.

Information disclosed at sentencing showed that, in July 2020, Stovall purchased two firearms.  Stovall knowingly and intentionally lied about her drug use to purchase the firearms.  Less than a month after purchasing the firearms, Stovall’s firearms were used in two separate shootings in Waterloo.  Law enforcement seized the firearms from Stovall in July 2021, and, in September 2021, Stovall attempted to flee from law enforcement officers that were attempting to arrest her on the federal charge.  She was eventually taken into custody.     

Stovall was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Stovall was sentenced to 12 months’ and 1 day imprisonment.  She 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.

Stovall 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 Lisa Williams and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Waterloo Police Department. 

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

The case file number is 21-CR-02060.

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A man who arranged a heroin and fentanyl distribution in Dubuque that led to a near‑fatal overdose was sentenced July 29, 2022, to more than 33 years in federal prison.

Derrick Darryl Trawick, age 40, from Chicago, Illinois, received the prison term after a January 27, 2022 jury verdict finding him guilty of aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin and fentanyl near a playground.

The evidence at trial showed that Trawick was a heroin dealer in Dubuque who was nicknamed “Worm” and “KG.”  During the early morning hours of May 31, 2019, two of his heroin customers contacted him to purchase a $40 bag of heroin.  Trawick and another man drove to meet the customers and then directed them back to Trawick’s residence on Walnut Street, which was around the corner from the playground at Jefferson Park.  Trawick and the other man then returned to Trawick’s residence and went inside.  A short time later, the other man exited the residence, walked to the customers’ car, and sold them the purported heroin, which actually contained both heroin and fentanyl.  The customers then drove to a nearby motel and used the heroin and fentanyl.  One of those customers suffered an overdose during which she lost consciousness and stopped breathing for several minutes.  She regained consciousness after being given Narcan by her companions and chest compressions by a first responder.  In the January 2022 trial, the jury did not find that the use of the drugs Trawick arranged to distribute caused the serious bodily injury to the customer.

Evidence presented at sentencing showed that Trawick not only sold heroin and fentanyl in Dubuque, but that he also sold large quantities of ice methamphetamine with another individual in 2018 and 2019—totaling at least 4.5 kilograms.  The Court also found, under a lower standard of proof than applied at the trial, that the heroin and fentanyl that Trawick arranged to distribute to the customer had caused her overdose and injury.  Information at sentencing also showed that Trawick had previously been convicted of six other felony-level crimes, including aggravated criminal sex abuse of a victim aged between 13 and 16 years old, aggravated robbery, a violation of sex offender registry requirements, domestic abuse assault causing injury, and assault with intent to commit sexual abuse.

Trawick was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Trawick was sentenced to 400 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a six-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

The case 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 Dubuque Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Chatham and Jason Norwood.

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

The case file number is 21-CR-1016-CJW.

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A man who was responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine from out-of-state and into Iowa during 2019 was sentenced July 28, 2022, to more than eighteen years in federal prison.

Gilbert Terrell Brutley, age 42, from Dothan, Alabama, received the prison term after a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance after having been convicted of a serious felony drug offense.

At the guilty plea, Brutley admitted that, between February 2019 and September 2019, he entered into an agreement with others to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine.  Brutley was previously convicted of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance in Alabama in 2017.

Brutley was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Brutley was sentenced to 219 months’ imprisonment and fined $100.  He must also serve a ten-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Brutley 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 Liz Dupuich and investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Manchester Police Department and the Delaware County Sherriff’s Office. 

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

The case file number is 21-cr-2046.

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A man who illegally sold thousands of doses of controlled substances and misbranded prescription drugs was sentenced today to 15 months in federal prison, fined and ordered to forfeit over $500,000 in drug proceeds.

Jon Stidham, age 57, from McClelland, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 5, 2022 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to deliver, distribute or dispense methyltestosterone, a Schedule III controlled substance, by means of the Internet without a valid prescription and without complying with federal and Iowa licensing requirements, and one count of conspiracy to introduce misbranded drugs into interstate commerce with intent to defraud or mislead and to commit mail fraud.

In a plea agreement, Stidham admitted that he operated a business called Kennel Supply, LLC.  Kennel Supply provided a variety of items used for the operation of kennels and the care of farm animals at a brick-and-mortar location.  On the Internet, Kennel Supply sold controlled substances and non-controlled prescription drugs that require prescriptions to lawfully dispense to the ultimate user.  From 2015 through October 12, 2018, Stidham distributed and sold over 300,000 doses of methyltestosterone, a controlled substance, without valid prescriptions, profiting $324,303.  During that same time-period, Stidham illegally distributed over 50 types of misbranded prescription drugs without a valid prescription or authorization, and illegally profited $203,207.

Stidham was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Stidham was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment and fined $7500.  He was ordered to forfeit $527,510 of drug proceeds.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

“The laws regarding the labeling and dispensing of controlled substances and prescription drugs exist to protect the health and safety of our community, said Acting U.S. Attorney Timothy Duax. When those laws are violated, it endangers those who come into contact with the unprescribed or mislabeled substances. Accordingly, when individuals like Mr. Stidham try to profit by ignoring or violating controlled substance and prescription laws, they will be vigorously prosecuted and the proceeds of their illegal activities will be seized.”

“To protect the wellbeing of animals, the FDA regulates animal drugs as part of its mission to protect the public health. This ensures that prescription animal drugs are lawfully distributed and dispensed pursuant to a valid prescription, among other requirements” said Special Agent in Charge Charles L. Grinstead, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Kansas City Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who attempt to evade the law.”

Stidham 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 Patrick J. Reinert and was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Food & Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigation, and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. 

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

The case file number is 21-CR-01036.

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A man who was found with a Taurus 709 slim 9x19mm caliber pistol and marijuana in his car was sentenced July 26, 2022, to more than three years in federal prison.

Edward Roby Jr., age 25, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 28, 2021 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.  At the guilty plea, Roby admitted that July 25, 2021, he knowingly possessed a firearm.  He also admitted that he had previously been convicted of a felony, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute in Black Hawk County, Iowa, in 2018.

Roby was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Roby was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment and fined $100.  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.

Roby 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 Lisa Williams and investigated by the Waterloo Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

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

The case file number is 21-cr-2057.

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A Waterloo man who was part of a conspiracy to rob two victims at gunpoint was sentenced July 25, 2022, to more than 12 years in federal prison.

Chavee E’Laun Harden, age 32, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 18, 2021 jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery. 

Evidence at trial showed that, on November 4, 2020, Harden, Antione Maxwell (who was sentenced on July 25, 2022, to 30 years in prison), and another individual conspired with each other to rob Harden’s marijuana dealers at gun point of marijuana products and drug-related proceeds.  Harden facilitated the armed robbery, and Maxwell and the other individual held guns to the victims’ heads and threatened to kill them.  The marijuana products, money, and firearms were later located either inside or outside of Harden’s residence. 

Harden was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Harden was sentenced to 151 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 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.

Harden 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 Patrick Reinert and Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Waterloo 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 21-CR-2013.

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A man who possessed marijuana he planned to distribute and possessed multiple firearms was sentenced today in federal court.

Jeremy Jay Smith, age 33, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the sentence after a March 15, 2022, jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Evidence at trial showed that law enforcement officers searched Smith’s home on September 12, 2020, after Smith had posted videos of himself with marijuana and guns on social media.  During the search, officers found over 600 grams of marijuana that Smith planned to distribute to others.  In close proximity to the marijuana, officers also found two handguns, as well as numerous other long guns that were also in the same room as the marijuana.

Smith was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Smith was sentenced to serve a 5 year term of probation and fined $1000. 

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Devra Hake and Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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 21-CR-2041.

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A man who failed to report to a residential reentry center in Sioux City was sentenced on July 22, 2022, to more than 2 years in federal prison.

Charles Lee Cook, age 39, from Sioux City, received the prison term after a February 23, 2022, guilty plea to one count of escape from federal custody.

At the guilty plea, Cook admitted that on December 30, 2021, he signed and dated his Federal Bureau of Prison's furlough paperwork acknowledging the conditions of his furlough.  On January 12, 2022, he departed the Federal Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Florence located in Florence, Colorado on furlough.  According to the conditions of furlough, he was required to arrive at Dismas Charities, a residential reentry center, halfway house in Sioux City, no later than 10:30 p.m. that evening.  He failed to report.

On January 13, 2022, Dismas Charities notified FCI Florence that Cook did not arrive at Dismas Charities and his whereabouts were unknown.  Cook was arrested by law enforcement at 2800 West 4th Street in Sioux City on January 19, 2022.

After a federal conviction for failure to register as a sex offender, defendant was sentenced to 41 months in prison with 5 years of supervised released on August 29, 2019, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa Case Number CR19-4006. 

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

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Fletcher and investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service.   

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

The case file number is 22-CR-4007.

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A Virginia man who laundered over $900,000 in fraudulently obtained Paycheck Protection Program loan proceeds was sentenced on July 20, 2022, to more than three years in federal prison.  Benjamin Sakyi, age 31, from Dumfries, Virginia, originally from Accra, Ghana, received the prison term after a February 8, 2022 guilty plea to one count of money laundering conspiracy.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act is a federal law enacted in late March 2020 that provided emergency financial assistance, including Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) funds, to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Evidence at Sakyi’s sentencing and other hearings showed that Sakyi received over $900,000 in fraudulently obtained CARES Act funds at three different financial institutions in the names of two Virginia corporations, Blue Flight Logistics LLC and NKB Enterprise LLC.  Sakyi then transferred the funds elsewhere.  Before laundering the CARES Act funds, multiple financial institutions had closed Sakyi’s accounts over the years due to his banking activity, which included over $3.5 million in incoming and outgoing financial transactions.

Sakyi received the CARES Act funds from a Northwest Iowa man, Donald Franklin Trosin.  Over 20 fraudulent PPP and EIDL loan applications were submitted to the Small Business Administration in the name of Trosin and another individual at Minnesota and Iowa financial institutions.  One of the applications falsely represented that Trosin had 120 employees on his payroll and over $5 million in payroll expenses when, in truth, Trosin did not operate a business at all.  Trosin then transferred much of the proceeds of the fraudulently obtained loans to Sakyi, who, as indicated, transferred the funds elsewhere.

Sakyi was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Sakyi was sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment.  He was ordered to make $1,093,400.00 in restitution.  He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Trosin received a 40-month prison sentence in July 2021 for his role in the money laundering conspiracy.

“One of our utmost priorities is to ensure that CARES Act funds get to American Citizens in need.  IRS:CI is committed to investigating fraud related to CARES Act programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher of IRS Criminal Investigation.  “This defendant laundered over $900,000 in CARES Act funds.  IRS:CI, along with our law enforcement partners, remain committed to combat and prevent this type of pandemic-related fraud.”  “Attempting to defraud any SBA program undermines the spirit and true intent of uplifting the nation’s small business community,” said SBA OIG’s Central Region Special Agent in Charge Sharon Johnson. “Our Office will remain relentless in the pursuit of fraudsters who seek to exploit SBA’s vital economic programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to seeing justice served.”  After the sentencing, FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “Benjamin Sakyi used the COVID pandemic to defraud the U.S. government of more than $900,000 dollars in CARES Act funds that were intended for legitimate businesses struggling to remain operational.  The FBI and our federal partners will continue to protect the integrity of federal assistance funds by identifying, investigating, and bringing to justice those who use a pandemic to fill their own pockets.” Acting United States Attorney Timothy T. Duax stated, “Sakyi and Trosin callously took advantage of emergency financial assistance that Congress intended to provide to businesses struggling to stay afloat during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The district court’s sentences serve as a stark warning and deterrent to those who would be tempted to engage in similar activity.”

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.

Sakyi 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 the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General. 

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

The case file number is 21-CR-4013.  The case file number for Donald Trosin’s case is 20-CR-4066.

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A Mason City man who was part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin with his father, and a separate conspiracy to rob two victims at gunpoint, was sentenced July 25, 2022, to 30 years in federal prison.

Antione Deandre Maxwell, age 34, from Mason City, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 9, 2021 jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, three counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of distribution of heroin; and a November 18, 2021 jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. 

Evidence at his drug trial showed that Antione Maxwell and his father Charleton Maxwell (who was sentenced on February 11, 2022, to more than 17 years in prison) conspired with each other and others to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin in and around Mason City between January 2018 and October 2020.  Both Charleton and Antione were caught distributing methamphetamine and heroin. 

Evidence at his robbery trial showed that, on November 4, 2020, Antione Maxwell, Chavee Harden (who was sentenced on July 25, 2022, to more than 12 years in prison), and another individual conspired to rob local marijuana dealers at gun point of marijuana products and drug-related proceeds.  During the armed robbery, Maxwell held a gun to one of the victim’s head and threatened to kill him. 

Antione Maxwell was previously convicted in federal court on August 17, 2007, of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base, and he was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment followed by a five-year term of supervised release.  He discharged that sentence on June 7, 2019.

Antione Maxwell was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Antione Maxwell was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a ten-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.

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

These cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jack Lammers, Patrick Reinert, and Dillan Edwards, and investigated by the North Central Iowa Drug Task Force, the Cerro Gordo Sheriff’s Office, the Mason City Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Clear Lake Police Department, the Waterloo 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 numbers are 20-CR-3044 and 21-CR-2013.

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A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced July 15, 2022, to 64 months’ imprisonment.

Abby Bringman, 34, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty February 4, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City to distribute methamphetamine.

Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that from January 2021 through September 2021, Bringman and others distributed more than 20 pounds of methamphetamine.  On September 29, 2021, Bringman was apprehended while retrieving a five-pound package of methamphetamine that was delivered by the US Postal Service from her source of supply in California.  The package had been intercepted by the US Postal Service and was covertly delivered by agents to an address in Akron, Iowa.  Bringman was found in possession of the US Postal package containing methamphetamine as well as approximately 1.5 additional pounds of methamphetamine which law enforcement later seized from Bringman’s vehicle.  Agents also seized more than $22,000 from Bringman and her residence.  Bringman admitted that over the previous several months she had previously received several packages from her source in California containing a total 15 to 20 pounds of methamphetamine.  Bringman also admitted the money seized was drug proceeds and she planned to distribute some or all of the methamphetamine to other persons. 

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Bringman was sentenced to 64 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 3-year term of supervised release following imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Bringman remains in custody of the United States Marshal until she can be transported to a federal prison.  

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by 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 21-4079. 

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Aurelio Solorio, age 37, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty July 22, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

At the plea hearing, Solorio admitted that on May 24, 2021, he was stopped for suspected OWI.  A search of Solorio’s vehicle revealed 90 grams of pure methamphetamine which Solorio admitted he planned to sell to other persons.  Law enforcement also seized a .380 handgun from Solorio’s storage shed.  Solorio was previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance in the United States District Court for South Dakota in 2011, and as a result, Solorio was under federal supervised release at the time he committed the instant offense.            

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Solorio remains in custody pending sentencing.  Solorio 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 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 22-4001. 

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A man who illegally possessed guns was sentenced to over nine years in prison on July 21, 2022, in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Dillon D. Grundman, age 23, from Inverness, Illinois, received the sentence after a January 4, 2022 guilty plea to being an unlawful drug user in possession of multiple firearms.

In a plea agreement, Grundman admitted to traveling to Iowa and possessing four firearms.  In December 2020, law enforcement investigated a shooting of a residence in Waterloo, Iowa, associated with Grundman’s ex-girlfriend’s family.  Prior to the shooting, Grundman sent a “snap” of the rear of the residence from his Snapchat Account.  Officers later discovered a note in Grundman’s phone with directions to the residence.  After the shooting, officers located Grundman and recovered shell casings in his vehicle, which were consistent with the ones recovered inside the shot-up residence.  In the plea agreement, Grundman also admitted to being an unlawful user of marijuana while in possession of the firearms.

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Grundman was sentenced to serve 114 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 3‑year term of supervised release following his term of incarceration.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Grundman remains in the custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to federal prison. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason D. Norwood and was investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department.

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

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

The case file number is 21‑CR‑02040.

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A prohibited person who possessed a firearm was sentenced today to 63 months in federal prison.

Rakeem Leonard, age 31, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the sentence after a February 11, 2022 guilty plea to one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.  At the plea hearing, Leonard admitted that, on July 19, 2021, he possessed a Taurus 9 mm pistol after having been convicted of two felonies and while he was subject to a no contact order.

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

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

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the High Risk Unit of the Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, 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 21-53.

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A man who punched his victim repeatedly in the head and face was sentenced today to more than 3 years in federal prison.

Kiedis Oldbear, age 29, from Tama, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 27, 2022 guilty plea to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a dating partner.

Information from the case shows that, on September 28, 2021, Oldbear was parked in a car on the Meskwaki Settlement near Tama.  The victim of the assault, a woman that Oldbear was dating, was with him in the car.  Oldbear assaulted the victim by punching her in the head and face repeatedly, causing substantial injuries to her.  The victim was eventually able to get out of the car and run for help.

Oldbear has an extensive criminal history and has been convicted of over 15 crimes as an adult.  He has prior convictions for interference with official acts, operating while intoxicated, domestic abuse causing bodily injury, child endangerment, possession of a firearm as a felon, eluding, possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, assault on a police officer, and willful injury.

Oldbear was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Oldbear was sentenced to 41 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.

Oldbear 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 Lisa Williams and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Meskwaki Nation Police Department.  Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is 21-CR-78.

A man who illegally possessed a firearm and a high-capacity magazine was sentenced on July 20, 2022, in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Dennis Earl Williams, Jr., age 32, from Chicago, Illinois, pled guilty on January 13, 2022, to being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm.

Evidence in the record showed that Williams was traveling through Dubuque, Iowa, with a loaded Glock, Model 19, 9mm caliber pistol along with a 50‑round drum magazine.  Williams had marijuana in his system during the same time frame. 

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Williams was sentenced to serve 57 months’ imprisonment and must serve a three‑year term of supervised release following his term of incarceration.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and Assistant United States Attorney Jason D. Norwood and was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. 

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

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

The case file number is 21‑CR‑01030.

A man who unlawfully possessed a firearm was sentenced July 20, 2022, to more than five years in federal prison.

Terrence Roby, Jr., age 24, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 22, 2021, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

In a plea agreement, Roby admitted that, on March 29, 2021, he knowingly possessed a firearm, a Smith and Wesson SD40 .40 caliber pistol, as a prohibited person.  Roby was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was previously convicted on February 17, 2020, of attempted burglary in the second degree in the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, a felony.  On March 29, Roby was a passenger in a vehicle which led officers on a high-speed chase reaching speeds of 60 mph in a 30-mph zone in a residential area.  After about 5 minutes, the driver stopped the vehicle and all the occupants fled on foot.  Roby ran from the vehicle carrying the pistol which he disposed of between two homes.  Roby also admitted that, on July 8, 2021, he possessed a Smith and Wesson 9x19mm caliber pistol and a Kel-Tec .40 caliber rifle.  These weapons were found during the execution of a search warrant at Roby’s residence.

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

Roby 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 Lisa C. Williams and investigated by the Waterloo Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is 21-CR-2058.

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Kenneth Alan Block, age 35, from Spencer, Iowa, pled guilty July 19, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

At the plea hearing, Block admitted that from February 2021 through September 2021, he and others distributed at least 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Spencer area.  In addition, on September 29, 2021, Block was found with approximately 170 grams of ice methamphetamine after giving consent to search his car.  

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Block remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Block 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 Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Spencer, Iowa Police Department and Iowa DCI Laboratory. 

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

The case file number is 22-4020.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

A 23-year-old Sioux City man who unlawfully possessed a gun was sentenced on July 7, 2022, to six years in federal prison.

Denvy Hoffman, age 23, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 8, 2022 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.

Evidence in the case revealed that Hoffman possessed a gun after being convicted on felony intent to deliver marijuana. During the investigation, Hoffman was apprehended on a pending felony state arrest warrant leaving a downtown Sioux City bar. An arresting officer noted the odor of marijuana emanating from Hoffman and located a loaded pistol and marijuana on Hoffman’s person.  Hoffman has history of drug convictions, resisting arrest, and failures on state probation, parole and drug treatment.

Hoffman was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Hoffman was sentenced to 72 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.  Hoffman is being held in the custody of the United States Marshal’s 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 investigated by the Sioux City 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 21-CR-04074

A man who illegally possessed firearms was sentenced on July 7, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City.

Levi Dimmitt, 35, from Kingsley, Iowa, pled guilty on December 2, 2021, to being a prohibited person in possession of multiple firearms. 

Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Dimmitt was a user of marijuana and methamphetamine, as well as a distributor, while possessing the guns.  As a user of controlled substances, Dimmitt was prohibited from possessing guns.  Law enforcement executed a search warrant on April 24, 2021, at a residence of Dimmitt’s in Sibley, Iowa.  Inside, law enforcement located drug paraphernalia, marijuana, methamphetamine, and guns at various locations throughout the home and garage.  Upon being arrested for the federal charges, Dimmitt ran a short distance from law enforcement before being apprehended.  

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Dimmitt was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 2-year term of supervised release following imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Dimmitt remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Sibley Police Department, Osceola 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 21-4062.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine while possessing a firearm pled guilty July 8, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City.

Shawn Gaston, 32, from Peru, Illinois, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

At the plea hearing, Gaston admitted from February 2020 through October 2021, he and others distributed methamphetamine across Northern Iowa and elsewhere.  In October 2021, law enforcement in Clay County, Iowa attempted to effectuate a traffic stop on a vehicle Gaston was operating.  Gaston led law enforcement on a lengthy high-speed pursuit with Gaston’s vehicle ultimately crashing into a creek in Dickinson County, Iowa.  Gaston exited the vehicle after the crash and disposed of a firearm and methamphetamine about 20 yards from the vehicle before being apprehended.  Gaston was previously convicted of at least four felony convictions, including possession of stolen property and possession of drugs.  These convictions prohibit Gaston from possessing any firearm.  

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Gaston remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Gaston faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ with 10 years’ imprisonment on the drug convictions plus a consecutive term of 5 years’ imprisonment on the gun conviction and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,500,000 fine, and life 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 was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Great Lakes Drug Task Force, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Spencer Police Department, H.E.A.T., Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force, Minnesota BCA, Worthington Police Department, Wisconsin DCI, Sauk County Wisconsin Sheriff’s Office, Iowa-Grant Wisconsin Drug Task Force, Crawford County Wisconsin Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Iowa DCI Laboratory.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood 

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

The case file number is 21-4094.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

A man who distributed methamphetamine was sentenced today to more than six years in federal prison.

Chad Allen Havens, age 55, from Vinton, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 23, 2022 guilty plea to two counts of distributing methamphetamine.

Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that, on three occasions between May 2021 and September 2021, Havens distributed a total of approximately four ounces of ice methamphetamine.

Havens was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Havens was sentenced to 78 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.

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

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Devra T. Hake and Adam J. Vander Stoep and investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; and the Vinton Police Department.

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

The case file number is 21-CR-77.

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A man who used a straw purchaser to obtain a firearm was sentenced today to more than 6 years in federal prison.

Dejswah Shaquawn Sibley, age 27, from Chicago, Illinois, received the prison term after a November 19, 2021 guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

At the guilty plea, Sibley admitted to possessing a Glock 9mm pistol while he was prohibited due to felony convictions for theft, residential burglary, and possession of a controlled substance.  At sentencing, the evidence showed that Sibley used a straw purchaser to obtain a Glock 9mm pistol.  On December 2, 2020, Sibley was driving in Marion, Iowa, when he was pulled over for speeding.  The vehicle smelled of marijuana and law enforcement found the pistol inside the car, loaded with a 17-round magazine.  Sibley later asked the straw purchaser to claim ownership of the firearm for him.  At sentencing, the judge stated that Sibley, “persuaded another person to commit a federal offense and attempted to obstruct the investigation.”  

Sibley was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Sibley was sentenced to 77 months’ imprisonment and fined $100.  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.

Sibley 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 Liz Dupuich and investigated by the Marion Police Department. 

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

The case file number is 21-CR-20.

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