Northern District of Iowa

A Waterloo man and convicted felon who possessed a sawed-off shotgun, shotgun shells, and other ammunition was sentenced today to twenty-five years in federal prison.

Armando Adame, age 27, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 10, 2018 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of ammunition by a felon, and possession of an unregistered sawed off shotgun.

In a plea agreement, Adame admitted he possessed a twelve-gauge shotgun on October 25, 2017.  This shotgun had an overall length of 16.77 inches and approximate barrel length of 10.45 inches, making it a “sawed-off shotgun” for purposes of the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, requiring that the shotgun be registered.  Adame had not registered the shotgun.  Adame also admitted that on November 17, 2017, he possessed shotgun shells and .22 caliber ammunition.  The firearms and ammunition were discovered when police executed a search warrant on a South Hackett home in Waterloo where Adame was staying.  At the time Adame possessed the shotgun and the ammunition, he was a convicted felon having been previously convicted of conspiring to commit a forcible felony and felon in possession of a firearm. 

Adame was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Adame was sentenced to 300 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), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.   In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

Adame 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 y the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Grundy County Sherriff’s Office, and the Waterloo Police Department. 

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

The case file number is 17-CR-2096.

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Three men, all from Waterloo, Iowa, were sentenced in federal court in Cedar Rapids on October 16, 2018, because they trafficked cocaine and crack cocaine. 

 John Dwayne Phillips, age 50, was sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment and supervised release of six years.  The sentence came after he pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine, distribution of cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.  Phillips had previously been convicted of delivery of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana, third offense, in state court. 

Darius Fontaine Shears, age 31, was sentenced to 180 months of imprisonment and supervised release of eight years based upon his guilty pleas to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime.  Shears had previously been convicted of possession of cocaine with intent deliver in state court.  

Alexander Martin, age 51, was sentenced to 132 months of imprisonment and supervised release of ten years.  Martin pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.  Martin had previously been convicted of possession of crack cocaine with the intent to deliver and possession of cocaine with the intent to deliver in state court. 

Phillips, Shears, and Martin were indicted along with co-defendants Alston Campbell, Sr., Alston Campbell, Jr., William Campbell, and Willie Carter.  These four men were convicted at trials held earlier this year.  All four will be sentenced at a later date.

The evidence at the trials for the co-defendants showed that the seven men were working together with others to sell cocaine and crack cocaine in the Waterloo area.  Evidence at the trials included wiretaps done by both the DEA and FBI that showed the group had pounds of cocaine being brought to Iowa from out of state.  The group then redistributed it as powder and crack cocaine in Waterloo. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emily K. Nydle and Rich Murphy and was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Waterloo Police Department, the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, the Cedar Falls Police Department, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Iowa City Police Department, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa State Patrol. 

Phillips, Shears, and Martin are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to a federal prison.  All three were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. 

There is no parole in the federal system.

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

The case file number is 17-cr-2045.

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A Waterloo man who possessed a gun after two previous felony convictions and ran from the police during a traffic stop was sentenced October 16, 2018, to more than two years in federal prison.

Denzale Ratliff, age 24, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 25, 2018 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.

Ratliff was in possession of a gun while traveling in a car in Waterloo.  Waterloo police officers stopped the car.  Ratliff got out and ran from officers into a nearby residential area.  Ratliff dropped the gun in the backyard of one of the houses.  Officers recovered the gun and caught Ratliff.  Ratliff had two prior felony convictions for burglary in state court.

Ratliff was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade.  Ratliff was sentenced to 28 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), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Waterloo Police Department. 

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

The case file number is 18-cr-02017.

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A man who worked with others to sell heroin throughout the Cedar Rapids area was sentenced on October 17, 2018, to more than five years in federal prison.

Eddy Watt, age 28, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 25, 2018, guilty plea to two separate counts of aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin. 

According to information disclosed during the sentencing hearing, Watt was involved with a group of heroin dealers from at least November 2017 through April 2018.  During that time, the group had at least eighty customers and made, on average, twenty sales of heroin per day.  During the sentencing hearing, the judge described the group’s “fairly sophisticated” operation, including taking turns answering a single phone that heroin customers called to order heroin and delivering the heroin in groups of two.  The group changed phone numbers on multiple occasions to avoid detection by law enforcement.  The “stash house” where the group stored heroin was located within 1,000 feet of an elementary school.  Two additional members of this group, Rolando Brown and Garland Lightfoot, have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

Watt was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade.  Watt was sentenced to 64 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.

Watt 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 Justin Lightfoot and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the 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 18-CR-43.  The case file number for Rolando Brown and Garland Lightfoot is 18-CR-42.

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A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine while possessing firearms was sentenced October 22, 2018, to 15 years in federal prison.

Eric Humphrey, 33, from Des Moines, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 21, 2018, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

At the guilty plea, Humphrey admitted he conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine from September 2017 through October 2017 in the Humboldt, Iowa area.  On October 20, 2017, law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Humphrey for an outstanding warrant, Humphrey fled and a high-speed chase ensued.  During the chase, Humphrey led police near an elementary school that was releasing students at the time, hit the car of a teenage driver, a parked car, and two police vehicles causing significant damage.  After Humphrey was apprehended, his vehicle was searched, and officers seized methamphetamine, a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol, cash, several cell phones and drug paraphernalia.  In a subsequent search of Humphrey’s residence, which was near an elementary school, officers seized a second Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol.

Humphrey was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Humphrey was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment.  He was ordered to make $19,977.20 in restitution.  He must also serve a four-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Humphrey 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 Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Criminal Division of Investigations, 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 17-3053.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine throughout northwest Iowa was sentenced October 15, 2018, to 7 years in federal prison.

Joel Rodriguez, age 38, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 10, 2018, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Evidence presented by the United States at the change of plea and sentencing hearings revealed that from on or about August 1, 2017, and continuing through May of 2018, in the Northern District of Iowa, and elsewhere, defendant Joel Rodriguez, and others reached an agreement or came to an understanding to distribute methamphetamine. 

During his involvement in the conspiracy, defendant was responsible for the distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine mixture or 5 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine. On or about March 20, 2018, in the Northern District of Iowa, Rodriguez knowingly and intentionally, possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine or 5 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine.

Rodriguez previously had been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, namely, Domestic Abuse Assault Causing Bodily Injury, in the Iowa District Court for Buena Vista County, on or about May 21, 2012, in case number AGCR041504.

Rodriguez was sentenced in Sioux City by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Rodriguez was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment.  A special assessment of $200.00 was imposed.  He must also serve a 4-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

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

The case file number is CR18-4029.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative local, state and federal program aimed at the enhanced prosecution of gun crimes.  The case 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.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.

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A convicted felon who possessed a semi-automatic rifle and ammunition was sentenced on October 9, 2018, to 6 years in federal prison. 

Kevin Adams, age 31, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 8, 2108, guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.  Evidence presented at the plea and sentencing hearings revealed: 

Before December 13, 2017, Kevin Adams, defendant, had been convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, namely: (1) Burglary in the Third Degree, in the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County Iowa, on or about April 8, 2010, in case number FECR056051; (2) Possession of a Controlled Substance, in the District Court of Dakota County, Nebraska, on or about October 16, 2014, in case number CR-14-102, (3) Operating Motor Vehicle to Avoid Arrest, in the District Court of Dakota County, Nebraska, on or about October 16, 2014, in case number CR-14-103; (4-18) fourteen convictions of Receipt of Stolen Property, in the District Court of Dakota County, Nebraska, on or about August 10, 2016,  in case number CR-16-51; and (19) a conviction for Theft/Receiving Stolen Property, in the District Court of Douglass County, Nebraska, on or about February 16, 2017, in case number CR-17-109.      

On or about December 13, 2017, in the Northern District of Iowa, defendant Kevin Adams, did knowingly possess, in and affecting interstate or foreign commerce, a semi-automatic, Ruger, AR-15 rifle, serial number 854-09886 and ammunition.

The semi-automatic, Ruger, AR-15 rifle, serial number 854-09886 and ammunition were stolen and defendant knew they were stolen or had reasonable cause to believe they were stolen. 

Neither the firearm nor the ammunition described above, that defendant Kevin Adams possessed in the Northern District Iowa, were manufactured in Iowa.  Thus, they were transported to Iowa before defendant possessed them, and, thereby, effected interstate commerce. 

Defendant Kevin Adams is a member of a gang, and his nickname is “Mischief.” 

Defendant Kevin Adams was a methamphetamine user (and trafficker) who possessed the firearm and ammunition described above, in the Northern District Iowa, in connection with his felonious drug use in and around Sioux City, Iowa.  In fact, he once fired another weapon at others. 

The day of his illegal possession, of the firearm and ammunition defendant Kevin Adams had -- together with other -- stole a Mazada Protégé automobile from Nebraska and transported it into Iowa. 

The day of his illegal possession, defendant Kevin Adams attempted to avoid police by fleeing first in, and then from, the stolen car and entering the home of another without permission of the home’s occupants (who were both terrified by Adams’ unexpected, unauthorized, armed, entry).

Adams was sentenced in Sioux City by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Adams was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment.  A special assessment of $100 was imposed.  He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.              The case file number is CR18-4006.

The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative local, state and federal program aimed at the enhanced prosecution of gun crimes. This case was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild. 

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A convicted felon and domestic violence misdemeanant who illegally possessed a gun and ammunition was sentenced September 24, 2018, to seven in federal prison.

Alfredo Hernandez, age 31, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 21, 2018, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon

Before September 1, 2016, Alfredo Hernandez, defendant, had been convicted of (1) a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, namely, Receiving Stolen Property, in Nebraska District Court for Dakota County, case number CR06-112, on or about January 10, 2007 and (2) two misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence, namely: (A) Domestic Abuse Assault, in the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, on or about February 22, 2011, in case number SMSM465700 and (B) Domestic Abuse Assault, in the Iowa District Court for Woodbury County, on or about June 20, 2014, in case number SRCR088704. 

On or about September 1, 2016, in the Northern District of Iowa, defendant Alfredo Hernandez, did knowingly possess, in and affecting interstate or foreign commerce, ammunition, namely, 2 rounds of CBC Group .38 special caliber ammunition.  

On or about September 29, 2017, in the Northern District of Iowa, defendant Alfredo Hernandez, did knowingly possess, in and affecting interstate or foreign commerce, a firearm and ammunition, namely, a Smith and Wesson handgun Model SD40 VE, serial number FWH7528 and 7 rounds of NFCR and 2 rounds Winchester ammunition.

On or about December 6, 2017, in the Northern District of Iowa, defendant Alfredo Hernandez, did knowingly possess, in and affecting commerce, a firearm and ammunition, namely, an EIG Cutlery, model E-15, .22 caliber revolver and Remington .22 caliber ammunition.

Defendant Alfred Hernandez was a methamphetamine trafficker who possessed all of the firearms and ammunition described above, in the Northern District Iowa, in connection with his felonious drug trafficking activities in and around Sioux City, Iowa.

Hernandez was sentenced in Sioux City by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Hernandez was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment.  A special assessment of $100 was imposed.  He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

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

The case file number is 18-CR-4001-LTS.

The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative local, state and federal program aimed at the enhanced prosecution of gun crimes. This case was investigated by the Special Investigations Unit of the Sioux City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild. 

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Three men who distributed an opioid that led to the death of the person who used the drug were sentenced to federal prison over the last week. 

“Opioid abuse remains at an all-time high and these dangerous drugs wreak havoc on lives and communities,” said United States Attorney Pete Deegan.  “Street drugs - including those sold over the internet - routinely contain powerful opioids.  These drugs have never been more deadly and anyone caught distributing them will be held accountable.”

Opioids are extremely dangerous and powerful drugs.  These drugs are so potent that extremely small doses can cause overdose and even death.  The picture below shows fatal doses of three different opioids.

 

Over the last week, three men were sentenced to federal prison in Cedar Rapids for their roles in distributing opioids that eventually led to the deaths of three Iowans who used the drugs.  These cases demonstrate that those buying and using drugs may not know they are getting.  They may be getting more powerful and dangerous drugs then they realize.  Either way, the use of an opioid too often ends with death because a drug user does not know what kind of drug they are taking or how dangerous it is. 

The three men sentenced were:

1. On October 17, 2018, Richard Leroy Parker, age 47, from Dubuque, Iowa, received a sentence of life imprisonment following a January 18, 2018, jury verdict finding him guilty of distribution of heroin within 1,000 feet of an elementary school and a playground, resulting in death, and of possession with intent to distribute heroin within 1,000 feet of an elementary school and a playground.
   
   The evidence at trial showed that Parker obtained several grams of heroin in Chicago in April 2017.  On Easter Sunday, Parker brought the heroin to a residence on Rhomberg Avenue in Dubuque.  Parker and other individuals at the residence drank alcohol and smoked crack cocaine throughout the day.  Prior to midnight, Parker and a woman went into a back bedroom.  While inside the room, Parker gave the woman heroin, which she used. Shortly after using the heroin, she stopped breathing.  At approximately 12:20 a.m. on April 17, Parker called 911, and emergency responders arrived at the scene.  Parker testified that, as emergency responders were attempting to save the woman’s life, he went into another room and hid the remaining heroin in a chair. Investigators later found the rest of the heroin.  The attempts to resuscitate the woman were unsuccessful, and she was pronounced dead shortly after 1:15 a.m.
   
   Parker had numerous felony criminal convictions.  Amongst his prior convictions are four prior felony convictions related to drugs,                 including three prior convictions for drug distribution.  In April 2017, Parker had recently been released after spending nearly a                           decade in prison for a burglary conviction.
    
2. On October 11, 2018, Jervonie Murphy, age 26, from Dubuque, Iowa, received a sentence of 33 months’ imprisonment following a May 21, 2018, guilty plea to two counts of distributing heroin within 1,000 feet of a public playground or school in Dubuque.
   
   At the sentencing hearing, Murphy admitted he sold at least 80 grams of heroin between 2015 and 2018.  On July 18, 2016,Murphy sold heroin to a woman.  That woman shared some of the heroin with another woman who used the heroin and was found unresponsive the next morning.  She never recovered and was pronounced dead on July 20, 2016.  An autopsy revealed that the woman died of “mixed drug toxicity” involving methamphetamine and heroin.
   
   Information presented at the sentencing also showed that less than two weeks later, Murphy again sold heroin.  The Dubuque Drug Task Force eventually made two controlled buys of heroin from Murphy.  One of the sales occurred within 1,000 feet of two playgrounds in Dubuque.  The second controlled buy occurred within 1,000 feet of an elementary school.  Officers then searched Murphy’s home and found marijuana, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl.
   
   Murphy had no felony criminal convictions prior to this offense.
    
3. On October 11, 2018, Jay Rickert, age 28, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, received a sentence of 18 months’ imprisonment following a June 14, 2018, guilty plea to willfully causing the distribution of a controlled substance. 
   According to information disclosed at sentencing and in sentencing documents, Rickert admitted to ordering DMT, an illegal hallucinogenic drug, from an on-line supplier on the dark web. Rickert had the drugs shipped directly to his friend, a 22-year‑old woman who lived in Dubuque, Iowa.  He also shipped a precise digital scale to the woman, and provided her detailed instructions on the quantity of DMT she could safely use.
   
   Unbeknownst to either Rickert or the woman in Dubuque, the dark web supplier shipped fentanyl instead of DMT.  DMT and Fentanyl are nearly identical in appearance.  The woman, believing the substance to be DMT, used the fentanyl and died.  Rickert was talking to the woman over Skype while she used the fentanyl.  After seeing her fall over, Rickert called 911.  An    autopsy later concluded that the cause of death was a fentanyl overdose. 
   
   Rickert had no criminal history prior to this conviction.
   
   The pictures below show how similar DMT is to Fentanyl in appearance.  The picture on the left is of DMT and the picture on the right is Fentanyl.

 

All three men were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade.  They are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to a federal prison.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Chatham and Justin Lightfoot and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force, the Dubuque Police Department, the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). 

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

The case file number are 17-CR-1034 (Parker), 18-CR-1010 (Murphy), and 18-CR-1008 (Rickert).

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A woman who used another person’s Social Security number to get a job was sentenced today to almost two months in federal prison.

Glenda Alvarado, age 30, a citizen of El Salvador illegally present in the United States and living in Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 4, 2018, guilty plea to one count of misuse of a social security number.

In a plea agreement, Alvarado admitted she illegally entered the United States in July 2016, and on October 13, 2016, she used another person’s Social Security number when she completed a W-4 tax form and other employment documents at a business in Waterloo, Iowa.  She also used a fraudulent permanent resident card, also known as a “green card,” when she completed the employment forms.  The Alien Registration number on the “green card” had been issued to another person.

Alvarado was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams.  Alvarado was sentenced to 55 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.  Alvarado 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 18-CR-2044-CJW.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Opioids kill hundreds of Iowans every year.  Opioid abuse remains at an all-time high and these dangerous drugs wreak havoc on lives and communities.  Unfortunately, all too often, the use of an opioid ends with death because people do not know what they have or how dangerous it is.       

          On October 18, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., United States Attorney Peter Deegan will hold a press conference to announce sentences in recent cases where the distribution of opioids ended in the tragic loss of life.  He will also highlight the danger these drugs pose to our communities, whether purchased on the street, online, or by some other means.  DEA Resident Agent-in-Charge Russ Coulter, FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Tom Reinwart, Assistant Chief of Police Jeremy Jensen with the Dubuque Police Department, and Chief Deputy Dave Riniker of the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office will join US Attorney Deegan.     

Event Details

When:         October 18, 2018

Where:        Cedar Rapids Federal Courthouse (United States Attorney’s Office), 111 7th Ave. SE

Time:           10:00 a.m.

 

A press release will be provided and interview opportunities will be available.  Please RSVP to Tony Morfitt at tony.morfitt@usdoj.gov if you plan to attend.

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An Iowa licensed professional nurse (LPN) who took pain medications from the residents of two nursing homes in 2016 and 2018 pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.

Lacey Staveley, age 35, from Evansdale, Iowa, was convicted of one count of acquiring a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, deception, or subterfuge, and one count of false statements relating to health care matters.

In a plea agreement, Staveley admitted that, in November 2016, while employed at the Cedar Falls Health Care Center, a nursing home in Cedar Falls, Iowa, she used her patients’ identities to obtain controlled substances, specifically pills containing hydrocodone, by accessing her patients’ prescribed medications and diverting those pain pills to herself.  Staveley’s victims were each long-term residents of the nursing home who had chronic pain, and they were both on Medicare at the time.  To cover up her scheme, Staveley destroyed an original medication log, placed it in a trash can, and replaced the log with a false medication log.  When the nursing home discovered her theft, Staveley provided the nursing home with a fake urine sample that actually consisted of toilet water.  Because the sample obviously had flecks of toilet paper in it and no urine color, the nursing home obtained an actual urine sample from Staveley.  This second test was positive for opiates, marijuana, and hydrocodone.  The nursing home terminated Staveley’s employment.

Staveley also admitted in her plea agreement that, in 2018, she was again working as a LPN for another nursing home in the Cedar Valley, this time Harmony House in Waterloo, Iowa.  Staveley did not disclose her prior employment at the Cedar Falls Health Care Center to Harmony House.  Then, in January 2018, Staveley took two oxycodone pills from a patient’s medication stocks and replaced the pills in the original blister pack with an anti-psychotic drug that did not provide relief from pain.  This patient complained of pain constantly and complained of pain after he did not receive all of his medication.  Staveley also admitted that she took four narcotic pills, containing Vimpat, from another nursing home patient and replaced those pills with an anti-seizure drug that had a similar shape and color.  This second patient at Harmony House was non-verbal and could not complain of pain.  Harmony House also terminated Staveley’s employment.

This prosecution is part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations, which are part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country.  The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operates in nine locations nationwide.  Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force has charged over 3,700 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for over $14 billion.

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Staveley remains on bond previously set pending sentencing.  Staveley faces a possible maximum sentence of 9 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

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

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

The case file number is 18-CR-2031.

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Three farmers from Nebraska who grew grain that was not organic but who knew that the grain was being marketed and sold as organic pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.

Tom Brennan, age 70, James Brennan, age 40, and Mike Potter, age 41, all from Overton, Nebraska, were each convicted of one count of wire fraud. 

At their respective plea hearings, each man admitted to growing grain between 2010 and 2017 that was not organic.  Each further admitted that they knew the grain was being marketed and sold as organic, even though it was not in fact organically grown.  The charging documents allege that, during the 2010 to 2017 period, each of the three farmers received more than $2.5 million for grain marketed as organic.   

Sentencing before United States District Court C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  All three men were released on bond pending further proceedings.  Each faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, at least a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jacob Schunk and Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

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

The case file numbers are 18-CR-2058, 18-CR-2059, and 18-CR-2060.

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A convicted sex offender who lived in Iowa for approximately ten months without registering was sentenced today to two years in federal prison.

Ricky Lynn Thomas, age 62, most recently from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 6, 2018, guilty plea to failing to register as a sex offender.

In a plea agreement, Thomas admitted he was required to register as a sex offender because he was previously convicted of second degree criminal sexual conduct involving a minor victim when living in Minnesota in 1992.  Thomas moved to Iowa in March 2017, but did not register as a sex offender prior to January 18, 2018, even though he knew he was required to register.  Thomas has also been convicted twice before of violating sex offender registry requirements in state court. 

Thomas was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade.  Thomas was sentenced to 24 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.  Thomas 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 Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is 18-cr-10.

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An unlawful user of cocaine and marijuana who unlawfully possessed a loaded handgun he used to shoot at a club in Dubuque was sentenced today to more than two years in federal prison.

Ricardo Sanchez, age 33, from for Forest City, Illinois, received the prison term after a May 15, 2018, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of controlled substances.

Evidence at a prior detention hearing and information at the sentencing hearing showed that in the early morning hours of November 27, 2017, Sanchez arrived at a club in downtown Dubuque.  After entering the club, Sanchez got into an argument with the club owner.  He then left the club and returned to his van.  Sanchez is then seen on traffic camera video retrieving something from the van.  Sanchez returned to outside the club and fired a handgun towards the building multiple times, destroying the front window of the club.  There were four people inside the club at the time.  Police later recovered nine spent 9mm shell casings from the area of the shooting.  After firing the handgun, Sanchez returned to his car and drove from Dubuque into Wisconsin and eventually Illinois.  He was arrested later on November 27 in Galena, Illinois.  Police recovered the 9mm pistol from along the road outside of Galena.

Sanchez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade.  Sanchez was sentenced to 30 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.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the Galena Police Department, and the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.   In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

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

The case file number is 18-CR-1003.

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A drug user who was selling a cutting agent claiming it was methamphetamine was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.

Kyle Starbuck, age 32, from North Liberty, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 7, 2018, guilty plea to being a drug user in possession of a firearm.  At the guilty plea, Starbuck admitted he was an unlawful user of methamphetamine and heroin when he possessed a pistol. 

Information disclosed at the sentencing hearing showed that Starbuck attempted to buy a firearm in 2016 from a federally licensed firearms dealer, but was denied due to a recent conviction for an OWI.  Later, in August 2016, Starbuck purchased a pistol, which had been stolen out of a vehicle the month before.  He then acquired a rifle in October 2016. 

In May 2017, law enforcement searched Starbuck’s residence and seized a rifle, ammunition, and loaded magazines.  Starbuck was found that same day with almost 400 grams of MSM, a common cutting agent for methamphetamine, a loaded pistol, a second magazine of ammunition, and a bag with heroin residue.  For the three days prior, Starbuck was selling the MSM claiming it was methamphetamine.  During this time, Starbuck was a heavy user of methamphetamine and a regular user of heroin.

Starbuck was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade.  Starbuck was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

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

The case was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Johnson County Drug Task Force, the North Liberty Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lyndie Freeman and Emily Nydle. 

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

The case file number is 1:18-CR-00033-001.

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A Guatemalan woman who used false identification documents to obtain a job was sentenced today to more than three months in federal prison.

Juana Corio-Brito, age 20, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 2, 2018, guilty plea to one count of unlawful use of identification documents.

At the guilty plea, Corio-Brito admitted she used a fraudulent Social Security card and a fraudulent permanent resident card, also known as a “green card,” when she completed an employment form on March 16, 2018, using a fake name at a business in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  The Social Security number and the Alien Registration number on the “green card” had been issued to other persons.

On January 13, 2018, Corio-Brito and her minor child were encountered by Customs and Border Protection agents in Texas after they illegally entered the United States.  Corio-Brito was released to maintain family unity pending immigration proceedings.  Corio-Brito was told to report to the ICE office in Cedar Rapids where she was placed on GPS monitoring.  A review of GPS data indicated that Corio-Brito was probably employed illegally at a business in Cedar Rapids.  ICE agents confirmed the illegal employment and obtained the employment documents.

Corio-Brito was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade.  Corio-Brito was sentenced to 100 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.

Corio-Brito 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 18-CR-65-LRR.

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A North Iowa former investment adviser who stole over $2.4 million from his clients was sentenced on October 5, 2018, to 175 months in federal prison.

Darrell Smith, age 62, from Forest City, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 2017 guilty plea to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.  Smith’s nearly fifteen-year prison term follows a thirteen-month prison sentence that he received in 2016 for payroll tax fraud.

Smith’s admissions at the plea hearing, as well as evidence presented in other court proceedings, established that Smith was a broker and adviser for several investment firms.  From 2010 to 2013, Smith caused withdrawals of over $2.4 million in funds from ten of his investment clients’ accounts without those clients’ knowledge or authorization.  The funds were transferred to Energae, LP, a partnership Smith previously had formed with another individual to invest in different bio-energy companies.  Smith then used those stolen funds to pay expenses related to the operation of Permeate Refining, LLC, which operated a now-defunct ethanol plant in Hopkinton, Iowa.  In order to transfer funds from client accounts, Smith used authorizations purportedly signed by the client authorizing the withdrawal of funds from the investment account.  He either forged his clients’ signatures on the authorizations or used pre-signed, blank authorization forms without the clients’ approval.

Smith was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade.  Smith was sentenced to 175 months’ imprisonment.  He was ordered to make $1,056,909.68 in restitution to ten victims and ordered to pay costs of prosecution in the amount of $2,947.35.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Smith is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

“This sentence brought to justice a shameless con artist who preyed on the elderly and others,” said U.S. Attorney Deegan.  “Our office commends and thanks all of the outstanding investigators who worked on this very important case.”

“Postal Inspectors are committed to protecting the U.S. Mail and postal customers from these types of fraudulent schemes,” said Kevin Rho, Inspector in Charge of the Denver Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which includes Iowa.  “The recent sentencing demonstrates the potential penalties for using the mail to further criminal activity, and it reflects the successful teamwork between the Postal Inspection Service and its federal law enforcement partners who worked together to bring justice to the victims in this case,” said Rho.

In sentencing Smith, Judge Reade noted that Smith was a skilled “con man” who used diversionary techniques, appeared to have an answer for everything, and “picked on” vulnerable investors, including the elderly.  Judge Reade stressed that Smith’s sentence “brought on himself” Judge Reade increased Smith’s sentence on account of the fact that he obstructed justice while the case was pending.  For example, Smith obstructed justice by enlisting the help of a relative in an attempt to dissuade one of his victims from seeking restitution and cooperating with the government in the case.  While in jail awaiting sentencing, Smith also convinced a Dubuque man to loan him $25,000.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Service Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General.

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

The case file number is 17-CR-2030.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

A Cedar Rapids man who received a firearm while under felony indictment was sentenced October 4, 2018, to more than four years in federal prison.

Michael Lee Valentine, age 21, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 23, 2018, guilty plea to illegal receipt of a firearm by a person under felony indictment.

At the guilty plea, Valentine admitted he received a firearm, specifically a Glock Model .23 .40 caliber pistol, while under indictment for felony offenses: going armed with intent and assault while displaying a dangerous weapon. 

Valentine was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade.  Valentine was sentenced to 55 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.  Valentine 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), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.   In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ravi T. Narayan and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force.  The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshal Service, and the Cedar Rapids Police Department. 

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

The case file number is 16-cr-0066.

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One year ago, the Department of Justice announced the revitalization and enhancement of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which Attorney General Sessions has made the centerpiece of the Department’s violent crime reduction strategy. 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.

Throughout the past year, we have partnered with all levels of law enforcement, local organizations, and members of the community to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

“Project Safe Neighborhoods is a proven program with demonstrated results,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “We know that the most effective strategy to reduce violent crime is based on sound policing policies that have proven effective over many years, which includes being targeted and responsive to community needs.  I have empowered our United States Attorneys to focus enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals in their districts, and directed that they work together with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and community partners to develop tailored solutions to the unique violent crime problems they face.  Each United States Attorney has prioritized the PSN program, and I am confident that it will continue to reduce crime, save lives, and restore safety to our communities.” 

“Reducing violent crime and protecting our streets from gun violence remains a top priority for our office,” said United States Attorney Peter Deegan. “It has been one year since Attorney General Sessions announced the revitalization of Project Safe Neighborhoods, and our work continues in earnest.  We have partnered with federal, state, and local law enforcement to prosecute violent offenders and those who illegally possess guns.  At the same time, we have worked with our community partners to help ensure that offenders who want to be contributing members of society have the support they need to successfully rejoin the community.  Using the additional resources made available to us by Department of Justice leaders, we will continue the fight against violence and work to create safe areas for everyone in the Northern District of Iowa.”

As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the revitalized PSN program, here are some of the highlights of our PSN actions over the past year:

 

Enforcement Actions

In May 2018, the United States Attorney’s Office and law enforcement agencies across northern Iowa announced the arrest of more than thirty individuals who were charged with violating federal gun laws.  Many of these individuals had criminal backgrounds demonstrating their danger to the community.  You can read more here:  https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndia/pr/more-thirty-charged-federal-gun-law-violations

 

Community Partnerships

In June 2018, the United States Attorney’s Office and Waterloo Police Department announced the formation of the Iowa SAFE (Safer Areas For Everyone) Task Force, a collaboration between federal and local law enforcement that includes community partners and community members.  The goal of the task force is to reduce violent crime in Waterloo by holding violent offenders accountable while at the same time support locally-based prevention, rehabilitation, and re-entry efforts and to stop violence and crimes before they occur and to help those who have been punished return to society as law-abiding citizens.  You can read more about Iowa SAFE here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndia/pr/united-states-attorney-s-office-and-waterloo-police-department-announce-safe-initiative

 

Department of Justice Funding

On October 2, 2018, the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded $141,365 to fund Project Safe Neighborhoods initiatives in the Northern District of Iowa.  The funds will be used to combat violent crime through a comprehensive approach to public safety that marries targeted enforcement efforts with community engagement, prevention, and reentry efforts.

 

Improvements to Community Safety

• The FBI’s official crime data for 2017 reflects that, after two consecutive, historic increases in violent crime, in the first year of the Trump Administration the nationwide violent crime rate began to decline.  The nationwide violent crime rate decreased by approximately one percent in 2017, while the nationwide homicide rate decreased by nearly one and a half percent.
• The preliminary information we have for 2018 gives us reason for optimism that our efforts are continuing to pay off. Public data from 60 major cities show that violent crime was down by nearly five percent in those cities in the first six months of 2018 compared to the same period a year ago.
• For the two year period beginning in 2017, violent crime in Waterloo is on track to decrease by approximately 40% as compared to 2015 and 2016.
   

These enforcement actions and partnerships are 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. Learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndia/project-safe-neighborhoods

Interview opportunities with United States Attorney Deegan and Waterloo Chief of Police Dan Trelka are available.  Please contact Tony Morfitt at 319-363-6333 or tony.morfitt@usdoj.gov to schedule an interview.

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A woman who failed to pay taxes on more than $1.5 million she stole from her former employer was sentenced October 2, 2018, to 30 months in federal prison. 

Bobbie Hora-Guill, age 46, from Bennett, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 4, 2018, guilty plea to making and subscribing a false tax return.  At the plea hearing and in a plea agreement, Hora-Guill admitted she made and signed a false tax return for at least 2013 because she failed to report all of her income.  Overall, Hora-Guill failed to report as income and pay taxes on more than $1.5 million she stole from her former employer. 

Hora-Guill was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade.  Hora-Guill was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment.  She was also ordered to pay the United States’ bill of costs.  She must also serve a 1-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Hora-Guill 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 Jacob Schunk and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Internal Revenue Service. 

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

The case file number is 18-cr-00023-LRR.

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A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine and possessed a firearm while distributing methamphetamine was sentenced on October 2, 2018, in federal court in Sioux City.

Joe Ramon Santillan, 46, from Eagle Grove, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on March 22, 2018.  Santillan was previously convicted of a felony drug offense in California in 2008. 

At the guilty plea hearing, Santillan admitted that from about February 2017 through November 2017, he distributed more than 1500 grams of mixed methamphetamine which contained more than 500 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine in the Hamilton, Webster, and Humboldt County areas of Iowa and particularly Eagle Grove and Webster City.  On November 9, 2017, law enforcement agents executed a federal search warrant at Santillan’s residence in Eagle Grove, Iowa.  Agents seized approximately one pound of methamphetamine in a bag along with packaging materials and a digital scale in Santillan’s bedroom and seven firearms, including two loaded handguns, two assault-style rifles, two other rifles and a shotgun.  Agents also seized approximately $8,000 cash in Santillan’s pocket and $25,000 cash in a safe in his bedroom.

Santillan was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade.  Santillan was sentenced to 300 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations, Wright County Sheriff’s Office, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, and Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. 

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

The case file number is 17-3052.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr. joined the Department of Justice today in announcing more than $70 million in grant funding to bolster school security, educate and train students and faculty, and support law enforcement officers and first responders who arrive on the scene of a school violence incident, including $493,670 for the Iowa Department of Education.

These grants are in addition to the funding to the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), announced by Attorney General Sessions last week, to expand and update their curriculum to better support training programs. These grants combined will better protect students, teachers, faculty, and first responders across the United States. Additionally, the Department is awarding more than $64 million to state agencies to improve the completeness, quality, and accessibility of the nation’s criminal record systems, which will help law enforcement and increase the effectiveness of background checks.

“President Trump and his administration will ensure the safety of every American school," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. "Earlier this year he signed into law the STOP School Violence Act, which provides grant funding to develop anonymous school threat reporting systems, to implement school building security measures, and to train students, school personnel, and law enforcement on how to prevent school violence. Today I am announcing $70 million in these grants to hundreds of cities and states across America. These grants will go a long way toward giving young people and their families both safety and peace of mind.”

The grants announced today are in addition to a collaborative effort initiated in Northern Iowa following the tragic Parkland school shootings.  Earlier this year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa convened a group of state and federal prosecutors and law enforcement officials, mental health providers, and school officials who have been meeting regularly to discuss how best to prevent and address school threats.  One product of these meetings is a resource guide designed to help identify the various mental health and law enforcement tools that may be brought to bear to intervene and prevent violence.  The resource guide is expected to be completed in the coming weeks and will be disseminated among schools, law enforcement, and other stakeholders in the Northern District of Iowa.

“Violence prevention and effective intervention strategies are critical to ensuring the safety of our communities and our schools,” said United States Attorney Deegan.  “These grants are an investment in the safety of our children.  The grants will enhance our ongoing efforts to help teachers and school administrators learn how to spot danger signs, prevent violence, and deal effectively with mental health issues that can lead to school violence.”

The Office of Justice Program’s (OJP) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) together are making more than 220 awards to jurisdictions across the country to help make schools more secure. The awards, granted through three funding streams, will provide new technology for reporting systems and other threat deterrent measures and create school safety training and education programs for school administrators, staff, students, and first responders. This includes the support for existing crisis intervention teams and the creation of new ones.

• BJA’s STOP School Violence Threat Assessment and Technology Reporting Program will provide 68 awards valued at more than $19 million. This funding supports training to create and operate threat assessment and crisis intervention teams and to develop technology for local or regional anonymous reporting systems. This technology may be in the form of a mobile phone application, hotline, or website.
• The STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program, also managed by BJA, will provide training and education on preventing violence and effectively responding to related mental health crises. This program will fund 85 awards at nearly $28 million.
• The COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) will provide nearly $25 million to 91 jurisdictions for school safety measures including coordination with law enforcement, training for law enforcement to prevent student violence against others and self, target hardening measures, and technology for expedited notification of law enforcement during an emergency.

The grants are authorized by the STOP School Violence Act, which are intended to improve school security by helping students and teachers reduce exposure to risks, prevent acts of violence, and quickly recognize and respond to violent attacks.

The Department also announced that it has awarded more than $64 million to state agencies to improve the completeness, quality, and accessibility of the nation’s criminal record systems. These grants are administered by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, part of OJP. Approximately $43 million in funding will be administered through the National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP), and nearly $21 million will be awarded under the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Act Record Improvement Program.  These grant programs help states automate and upgrade records accessed by the firearms background check system.  This year, at the direction of the Attorney General, the Department prioritized funding for projects that improve accessibility of criminal history records, domestic violence convictions, and information on persons who are prohibited from possessing firearms for mental-health related reasons.

The Department is also investing over $1 million in research to better understand the factors behind mass shooting incidents. The grant awards, made by the Department’s National Institute of Justice (NIJ), part of OJP, support scientific investigations that will examine factors that contribute to mass violence, identify any patterns in mass shootings, analyze psychological and social life histories of mass shooters and community-level predictors of mass violence, and will examine firearm purchasing patterns of known mass shooters in order to create a risk prediction tool.  

For addition information on today’s grant announcements, visit www.bja.gov or www.cops.usdoj.gov. 

NOTE: The breakdown of the STOP School Violence Grants can be found here: STOP School Violence Threat Assessment and Technology Reporting Program, STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program, and COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program

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A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty September 27, 2018, in federal court in Sioux City.

Lisa Marie Stock, 31, from Humboldt, Iowa, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

At the plea hearing, Stock admitted her involvement in a conspiracy that distributed at least 1500 grams of mixed methamphetamine from January 2018 through February 2018.  During a traffic stop of a vehicle Stock was driving on February 6, 2018, law enforcement seized over 800 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine and three firearms, including a stolen AR-15 rifle with an extra capacity magazine.  Stock admitted she and another possessed the methamphetamine with intent to distribute it and aided and abetted another’s possession of firearms during the time of the conspiracy.    

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Stock was released on bond previously set.  Stock faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and five years up to life of supervised release following any imprisonment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa Division of Criminalistics Investigation. 

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

The case file number is 18-3004.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

The Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a settlement with NGL Crude Logistics, LLC that requires the company to retire 36 million renewable fuel credits and pay a $25 million civil penalty under the settlement to resolve violations of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. The cost of the RIN retirement is approximately $10 million. 

The Department of Justice and EPA alleged that NGL entered into a series of transactions with Western Dubuque Biodiesel, LLC in 2011 that resulted in the generation of an extra set of renewable fuel credits for approximately 24 million gallons of biodiesel.  NGL’s scheme generated approximately 36 million additional credits, known as Renewable Identification Numbers or RINs.  RINs are created when a company produces qualifying renewable fuel and can be traded or sold to refineries and importers to use for compliance with renewable fuel production requirements.  On July 3, 2018, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa found NGL liable for: (1) failing to retire RINs when it designated and sold biodiesel to Western Dubuque as “feedstock” for the production of biodiesel, (2) causing Western Dubuque to generate invalid RINs and commit other prohibited acts under the RFS program, and (3) transferring approximately 36 million invalid RINs to other entities. 

“Enforcement actions such as the one we announce today are essential to ensuring the integrity of government programs,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Jesse Panuccio.  “Fraud in the RFS market will not be tolerated. I applaud the work of the EPA and DOJ enforcement team who achieved today’s excellent result for the taxpayers.”

“A strong enforcement program is essential to maintaining the integrity of the RIN market,” said Assistant Administrator of the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) Susan Bodine.  “Through this settlement EPA and DOJ are holding NGL accountable for its violations of the RFS program.”  

“The Renewable Fuel Standards program is important to Iowa’s agricultural community,” said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Peter Deegan.  “Our office is committed to protecting the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standards program and ensuring a level playing field for Iowa businesses.”

The United States’ complaint alleged that in 2011, NGL purchased millions of gallons of biodiesel on the open market, and that approximately 36 million RINs had been assigned to the biodiesel.  NGL sold most of the RINs to other entities.  NGL then sold the biodiesel to Western Dubuque, but designated it as a “feedstock.”  Western Dubuque reprocessed the biodiesel provided by NGL and generated a second set of RINs for the same fuel.  Western Dubuque sold the reprocessed biodiesel and the second set of RINs back to NGL.  NGL then sold most of these RINs to other entities.  Western Dubuque resolved its alleged violations of the RFS program in a 2016 settlement with the United States. 

EPA discovered the violations through a tip from RFS program participants, an inspection, and extensive investigation into the NGL transactions.

EPA is responsible for developing and implementing regulations to ensure that transportation fuel sold in the United States contains a minimum volume of renewable fuel.  The RFS program was created under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and expanded under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

NGL is a midstream energy provider headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma that transports crude oil, and markets and supplies refined products, natural gas liquids, and other products.  NGL was known as Gavilon, LLC at the time of the violations.   

The proposed settlement, lodged today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval. To view the consent decree or to submit a comment, visit the department’s website at: www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.

For more information on the settlement and for information on how to submit a comment, visit www.epa.gov/enforcement/ngl-crude-logistics-llc-clean-air-act-settlement. 

Aaron Rochester, 44, from Sioux City, Iowa, has been charged with one count of unlawful storage of hazardous waste and one charge of transportation of hazardous waste.­  The charges are contained in an Indictment filed on July 25, 2018, in United States District Court in Sioux City. 

­The Indictment alleges that, beginning on or about June 2015 through about July 2018, Rochester, as owner and operator of Recycletronics, knowingly and unlawfully, stored and transported hazardous waste, namely CRTs (cathode ray tubes) and leaded glass from televisions and computers at various facilities in and around Sioux City Iowa. 

If convicted, Rochester faces a possible maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, a maximum fine of up to $50,000 for each day of the violation, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.­

Rochester appeared today, September 25, 2018, in federal court in Sioux City and was released on bond with terms of supervision with US Probation.    Rochester’s next appearance for trial is scheduled for November 5, 2018.  As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  EPA Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Martinez stated, “EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division will continue to serve our communities by aggressively investigating and seeking prosecution of those whose conduct violates laws governing the storage of hazardous waste.”

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

The case file number is 18-4073.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

A man who conspired to distribute over 100 pounds of methamphetamine and possessed a GSG, MP5, .22-caliber firearm to further the conspiracy was sentenced today to 26 years in federal prison.

Robert “Bobby” Whitenack, 37, from Westside, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 5, 2018, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

At sentencing, the government presented evidence that showed Whitenack distributed approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine from January 2014 through May 2017.  During the conspiracy, Whitenack recruited at least five individuals to pick up pound-quantities of methamphetamine from Denison, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska, for distribution.  Whitenack received or expected to receive compensation for every pound that his subordinates sold.  Whitenack handled drug proceeds ranging from $20,000 to $63,000 at a time from his subordinates before sending most of the money to the source in Mexico or associates of the source.  In February 2017, Whitenack used a GSG, MP5, .22-caliber firearm and pistol-whipped a cooperator in the head, causing a deep gash in the victim’s forehead.   

The government also presented evidence that, on May 30, 2017, Whitenack engaged in a 4.5-hour standoff with law enforcement and threatened to commit “suicide by cop.”  After officers deployed multiple canisters of tear gas, Whitenack ultimately emerged from his residence with what appeared to be a gun in his right hand wrapped in a blanket while waving the middle finger on his left hand.  Unbeknownst to Whitenack, two members of the tactical team had entered the residence from the upstairs, allowing them to tase Whitenack from behind before ultimately securing his arrest. 

Whitenack was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Whitenack was sentenced to 312 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 10-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), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.   In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

Whitenack 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 Ajay J. Alexander and investigated by was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Drug Enforcement Administration, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Denison Police Department, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Carroll Police Department, and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. 

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

The case file number is 17-CR-3020-LTS.

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A man who produced child pornography involving a prepubescent child and traded child pornography with others was sentenced on September 19, 2018, to 50 years in federal prison.

Christian Hansen, age 40, of Tipton, Iowa, received the sentence after a March 23, 2018, jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of sexual exploitation of a child, one count of sexually exploiting a child while being required to register as a sex offender, one count of distribution of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography, and five counts of possession of child pornography.

The evidence at trial showed that in July 2017, Hansen took photos of a prepubescent child’s genital area and e-mailed the photos to others.  Hansen also traded child pornography, including the child pornography he produced, with others and possessed child pornography on multiple electronic devices.  At the time of these offenses, Hansen was required to register as a sex offender based on his 2011 Nebraska convictions for three counts of possession of child pornography.

Hansen was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Hansen was sentenced to 600 months’ imprisonment.  A special assessment of $900 was imposed, Hansen was ordered to pay over $32,500 in victim restitution, and he must also serve a life term of supervised release.  He must comply with all sex offender registration and public notification requirements.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Tipton Police Department, and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.

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

Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is CR 17-99.

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A man who received and possessed child pornography was sentenced on September 20, 2018, to over 12 years in federal prison.

Christopher Scruggs, age 50, formerly from Dubuque, Iowa, received the sentence after an April 2, 2018, guilty plea to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.  At the plea hearing, Scruggs admitted that, between 2009 and 2014, he received and possessed child pornography. 

Scruggs was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Scruggs was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment.  A special assessment of $200 was imposed, and he was ordered to make $21,500 in restitution, with most of this restitution going to several victims depicted in images he possessed.  Scruggs must also serve a five-year term of supervised release, and he must comply with all sex offender registration and public notification requirements.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, the Davenport Police Department, the Dubuque Police Department, and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office.

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. 

Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is CR 17-1048. 

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A Mexican man who used a fraudulent identification document to obtain a job was sentenced today to almost four months in federal prison.

Jose Castaneda-Rivera, age 49, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and living in Britt, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 9, 2018, guilty plea to one count of false use of an immigration identification document.

In a plea agreement, Castaneda-Rivera admitted he used a fraudulent State of Iowa Non-Driver Identification Card when he completed an employment form on April 4, 2013, at a business in Forest City, Iowa.  Castaneda-Rivera knew the identification card was false and had not been issued to him by the State of Iowa.  Castaneda-Rivera used the fraudulent identification card to falsely claim he was authorized to work in the United States when Castaneda-Rivera knew he was not authorized to work.

Castaneda-Rivera was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade.  Castaneda-Rivera was sentenced to 114 days’ imprisonment and fined $2,000.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Castaneda-Rivera 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 Kevin C. Fletcher and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. 

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

The case file number is 18-CR-3010-LRR.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

A man who operated a northern Iowa farm and used farm proceeds for personal expenses, instead of paying off his USDA-backed line of credit, was sentenced today to ten months in federal prison.

David Pitz, age 36, from Elma, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 6, 2018, guilty plea to Conversion of Property Pledged to a Farm Credit Agency.

In a plea agreement, Pitz admitted he received a $125,000 guaranteed line of credit from the United States Department of Agriculture, to facilitate a loan with a local Elma, Iowa, bank.  The line of credit was designed to be advanced to Pitz early each year to cover his farming expenses. Pitz was required to apply any crop sale proceeds, or other farm-related income, towards the debt owed on the line of credit.  Instead of paying the money towards what he owed to the bank and USDA, Pitz used $117,020.68 in crop proceeds for personal expenses, including his purchase of a non-farm related building.  After interest and other fees, Pitz acknowledged owing the bank and USDA over $177,000.   

Pitz was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade.  Pitz was sentenced to ten months’ imprisonment and was ordered to make $177,269.24 in restitution.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Pitz 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 Justin Lightfoot and investigated by United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General. 

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

The case file number is 18-CR-2012.

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A Guatemalan man who used false identification documents to obtain a job was sentenced today to more than four months in federal prison.

Misael Saqueo Lopez-Tubac, age 36, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and living in Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 6, 2018, guilty plea to one count of unlawful use of identification documents.

In a plea agreement, Lopez-Tubac admitted he used a fraudulent Social Security card and a fraudulent permanent resident card, also known as a “green card,” when he completed employment paperwork and tax forms on July 23, 2015, at a business in Urbana, Iowa.  The Social Security number and the Alien Registration number on the “green card” were issued other persons.  Lopez-Tubac also used the same fraudulent Social Security card and “green card” when applying for work in Waterloo, Iowa, in September 2015, in Urbana in March 2016, and in Shell Rock, Iowa, in April 2016. 

On May 8, 2018, ICE agents encountered Lopez-Tubac during a traffic stop in Waterloo.  Lopez-Tubac told the agents that when he illegally entered the United States in March 2005, he was advised to enter the country with a woman and child and falsely claim they were his wife and child so that he would be released by immigration authorities if encountered.  Lopez-Tubac and a woman and child were encountered by immigration authorities on March 30, 2005, and were released to maintain family unity pending immigration proceedings.  Lopez-Tubac was not related to either the woman or the child. 

A warrant was later issued for Lopez-Tubac’s arrest for unlawfully using another person’s social security number at a business in Postville, Iowa, but he was not found during an immigration enforcement action in May 2008.  Lopez-Tubac’s whereabouts were unknown to immigration officials until his arrest on May 8, 2018.

Lopez-Tubac was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Lopez-Tubac was sentenced to 124 days’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by 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 18-CR-3020-LTS.

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A Guatemalan man who used false identification documents to obtain a job was sentenced today to more than two months in federal prison.

Rudi Zamora-Samol, age 18, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and living in Postville, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 21, 2018, guilty plea to one count of unlawful use of identification documents.

At the guilty plea, Zamora-Samol admitted he used a fraudulent Social Security card and a fraudulent permanent resident card, also known as a “green card,” when he completed an employment form on May 2, 2018, at a business in Independence, Iowa.  The Social Security number was invalid and the Alien Registration number on the “green card” had been issued to another person.  Zamora-Samol also used the same fraudulent Social Security card and “green card” when applying for work in Garnavillo, Iowa, in April 2017.

Zamora-Samol was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Zamora-Samol was sentenced to 73 days’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Zamora-Samol is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by 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 18-CR-2036-LTS.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA

A former farmer who lied to his bank about how much land he was farming and how much crop he had in storage in order to secure a loan and a line of credit was sentenced September 20, 2018, to a year in federal prison.

Mark Laubenthal, age 36, from Bancroft, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 30, 2018 guilty plea to one count of making a false statement to a bank.

In a plea agreement, Laubenthal admitted he was farming land in north Iowa in 2015.  He received a farm operating loan worth $160,000 and a line of credit worth $750,000 from a bank in the area.  In order to get the loan and line of credit, Laubenthal had to fill out a financial statement listing his assets.  Laubenthal admitted he provided false information to the bank on the financial statement he completed.  Laubenthal told the bank he had $432,040 of crops in storage, when he actually had a substantially lower amount of crops in storage.  In the plea agreement, Laubenthal also admitted he made other false statements to the bank over the course of 2015, including telling the bank he was farming 1,100 acres of land when he was only farming less than 300 acres and that he had a number of pieces of farm equipment that he did not actually have or own.

Evidence at sentencing showed that when Laubenthal failed to make payments on the loans, the bank declared him to be in default in 2016.  During mediation meetings with the bank, Laubenthal made additional false statements.  He told the bank that he had 120,000 bushels of corn in storage and had planted nearly 300 acres of crops for 2016.  In fact, at the time he made those statements, Laubenthal had no crop in storage and had not planted any crops for 2016.  Laubenthal defaulted on the entirety of the $160,000 loan and on $731,401.58 from the line of credit.  

Laubenthal was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Leonard T. Strand.  Laubenthal was sentenced to 12 months and a day in federal prison.  He was ordered to make $1,044,881.82 in restitution to the victim bank.  He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Laubenthal was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on October 11, 2018.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General. 

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

The case file number is 18-cr-3007.

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A Dubuque man who conspired to distribute heroin and fentanyl was sentenced today to ten years in federal prison.

Andre Carroll, age 51, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 22, 2018 guilty plea to one count of conspiring to distribute fentanyl and heroin near three playgrounds in Dubuque. 

At the guilty plea, Carroll admitted he conspired with others to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and fentanyl in Dubuque between about 2013 and September 2017.  Carrol had been convicted of crack cocaine distribution in federal court in 1997, and admitted to resuming drug dealing very shortly after he was released from federal prison in 2013.  In total, Carroll had previously been convicted of seven prior felony drug offenses.

Carroll was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Carroll was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve an 8-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Carroll is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham. 

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

The case file number is 17-CR-01039-LTS.

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A Guatemalan man who used false identification documents to obtain a job was sentenced today to more than two months in federal prison.

Melvin Caguach-Samol, age 21, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and living in Postville, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 9, 2018, guilty plea to one count of unlawful use of identification documents.

At the guilty plea, Caguach-Samol admitted he used a fraudulent Social Security card and a fraudulent permanent resident card, also known as a “green card,” when he completed an employment form on May 10, 2018, at a business in Independence, Iowa.  The Social Security number and the Alien Registration number on the “green card” were issued to other persons.  Caguach-Samol also used the same fraudulent Social Security card and “green card” when applying for work in Garnavillo, Iowa, in April 2016.

Caguach-Samol was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Caguach-Samol was sentenced to 72 days’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.        Caguach-Samol is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by 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 18-CR-2035-LTS.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

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

Edi Lenin Chirinos-Najera, age 26, a citizen of Honduras illegally present in the United States and residing in Muscatine, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 23, 2018, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.

At the guilty plea, Chirinos-Najera admitted he had previously been deported from the United States in 2014 and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government in 2017.  Chirinos-Najera was found by immigration agents in April 2018 following Chirinos-Najera’s arrest for public intoxication.  That matter remains pending.  While Chirinos-Najera initially denied ever being deported, an analysis of his fingerprints confirmed that he had been deported in 2014.

Chirinos-Najera was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Chirinos-Najera was sentenced to 143 days’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by 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 18-CR-41-LTS.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

A Cedar Rapids man who was sentenced to three years of probation on November 10, 2016, for possession of a sawed off shotgun and being an unlawful user of drugs in possession of a firearm, was sentenced to more than four years in federal prison today for violating his probation.

Mario Jerel Harper, age 41, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a probation revocation hearing.  Evidence at the hearing showed that Harper used controlled substances on a number of occasions, failed to tell the truth to his probation officer, and refused to participate in drug testing.

At Harper’s guilty plea in 2016, he admitted he was an unlawful user of marijuana and that he had a sawed-off shotgun that was not registered to him in accordance with federal law. 

Harper was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade.  Harper was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment, and 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), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.   In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

Harper 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 Patrick Reinert and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Harper was under supervision by the Northern District of Iowa United States Probation Office in Cedar Rapids. 

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

The case file number is CR 16-00040-LRR.

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A convicted felon who has repeatedly unlawfully possessed firearms was sentenced on September 19, 2018, to more than two years in federal prison.

Dezarris Shemeek Wilkerson, age 26, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 5, 2018, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.

In a plea agreement, Wilkerson admitted he possessed a pistol on June 4, 2017.  At the time he possessed the pistol, Wilkerson was a convicted felon.  When officers made contact with Wilkerson on June 4, he was drunk and possessed marijuana.   

Previously, in 2011, Wilkerson was convicted in federal court with being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm.  In that case, he admitted to stealing a shotgun from a vacant house.  In 2012, Wilkerson was convicted of carrying weapons in state court.  In that case, he was found with a loaded revolver that had the serial number scratched off.  In his plea agreement in the current case, Wilkerson also admitted that police found him in a vehicle on January 5, 2016, and that officers found a handgun under the seat in that same vehicle.

Wilkerson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Wilkerson was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

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

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

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

The case file number is 17-cr-02082.

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A man who possessed a gun after multiple prior felony and domestic abuse convictions was sentenced today to more than 3 years in federal prison.

Nicholas Freitag, age 36, from Clear Lake, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 28, 2018, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon and domestic abuser.

In a plea agreement, Freitag admitted that, in July 2017, he and his girlfriend purchased a firearm from another individual at a truck stop in Evansdale, Iowa.  After the gun was later found in the trunk of Freitag’s vehicle, Freitag stated that he needed the gun for protection during his employment as a truck driver.  Freitag also has a prior felony conviction for possessing a firearm in February 2017.

Freitag was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Freitag was sentenced to 37 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), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

Freitag 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 Justin Lightfoot and investigated by the Clear Lake Police Department. 

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

The case file number is 18-CR-3002.

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WASHINGTON – United States Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr. joined the Department of Justice today in announcing more than $113 million in grant awards to improve public safety, serve victims of crime, combat violence against women, and support youth programs in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, including $373,511 in funding for public safety and community policing to the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa.

“Improving public safety and protecting vulnerable victims in all of our communities remains a priority for my office and the Department of Justice,” said Deegan.  “Along with prosecuting the most violent and dangerous offenders in the district, the grant awarded to the Meskwaki Tribe is another step we are taking to make our communities safer for all.”

Nationwide, grants were awarded to 133 American Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages, and other tribal designees through the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation, a streamlined application for tribal-specific grant programs. Of the $113 million, just over $53 million comes from the Office of Justice Programs, more than $35 million from the Office on Violence Against Women, and more than $24.7 million from the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.

In addition, the Department is in the process of allocating up to $133 million in a first-ever set aside program to serve victims of crime in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.  The awards are intended to help tribes develop, expand and improve services to victims of crime by providing funding, programming and technical assistance.  Recipients will be announced in the near future.         

“With these awards, we are doubling the amount of grant funding devoted to public safety programs and serving victims of crime in Native American communities,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Jesse Panuccio, who made the announcement during his remarks at the 26th Annual Four Corners Indian Country Conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  “There is an unacceptable level of violent crime and domestic abuse in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.  This increase in resources, together with our aggressive investigation and prosecution of crimes, shows how seriously Attorney General Sessions and the entire Department of Justice take these issues.  We are committed to reducing violent crime and improving public safety.”

The Four Corners Conference is facilitated annually by U.S. Attorneys from Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah to provide a forum for discussion of justice-related topics with a large number of populous and diverse tribal nations located in the region.

CTAS awards cover nine purpose areas: public safety and community policing; justice systems planning; alcohol and substance abuse; corrections and correctional alternatives; children’s justice act partnerships; services for victims of crime; violence against women; juvenile justice; and tribal youth programs.   CTAS funding helps tribes develop and strengthen their justice systems’ response to crime, while expanding services to meet their communities’ public safety needs.

Today’s announcement is part of the Justice Department’s ongoing initiative to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

A listing of today’s announced CTAS awards is available at: www.justice.gov/tribal/page/file/1095161/download.

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A Cedar Rapids woman who was an unlawful user of methamphetamine and possessed a gun pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.

Melissa Kurth, age 38, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of being an unlawful user of methamphetamine in possession of a firearm.  At the plea hearing, Kurth admitted that she possessed a gun on January 26, 2018, when she was stopped by officers from the Cedar Rapids Police Department.  During the stop officers recovered a gun, two digital scales, and two syringes.  Kurth also admitted she was an unlawful user of methamphetamine for an extended period of time. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Kurth remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Kurth 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 Ashley Corkery and was investigated by the Cedar Rapids 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 18-CR-00056. 

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Rossi Lorathio Adams II, also known as “Rossi Adams” and “Polo,” from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been charged with one count of Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Threats and Violence.­  The charges are contained in an Indictment unsealed today in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids. 

­The Indictment alleges that, in about June 2017, Adams conspired to obtain an Internet domain, doitforstate.com, from E.D., by extortion.  That is, it is alleged that Adams conspired to obtain E.D.’s consent to obtain the domain by the wrongful use of force, violence, and fear.

Adams’s arrest follows the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of Sherman Hopkins, Jr. for Interference and Attempted Interference with Commerce by Threats and Violence.  In June 2018, Hopkins was sentenced to the statutory maximum sentence, twenty years’ imprisonment, after he pled guilty to the crime of Interference and Attempted Interference with Commerce by Threats and Violence.

If convicted, Adams faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.­  As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Adams appeared today in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was released on bond.  Adams’s next appearance is set for November 13, 2018.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department.  Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is 18-CR-86-CJW.  Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

The coach of a boys’ basketball team who secretly made videos of boys on the team showering, was sentenced on September 12, 2018, to 15 years in federal prison.

Curtis Van Dam, age 36, from Sioux Center, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 11, 2018, guilty plea to one count of sexual exploitation of a child.

In a plea agreement, Van Dam admitted that between November of 2013 and October of 2017, in the Northern District of Iowa, he used minors under the age of 18 to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct, using cameras, cell phones, SD cards, and an Apple MacBook A1181 Laptop personal computer.

Van Dam was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Van Dam was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 7-year term of supervised release after the prison term. Van Dam was ordered to pay two special assessments of $100 and $5000.  There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Peter E. Deegan stated, “This case demonstrates our office’s continuing resolve to keep our children safe from sexual exploitation.  We commend the fine work of the Sioux Center Police Department in this matter, and reiterate our commitment to working with our state and local partners to fight child exploitation in our communities.”

Van Dam 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 T. Duax and investigated by the Sioux Center Police Department. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is 18-CR-04005.

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A two-time convicted felon and methamphetamine user who unlawfully possessed a firearm was sentenced September 11, 2018, to more than 6 years in federal prison.

Gage Tyler Bondy, age 22, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 24, 2018, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

Court documents show that in the early morning of February 19, 2018, Bondy stole a car parked in front of a house in Waterloo.  Officers located the car, but Bondy sped away from the officers, going over 90 miles per hour, until he crashed into a utility pole.  Officers found a Ruger .45 caliber handgun in Bondy’s waistband and a used methamphetamine syringe in his sock.  They transported Bondy to a local hospital.

Bondy was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade to 77 months’ imprisonment.  Bondy 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”), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

Bondy 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 Drew O. Inman and investigated by the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, 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 18-CR-20.

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Three people were sentenced to federal prison on September 10 and 11, 2018, for their roles in a conspiracy to transport methamphetamine from Dallas, Texas, and distribute it in Dubuque, Iowa.

Kevin John Heim, age 31, and Stacy Lynn Weidenbacher, age 45, both from Dubuque, received their prison terms after May 7, 2018 guilty pleas to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.  Anthony Dewayne Crosby, age 38, from Dallas, Texas, received his prison term after a May 2, 2018 guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Court documents and evidence presented at court hearings showed that in mid-January 2018, Heim drove a rental car from Dubuque to Dallas, where he picked up approximately twenty ounces of ice methamphetamine.  Crosby then accompanied Heim back to Dubuque.  Heim, Weidenbacher, and others then sold the methamphetamine in Dubuque and Crosby collected the money from the sales.  Afterwards, Heim sent two of his associates back to Dallas with Crosby.  Heim’s associates bought several more ounces of methamphetamine in Dallas.

On January 22, 2018, Heim and Weidenbacher drove a rental car back to Dallas.  Police investigators had attached a tracking device to the rental car before it left Iowa.  Once in Dallas, Heim and Weidenbacher met Crosby, who stayed with them while they waited until the next shipment of methamphetamine arrived on a semi-truck from Mexico.

Once they had received the methamphetamine, Heim and Crosby loaded it into compartments under the hood of the rental car.  On January 29, 2018, investigators stopped Heim, Weidenbacher, and Crosby as they drove back into Dubuque County.  Investigators searched the rental car and seized the methamphetamine.

Heim, Weidenbacher, and Crosby were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade.  Heim and Crosby were sentenced to 170 months’ imprisonment.  Weidenbacher was sentenced to 76 months’ imprisonment.  All three defendants must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force, Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, Dubuque Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cascade Police Department, and Dyersville Police Department.

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

The case file number is 18-CR-1006-LRR.

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A man who used church funds for his own personal expenses over a thirteen year period pled guilty today in federal court in Sioux City.

Andrew Matheason, age 65, from Graettinger, Iowa, was convicted of one count of wire fraud.

In a plea agreement, Matheason admitted that he served as the treasurer at Bethel Lutheran Church in Graettinger from 2003 through 2017, and that he stole at least $479,297.68 from the church during that time period.  In the plea agreement, Matheason admitted that he wrote checks to himself and established a fictitious company and wrote checks from the church’s bank account made payable to that fake company.  He also set up electronic transfers of funds from the church’s accounts to pay his personal credit card balances.  To avoid detection, Matheason created false financial reports and presented those false reports to church leaders.  

Sentencing before Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Matheason remains free on conditions of release pending sentencing.  Matheason faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 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 Justin Lightfoot and was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

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

The case file number is 18-CR-3036.

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A man who trafficked methamphetamine throughout Dubuque, Iowa, and unlawfully possessed a firearm while using methamphetamine was sentenced on September 11, 2018, to more than 11 years in federal prison.

Richard Thomas Hense, age 34, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 10, 2018, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a drug user.

Evidence presented at court hearings showed that from about September 2016 until October 2017, Hense sold approximately ten pounds of ice methamphetamine throughout Dubuque that he had received from Derek Richard Rath.  Rath was getting the methamphetamine in the mail from a source in Phoenix, Arizona.

On the night of October 13, 2017, officers stopped Hense for a traffic violation.  The officers searched Hense’s vehicle and found a half-ounce of ice methamphetamine, prescription pills, a digital scale, a loaded .32 caliber revolver, and fifty-three rounds of ammunition.  Hense admitted to possessing the methamphetamine and firearm.  He also told officers that he had been smoking methamphetamine for the past year.

Hense was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade.  He was sentenced to 141 months’ imprisonment.  Hense must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Hense 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), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force, Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, Dubuque Police Department, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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

The case file number is 18-CR-1009-LRR.

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An illegal alien who possessed a firearm was sentenced today, to over one year in federal prison.

Jose Ramirez-Galvan, age 37, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 23, 2018, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.

In a plea agreement, Ramirez-Galvan admitted he illegally possessed a firearm on February 6, 2018.  Ramirez-Galvan was deported from the United States to Mexico in May 2012.  In October 2015, Ramirez-Galvan illegally returned to the United States without permission.  On February 6, 2018, Ramirez-Galvan was arrested in Waterloo, Iowa.  During a search of Ramirez-Galvan’s residence, agents found a .22 caliber revolver under Ramirez-Galvan’s mattress.  It is a violation of federal law for aliens unlawfully in the United States to possess firearms.

Ramirez-Galvan was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade.  Ramirez-Galvan was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Ramirez-Galvan 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, Homeland Security Investigations. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.   In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

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

The case file number is 18-CR-2007-LRR.

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 A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine in Mason City was sentenced September 10, 2018, to more than 10 years in federal prison.

Brenda Ruehlow, age 38 from Mason City, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 4, 2018 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

At the plea hearing, Ruehlow admitted she and others conspired to distribute methamphetamine in the Mason City area from before January 2017 to April 2017. 

On April 21, 2017, a search warrant of Ruhelow’s residence resulted in seizing 444.16 grams of ice methamphetamine along with $5,012 in cash, $500 worth in seized electronics and numerous items of drug paraphernalia. 

Ruehlow was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade.  Ruehlow was sentenced to 121 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jack Lammers and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, Central Iowa Drug Task Force, Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force, and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations. 

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

The case file number is 18-CR-3011.

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