Northern District of Iowa

A man who received child pornography pled guilty August 20, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City.

Wesley Ham, 32, from Arthur, Iowa, was convicted of receipt of child pornography.  At the plea hearing, evidence showed that between March 2022, and September 2023, Ham received and possessed more than 94 images and 79 videos of child pornography.  A forensic review of Ham’s computer and phone showed he possessed 370 images and 3 videos of child pornography, some of which included infants and toddlers as well as sadistic and masochistic conduct.  Ham admitted to receiving and possessing child pornography but not distributing it, although Ham did admit to distributing child pornography in a state of Iowa case in 2022.  

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Ham remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Ham faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (Cyber Crime Bureau) and the Ida County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R Hamit.  

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

The case file number is 25-3017.  Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

A man who was one of four shooters who collectively fired thirty-four rounds of ammunition at a residence occupied by eight people, including a child, was sentenced on August 19, 2025, to fifteen years in federal prison.

Anthony Kyle O’Donnell, age 37, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 18, 2024 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.

Information from sentencing showed that on the afternoon of August 21, 2022, four individuals dressed in all black clothing opened fire at a residence in Waterloo.  After the shooting, the individuals fled.  Officers located two men dressed in all black outside a residence about five blocks away.  Officers found three firearms in a shed near the men.  An officer encountered O’Donnell about a block away from the firearms.  He was wearing all black clothing and sweating.

Officers collected thirty-four shell casings at the scene of the shooting.  Eight people, including a two-year-old child, were inside the house when they were fired upon.  Bullets penetrated the living room and a bedroom.  Four of the occupants suffered bleeding injuries from broken glass, and one had a graze from a bullet. 

DNA testing showed that O’Donnell’s DNA was on one of the recovered firearms, a stolen Beretta pistol.  Ten of the thirty-four rounds were fired from that firearm.  Law enforcement identified the shooting as gang-related based on the gang associations of four of the victims and the associations of O’Donnell and the other two men they located.         

O’Donnell was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  O’Donnell was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

O’Donnell 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 Kyndra Lundquist 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 24-CR-2019.

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Alan Eugene Beier age 61, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, was sentenced on August 19, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that on September 14, 2024, an officer with the Clear Lake Police Department was dispatched for a driving complaint.  The reporting party advised there was a dark colored motorcycle, dim headlight, and no taillights.  The officer located the motorcycle and conducted a traffic stop.  Beier was arrested for driving infractions.  Beier and the motorcycle were searched and law enforcement recovered $864 cash, 10 grams of cocaine, 82 grams of marijuana, and 235 grams of methamphetamine.  Beier further admitted to purchasing the methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana for $2,600 in Minnesota prior to being stopped and had plans to sell the methamphetamine to other persons in Northern Iowa. 

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Beier was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release following the imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Beier remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.  

The case was investigated by the Clear Lake Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin C. Fletcher and Kraig R. Hamit.

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

The case file number is 24-CR-3044.  Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

A man who sexually exploited a child pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.  Kevin Patrick Sullivan, age 43, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of sexual exploitation of a child, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.

At the plea hearing, Sullivan admitted that between June 2013 and February 2015, he produced visual depictions of a child engaging in sexually explicit conduct.  Between June 2013 and January 2025, on multiple electronic devices, he possessed child pornography that showed a prepubescent child.  Between November 2013 and January 2025, he used the Internet to receive child pornography.

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

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Sullivan remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Sullivan faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 70 years’ imprisonment, a $750,000 fine, $117,300 in special assessments, and a lifetime term of supervised release following any imprisonment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation 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 25-CR-30.

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Omar Barrientos, 35, from Sioux City, Iowa pled guilty August 19, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City, to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Evidence at the plea hearing showed that on June 20, 2024, law enforcement was dispatched to remove a subject sleeping in a vehicle in the Thompson Electric parking lot in Sioux City, Iowa.  Law enforcement arrived and knocked on the driver’s window eventually waking up Barrientos.  Barrientos was the sole occupant of the vehicle and exhibited strange behavior and signs of impairment.  Law enforcement observed a set of pills in the center console and in plain view on the driver’s side floorboard was a white, crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine.  Upon further search of the vehicle, law enforcement found a bag under the driver’s seat containing just under a pound of methamphetamine.  Barrientos admitted that he planned to distribute some or all of the methamphetamine to another person or persons.  

Barrientos had previously been convicted of willful injury and criminal gang participation, in 2009 and in 2016 he was again convicted of willful injury along with assault while displaying a dangerous weapon and going armed with intent.       

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

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

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

The case file number is 24-4065.  Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

A man involved in a drug conspiracy in Waterloo, Iowa, was sentenced August 18, 2025, to 60 months in federal prison.

Adis Vretenarevic, age 30, who lived in Waterloo, Iowa, at the time of the instant crime, received the prison term after a March 21, 2025 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. 

From August 2022 through January 2024, Vretenarevic was involved in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of marijuana intended for further distribution in Waterloo.  During this time, Vretenarevic deposited thousands of dollars in drug proceeds into a bank account used by the drug trafficking organization.  At the time of the conspiracy, Vretenarevic was on federal supervision for the prior crime of possession of a firearm by a drug user.

Vretenarevic was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Vretenarevic was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Vretenarevic is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force

Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, Butler County Sheriff’s Office, Denver Iowa Police Department, Fullerton California Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is 24-CR- 02050-004.

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A Waterloo man who smuggled fentanyl into the United States and distributed it in the Waterloo area was sentenced today to 37 years in federal prison.  

Javoni Marcelius Butler, also known as “G Man,” age 44, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 20, 2024 jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, one count of international money laundering, and one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.  

Evidence at trial and sentencing showed that, beginning in at least January 2022, and continuing until December 20, 2023, Butler traveled to Mexico on several occasions to acquire fentanyl pills and fentanyl powder.  In total, Butler obtained over 10,000 fentanyl pills and a significant quantity of fentanyl powder from his source of supply in Mexico, which Butler smuggled into the United States and brought to the Waterloo area.  During that time, Butler possessed firearms, and he made credible threats of violence towards others, including threatening to kill his son over a drug‑related dispute.  Butler also directed the drug‑related activities of multiple individuals, including his girlfriend.  

On March 14, 2023, Butler’s friend asked Butler for additional fentanyl pills, and Butler directed the friend to Butler’s residence to obtain the pills as Butler was out of town.  Butler’s friend told Butler that he just kept “popping” the fentanyl pills, and Butler warned the friend that the pills were dangerous.  The next day, Butler’s friend was found dead from a fentanyl‑related overdose, which was caused by the fentanyl pills that Butler’s friend acquired from Butler.

On May 9, 2023, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop on Butler as Butler had an active warrant for his arrest.  During the traffic stop, officers searched Butler’s vehicle and seized a backpack that contained almost $60,000.  

On December 20, 2023, law enforcement officers searched Butler’s residence and another residence that Butler utilized as a “stash” house.  Officer seized over 40 grams of fentanyl powder, a fentanyl pill, and a firearm.  Around the time of the searches, officers intercepted phone calls made by Butler to others, including his girlfriend and his sister.  During those calls, Butler stated that he was “going to jail,” expressed regret that he didn’t stop selling fentanyl earlier, and discussed fleeing to either Mexico or Belize to avoid prosecution.  Butler was arrested by law enforcement in the Southern District of Texas on December 21, 2023.  

Butler was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Butler was sentenced to 444 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a five‑year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Hudson, and it was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force consisting of the Waterloo Police Department, Cedar Falls Police Department, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Department, Evansdale Police Department, Waverly Police Department, Hudson Police Department, La Porte City Police Department, and the Bremer County Sheriff’s Department; the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the United States Postal Inspection Service; and Homeland Security Investigations.

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

The case file number is 23‑CR‑02078‑CJW.

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A Marion, Iowa, man who was responsible for the distribution of over 1.5 kilograms of ice methamphetamine was sentenced on August 13, 2025, to over ten years in federal prison. 

Robert Owen Bell, age 48, from Marion, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 11, 2025, guilty plea to a conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. 

Throughout 2023, Bell and another individual conspired to distribute ice methamphetamine in Cedar Rapids and Marion.  During an investigation, law enforcement officers utilized a confidential source to conduct two controlled purchases of ice methamphetamine from Bell for a total of over 100 grams of ice methamphetamine.  On November 14, 2023, officers observed Bell drive to and from his co-conspirator’s residence and officers subsequently initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle driven by Bell.  Officers searched the vehicle and seized approximately 65.64 grams of ice methamphetamine.

Bell was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Bell was sentenced to 130 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jared Manternach and investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.  

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

The case file number is 24-CR-60.

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A Cedar Rapids man who possessed a firearm after five felony convictions and a conviction for a misdemeanor domestic abuse offense was convicted by a jury today after a two-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.

Kirby Joe Truesdell, age 48, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of possession of a firearm by prohibited person based on his prior felony convictions and domestic abuse offense.  The verdict was returned this morning following just over an hour of jury deliberations.

The evidence at trial showed that Truesdell was observed in a residence that was not occupied at the time.  When Cedar Rapids police officers arrived on scene to investigate, they located Truesdell coming out of the garage.  Truesdell was not cooperative with officers and was taken into custody.  Officers located a loaded revolver inside a backpack in Truesdell’s possession.  Truesdell was previously convicted of the following felony offenses: OWI 3rd Offense (on two occasions), burglary, theft, and forgery.  He was also previously convicted of assault causing bodily injury - domestic abuse-penalty enhanced.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily Nydle and Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Hudson and was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and the Linn County Sheriff’s Department with assistance from the US Marshal Service and the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation.  

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

The case file number is 25-cr-00006.

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A felon who discarded a loaded firearm while fleeing from the police was sentenced today to more than five years in federal prison.  Lawrence Curtis Glover, age 42, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 10, 2025 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

Information at sentencing showed that on January 6, 2024, law enforcement stopped a car that Glover was driving in Cedar Rapids.  After Glover realized that officers were going to search his car, he fled and led officers on a high-speed pursuit.  He reached speeds of at least 80 miles per hour in a 35-mile-per-hour zone.  During the chase, he tossed a loaded firearm out the window of his car.  Glover then pulled over.  Officers later searched his car and found psilocybin chocolates and marijuana.  Glover has a 2011 federal conviction for distribution and aiding and abetting the distribution of 5 grams or more of cocaine base.  

Glover was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Glover was sentenced to 66 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 is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Glover 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 Devra T. Hake and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force.  The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Marion Police Department.  

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

The case file number is 25-CR-3.

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A man who illegally possessed a firearm pled guilty August 11, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City.

Taxavier Ford, 29, from Alta, Iowa, was convicted of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Ford was previously convicted of possession of a narcotic drug, in the State of Indiana in 2017, and possession of marijuana, with intent to deliver and possession of a firearm by a felon, in the Iowa District Court for Buena Vista County in 2021.  Both of these convictions prohibit a person from possessing any firearm.

At the plea hearing, evidence showed that on March 14, 2025, in Storm Lake, Iowa, law enforcement observed a vehicle, driven by Ford, with illegal window tint and initiated a traffic stop.  Officers measured the window tint which revealed it was in excess of Iowa state law.  When measuring the window tint, officers smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.  During a search of the vehicle and Ford, officers found a metal object in Ford’s waistband.  Ford admitted he had a loaded firearm in his waistband. 

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

This case is also part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Ford remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing.  Ford faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and no more than three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

The case was investigated by the Storm Lake Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.  

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

The case file number is 25-4028.  Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

A man who conspired to distribute fentanyl was sentenced today to more than seven years in federal prison.

Joshua Rysavy, age 35, from South Sioux City, Nebraska, received the prison term after a March 18, 2025, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

At the sentencing hearing, evidence showed that Rysavy took part in the distribution of approximately 8.5 pounds of pills containing fentanyl across Iowa and Nebraska between 2022 and June 2023.  As part of the investigation, law enforcement utilized an undercover officer to make several purchases from Rysavy of counterfeit oxycodone pills marked “M30” but which contained fentanyl.  Following these purchases, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Rysavy’s  South Sioux City residence where several firearms were located. 

“As a result of this investigation, thousands of lethal doses of fentanyl were removed from the streets of South Sioux City, Nebraska, and Sioux City, Iowa,” Drug Enforcement Administration Omaha Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Rafael Mattei said. “No town in America is immune to this deadly substance and the lethal consequences that can come from its use. We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with our law enforcement partners in both Nebraska and Iowa who strive to achieve the same goal of removing these deadly threats and keeping our communities safe.”

Rysavy was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Rysavy was sentenced to 86 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.

Rysavy 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 T. Greenwood and 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. 

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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

The case file number is 24-3027. 

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A Mount Vernon, Iowa, man who was found in possession of over one and a half pounds of ice methamphetamine while possessing a firearm as a felon was sentenced on August 8, 2025, to over twelve years in federal prison. 

Brice Aron Horton, age 49, from Mount Vernon, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 10, 2025, guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. 

On May 26, 2024, officers with the Mt. Vernon-Lisbon Police Department stopped a vehicle driven by Horton.  Officers searched Horton’s vehicle and seized 814.9 grams of ice methamphetamine and a loaded pistol.  At the time of the stop, Horton was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.  In a plea agreement, Horton admitted that between May 2023 and May 2024 he was responsible for distributing at least 13 pounds of ice methamphetamine in the Northern District of Iowa.  Additionally, Horton admitted that during this time he distributed 100 pills containing fentanyl. 

Horton was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Horton was sentenced to 147 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jared Manternach and investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Mt. Vernon-Lisbon Police Department.  

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

The case file number is 24-CR-99.

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

Mario Uribe-Rodriguez, age 33, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in North Buena Vista, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 8, 2025, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported following a conviction for a felony offense. 

At the guilty plea, Uribe-Rodriguez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government.  Uribe-Rodriguez was previously deported in 2012, 2014, and 2018.  On April 9, 2025, immigration officials encountered Uribe-Rodriguez in Dubuque, Iowa, after he had been summoned to state court for a charge of theft, fifth degree, in Dubuque County.  

This conviction was Uribe-Rodriguez’s fourth federal conviction for a crime related to illegal immigration.  In 2012, he was convicted of illegal entry in the Western District of Texas and deported after serving 10 days in jail.  In 2014, he was convicted of eluding examination by immigration officers in the District of Arizona and deported after serving 75 days in jail.  In 2018, he was convicted of illegal reentry into the United States in the Western District of Texas, a felony offense, and deported after serving 77 days in jail.  

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

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

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

The case file number is 25-cr-1017.

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A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to 92 days in prison.

Yoni Omar Alvarado-Gomes, also known as Jhonny Ramos Campos, age 35, a citizen of Honduras, received the prison term after a May 28, 2025 guilty plea to one count of being found in the United States after illegal reentry

At the guilty plea, Alvarado-Gomes admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government.  Alvarado-Gomes was previously removed in 2009 and in 2013.  On April 26, 2025, immigration officials found him at the Tama County Jail following his arrest on state charges for driving without a license and speeding.

Alvarado-Gomes was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Alvarado-Gomes was sentenced to 92 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.

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

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated by Enforcement and Removal Operations of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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

The case file number is 25-CR-37.

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

Fidel Ramos-Ramos, age 38, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 13, 2025, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported. 

At the guilty plea, Ramos-Ramos admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government.  Ramos-Ramos was previously deported in 2012, 2014, and 2017.  In January 2024, Ramos-Ramos reentered the United States in Texas illegally.  On April 18, 2025, immigration officials learned Ramos-Ramos had illegally returned to the United States and found him at the Black Hawk County Jail following his arrest on a state arrest warrant.  Ramos-Ramos was previously convicted in the District of Arizona of illegally entering the United States, served 30 days in prison and was deported.  

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

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

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

The case file number is 25-cr-2023.

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A Coralville, Iowa, woman who was found in possession of thousands of fentanyl pills was sentenced on August 5, 2025, to seven years in federal prison.

Ashley Crystal Wachs, age 36, from Coralville, Iowa, received the prison term after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances on February 19, 2025.  

In a plea agreement, Wachs admitted that she was responsible for the transportation of thousands of fentanyl pills from Seattle, Washington, into Coralville and the surrounding areas, where she distributed the fentanyl pills.  The evidence at the guilty plea established that on September 4, 2024, officers with the Iowa State Patrol and Johnson County Drug Task Force conducted a traffic stop on Ms. Wachs’ vehicle and seized over 250 grams of fentanyl, 109.58 grams of flurofentanyl, and 71.96 grams of ice methamphetamine.  During the guilty plea, Ms. Wachs admitted she intended to distribute most of the controlled substances seized from her vehicle.  

Wachs was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Wachs was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment.  She must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jared Manternach and investigated by the Johnson County Drug Task Force and Iowa State Patrol.  

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

The case file number is 24-CR-98.

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A man who bought two firearms, and attempted to buy a third, for other people was sentenced on August 5, 2025, to more than one year in federal prison.

Jason Henry Tetter II, age 25, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 21, 2025 guilty plea to making a false statement during the attempted purchase of a firearm. 

Information from sentencing showed that, in 2024, Tetter bought two firearms for Daquavion Williams, who was a marijuana user and who could not buy the firearms himself because he was not 21 years old.  Tetter, a marijuana user himself, lied about his drug use and who the real purchaser of the firearms was on the forms accompanying the firearm purchases.  One of the firearms was for Williams, and the other was for Williams’s associate.  Both firearms were recovered by law enforcement.  Williams’s firearm was used to shoot a victim in the knee in Waterloo on August 10, 2024.  Five days later, Tetter attempted to buy another firearm for someone else involved in the shooting.  Williams was subsequently charged with firearm offenses and is currently pending sentencing.        

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

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

Tetter 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 Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Marion Police Department, and the Waterloo Police Department.  

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

The case file number is 24-CR-0103.

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A prohibited person who possessed firearms was sentenced today to eleven years in federal prison.

Kyler Goettsch, age 28, of Cedar Rapids, received the sentence after a May 31, 2024, guilty plea to one count of being a prohibited person in possession of firearms.  At the plea hearing, Goettsch admitted that, in November 2023, he possessed two pistols after having been convicted of four felonies and a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.  Evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that Goettsch was arrested after a brief standoff in which he failed to obey officers’ commands and officers had to draw their weapons. 

Goettsch was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Goettsch was sentenced to 132 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.   

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

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

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

The case file number is CR 24-16.

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A man who possessed child pornography was sentenced on August 4, 2025, to 12 years in federal prison.

Forrest Rindels, age 69, of Waterloo, Iowa, received the sentence after a March 6, 2025, guilty plea to two counts of possession of child pornography.  At the plea hearing, Rindels admitted that, between 2021 and 2022, he knowingly possessed child pornography on a tablet and a micro-SD card.  He also admitted that he was previously convicted of receipt of child pornography in the Northern District of Iowa in 2016.

Rindels was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Rindels was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment.  He was ordered to make $42,000 in restitution to 14 victims depicted in the child pornography he possessed.  He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.   

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Waterloo Police Department.

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

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

The case file number is CR 24-2055.

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A man who produced and distributed child pornography was sentenced yesterday to 21 years in federal prison. David Bradley Garrison, age 44, from Rockwell, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 6, 2025 guilty plea to sexual exploitation of a child and distribution of child pornography.  

Evidence at sentencing showed that in July 2021, Garrison recorded a video of a child engaging in sexually explicit conduct. He distributed child pornography to multiple people in May and August 2021. He possessed thousands of photographs and videos of child pornography, which contained depictions of infants and depictions of child sexual torture or bondage. After law enforcement searched Garrison’s residence in January 2022, Garrison continued to possess child pornography.  

Garrison was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Garrison was sentenced to 252 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to make $16,000 in restitution to victims. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

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

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Devra T. Hake and Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Criminal Investigation, and Rockwell Police Department.  

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

The case file number is 24-CR-3054.

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The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa will join their law enforcement partners, neighbors, and communities in National Night Out events on August 5, 2025, across the district.

“National Night Out is a perfect opportunity for neighbors to join with their law enforcement and community partners to demonstrate that crime does not rule the night,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy T. Duax.  “Keeping our neighborhoods safe is a true team effort.  National Night Out allows us to acknowledge the accomplishments of our neighborhood organizations that keep communities safe, and to thank our law enforcement officers for putting their lives on the line for us.”

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country.

National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.

Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe.

For more information, visit https://natw.org/.

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A woman who bought at least nine firearms for a felon was sentenced on July 28, 2025, to more than three years in federal prison.

LaDonna Henderson, age 28, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 10, 2025 guilty plea to eight counts of false statement during purchase of a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.

Information from sentencing showed that Henderson purchased nine firearms and attempted to buy a tenth firearm in a six-week period in 2023.  Henderson made false statements about her drug use and the real purchaser of the firearms in connection with these purchases.  She gave these firearms to her boyfriend at the time, Christopher Hoover, who was a felon and a cocaine and marijuana user.  Hoover trafficked some of the firearms.  Four of the firearms Henderson bought were recovered by law enforcement from felons or drug users.  Hoover was prosecuted for his possession of firearms bought by Henderson and sentenced to 93 months’ imprisonment on September 17, 2024.  Four other individuals were sentenced for their possession of firearms bought by Henderson and related conduct.  Jayquine Steele, a drug user, was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment on June 27, 2024.  Jeremy Phillips, a felon, was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment on July 22, 2024.  Patrelle Green-Bowman, a felon, was sentenced to 105 months’ imprisonment on September 9, 2024.  Walter Smith, a felon, was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment on January 8, 2025.           

Henderson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Henderson was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment.   She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Henderson 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 Kyndra Lundquist 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.  

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

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

The case file number is 23-CR-2067.

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A man who recorded his paramour sexually abusing her toddler child was sentenced today to 37 years in federal prison.

Benjamin Paul Egli, age 30, from Tiffin, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 17, 2024 guilty plea to conspiracy to sexually exploit a child and possession of child pornography.

Evidence at sentencing showed that on multiple occasions in 2023, Egli participated in Snapchat and video calls with his paramour, who lived in another state.  Egli was in North Liberty, Iowa, during some of the calls.  During the calls, which Egli recorded, Egli directed his paramour to engage in sexually explicit conduct with her toddler child.  His paramour also sent him photographs and videos of herself and her toddler engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  In addition, Egli possessed hundreds of images of child pornography, including images of children performing sexual acts on animals and sadistic and masochistic conduct.  

Egli was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Egli was sentenced to 444 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to pay $6,000 in restitution.  He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

Egli 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 Devra T. Hake and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Tipton Police Department, and the Joint Forensic Analysis Cyber Team.  

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

The case file number is 24-CR-53.

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Richard Martinez, 30, from Sioux City, Iowa pled guilty July 24, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City.

Martinez pled guilty to possessing and aiding and abetting another’s possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  At the plea hearing, evidence showed that on July 17, 2024, law enforcement was conducting surveillance at WinnaVegas Casino (near Sloan, Iowa) during which a vehicle was observed traveling away from the casino over the speed limit.  Law enforcement attempted a traffic stop of the vehicle, which took off at high-speed. During the flight, two packages of methamphetamine were thrown out the passenger window.  Law enforcement found the approximately ½ pound of methamphetamine near where it was thrown. Martinez admitted that the driver of the vehicle handed him the methamphetamine and instructed him to throw it out of the window during the pursuit, which he did. 

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Martinez remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Martinez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, and four 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 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, and the DEA Laboratory.    

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

The case file number is 24-4078.  Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

A man who robbed an individual who was selling drugs was sentenced today to more than 11 years in federal prison.

Dequan Autrell Jenkins, age 27, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 26, 2025 guilty plea to one count of interference with commerce by robbery, one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence.

On June 24, 2024, Jenkins and another person met with an individual in Cedar Rapids to purchase fentanyl.  During the transaction, Jenkins pulled out a firearm and robbed the individual of the fentanyl and the individual’s backpack.  Jenkins was prohibited from possessing firearms based on prior felony convictions.  

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

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

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force.  The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Marion Police Department. 

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

The case file number is 24-CR-93.

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A convicted felon who possessed drugs and handgun and fled from police was sentenced today to more than eight years in federal prison.

Daijon Stokes, age 32, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 10, 2025, guilty plea to one count of felon in possession of a firearm.

 Information from the sentencing hearing showed that on December 3, 2023, Stokes was stopped by an officer with the Waterloo Police Department.  During the stop, Stokes took off in his car.  While driving through a residential area, he reached speeds of nearly 90 mph.  Stokes eventually crashed his car into another vehicle.  A woman and two young children were in the other vehicle.  Stokes then ran from officers on foot and had to be tackled.  Officers found a loaded handgun, marijuana, and other drugs in the car.

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

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

Stokes 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 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 24-cr-2012.

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A woman who purchased several firearms for prohibited persons was convicted by a jury yesterday after a 4-day trial in federal court in Sioux City.

Cedrinique Coleman, 32, from Chicago, Illinois, was convicted of four counts of false statement and representation during a firearm purchase and two counts of purchasing a firearm for another for prohibited purposes commonly known as “straw purchasing;” she was acquitted of two counts of false statement and representation during a firearm purchase.  The verdict was returned following about four hours of jury deliberations.

The evidence at trial showed that between April 2020, and July 2023, Coleman purchased seven firearms.  Ms. Coleman came to the attention of law enforcement when the firearms began showing up at crime scenes both in Iowa, and out of state.  Two Glock 19 handguns were converted to machineguns: one recovered in possession of a prohibited person in Chicago, the other was used in the shooting of a police officer in Minneapolis.  A Glock 22 handgun was reported stolen by Coleman.  Evidence at trial showed that this is a common tactic used in straw purchasing cases to distance the purchaser from the gun in case it is ever tied to a crime.  The other handgun was found in possession of Coleman’s boyfriend on February 21, 2024, when law enforcement executed a search warrant at Coleman’s apartment.  Coleman’s boyfriend is prohibited from possessing firearms because he is an illegal drug user and domestic abuser.  Coleman was aware of his prohibition because she was the victim of his domestic abuse conviction stemming from 2020.  Coleman’s boyfriend was also out on bond for an indictment for attempted murder out of Blackhawk County.  Despite this, Coleman continued to purchase firearms for her boyfriend.  Photos and text messages recovered from Coleman’s cell phone showed she was in communication with her boyfriend before and during the purchase of several of the firearms.  Evidence showed Coleman bought the guns at the request or demand of her boyfriend.  

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

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Coleman remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing.  Coleman faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Iowa Division of Narcotic Enforcement, Cedar Rapids Police Department, and Mason City Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin C. Fletcher and Kraig R. Hamit.  

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

The case file number is 24-3038.  Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

A man who was previously convicted of interstate transportation of child pornography in 2008 was sentenced today to over 17 years in federal prison for receiving child sexual abuse material in 2023 and 2024.  He also received an additional eighteen months in federal prison for violating his supervised release.

Jeremy Moore, age 39, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 31, 2025, guilty plea to one count of receipt of child pornography.

At the guilty plea, Moore admitted he received child sexual abuse material between January 2023 and April 2024.  Information from the sentencing hearing showed that while Moore was living at a halfway house in Waterloo following his incarceration on the prior offense, he possessed a phone he was not allowed to have.  After the phone was discovered and seized, an investigator from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation found child sexual abuse material on the phone. 

Later in 2024, while Moore was on supervised release for his 2008 conviction for interstate transportation of child pornography, officers from the United States Probation Office searched his home.  During the search, officers again found a phone.  Moore had failed to tell his probation officer about the phone, and it was not being monitored as required by his terms of supervision.  Officers seized the phone and had it forensically reviewed.  During that review, a probation officer found over 600 images of child sexual abuse material, including images of victims who were less than 12 years old and images of sadistic or masochistic conduct.  

Moore was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Moore was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment.  He was ordered to make $27,000 in restitution.  He must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

In addition to being sentenced for the new charge, Chief Judge Willaims also sentenced Moore to an additional eighteen months in prison for violating his terms of supervised release.  Moore violated those terms by possessing child sexual abuse material, failing to comply with the sex offender registry, failing to participate in mental health treatment, failing to participate in substance abuse testing, and failing to allow the probation office to monitor his phone.

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

Moore 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 Probation Offices for the Northern District of Iowa and the Eastern District of Missouri, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  

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

The case file numbers are 25-cr-2003 and 08-cr-2008.

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Romario Pierre-Louis, age 30, from Sioux City, was sentenced July 18, 2025, to more than 5 years in federal prison, after a March 6, 2025, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.

Evidence in the case revealed just after midnight on October 15, 2024, law enforcement was called to a domestic assault disturbance.  Law enforcement was informed that Pierre-Louis was armed and was pointing a gun at people in the area.  When officers arrived on scene, a witness stated that after the dispute Pierre-Louis was seen carrying a rifle wrapped in a blanket along with a couple of pistols to a nearby residence.  The weapons were recovered from the neighbor’s house, where Pierre-Louis tried to hide them. Pierre-Louis admitted to law enforcement he knew he was not able to have firearms due to being a felon.  Pierre-Louis was convicted in 2019 of armed carjacking in Cook County, Illinois for which he served six years in state prison. He had recently been released from that sentence. 

Pierre-Louis was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 63 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

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

The case was investigated by Sioux City Police department and the United States Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol Tabaco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild

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

The case file number is 24-4085.

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Kenneth Brown, 60, from Badger, Iowa, was convicted of one count of possession of child pornography, on July 22, 2025, in Sioux City federal court.

At the plea hearing, Brown admitted that from early May 2023, through April 3, 2024, he received and possessed child pornography.  A CyberTip to law enforcement revealed 32 files of child pornography had been uploaded to the internet from Brown’s cell phone.  During a forensic examination of Brown’s phone, 27 videos and 28 images of child pornography were found, some containing materials depicting sadistic and masochistic conduct as well as prepubescent children and toddlers.   

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Brown remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Brown faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

The case was investigated by the Webster County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.  

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

The case file number is 25-3013.  

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A woman who sold fentanyl in Dubuque, Iowa, was sentenced today to fourteen years in federal prison.  Jessica Lee Erickson, age 44, from Daytona Beach, Florida, received the prison term after a January 2, 2025 guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death. 

Starting in or about May 2024, Erickson began providing a mixture or substance containing fentanyl to the victim.  On June 15, 2024, Erickson distributed a mixture or substance containing fentanyl to the victim at a home in Dubuque, Iowa.  On that same day, the victim used the fentanyl that had been provided by Erickson and died. 

Erickson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Erickson was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment.  She must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Erickson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force.

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

The case file number is 24-CR- 01033.

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A woman who distributed methamphetamine after previously being convicted of a felony drug offense was sentenced July 18, 2025, to more than five years in federal prison.

Alesha Rasmussen, age 34, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 10, 2025, guilty plea to distribution of methamphetamine after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense. 

At sentencing, Rasmussen admitted that on July 10, 2024, she sold approximately one ounce of methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement in Webster County, Iowa.  Rasmussen was previously convicted of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa in November of 2011.  Following her term of imprisonment for the 2011 offense, she was revoked from supervised release on four occasions for violations of her conditions of release.  

Rasmussen was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Rasmussen was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment.  She must also serve a six-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. 

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

The case file number is 24-CR-03042. 

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A man who possessed multiple machinegun conversion devices on more than one occasion was sentenced on July 18, 2025, to 108 months in federal prison.

Gentile Kahungu, age 19, who was living in Marion, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 31, 2025 guilty plea to possession of a machinegun. The evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that Kahungu possessed a total of 18 machinegun conversion devices, two of which were connected to firearms.  On June 25, 2024, Kahungu possessed some of the devices in his bedroom in his home in Marion along with a tan Glock magazine and ammunition. When he was later arrested in Cedar Rapids, he possessed additional machinegun conversion devices, along with a tan Glock firearm that had a machinegun conversion device connected to it.  The evidence at the hearing also established that Kahungu’s Glock firearm was used during two other shootings, one in Marshalltown, Iowa, and one in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Kahungu was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Kahungu was sentenced to 108 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.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Marshalltown Police Department, and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.

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

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

The case file number is 24-CR-00088.

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An eight-count indictment in the Northern District of Iowa has been unsealed charging a Des Moines man with four counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and four counts of interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution through coercion and enticement.

According to the indictment, Marlin Santana Thomas Sr., 49, used force, fraud and coercion to cause four adult women to engage in commercial sex acts in the Northern District of Iowa and elsewhere between 2009 and 2015. The indictment also alleges that Thomas transported women from Iowa to Illinois and North Dakota for the purpose of engaging in prostitution.

The charge of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. It also carries a minimum of five years of supervised release up to a lifetime of supervised release along with a fine of up to $250,000. Finally, restitution is mandatory upon any conviction for sex trafficking. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence upon any conviction after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI and Des Moines Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Nydle for the Northern District of Iowa and Trial Attorney Slava Kuperstein of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.

The FBI is asking that anyone with information about Thomas to contact the Omaha Field Office at (402) 493-8688.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced July 19, 2025, to more than five years in federal prison.

Jeremy Nedved, age 42, from Crystal Lake, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 6, 2025, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. 

At sentencing, Nedved admitted that between February and September 2024, he utilized the “dark web”, a part of the internet that is not visible to search engines and requires the use of an anonymizing browser called Tor to be accessed, to purchase methamphetamine that he further distributed to others.  In August 2024, law enforcement had become aware Nedved was using the U.S. mail to receive controlled substances.  On August 29, 2024, a mail watch notification was triggered for Nedved’s P.O. Box in Crystal Lake on a package.  A search warrant was obtained to intercept and search the package which netted approximately a half pound of methamphetamine.  On September 3, 2024, a controlled delivery of the methamphetamine package took place at the Crystal Lake post office.  Nedved retrieved this parcel and was arrested.  

Nedved was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Nedved was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Nedved 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 T. Greenwood and investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office.  

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

The case file number is 24-CR-03040.  

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A man who conspired to distribute fentanyl pills was sentenced today to 14 years in federal prison.  Jaylon William Throgmartin, age 22, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.

In a plea agreement and at the sentencing hearing, evidence showed that Throgmartin distributed thousands of fentanyl pills between December 2023 and October 2024.  Throgmartin also facilitated the sale of a firearm in exchange for fentanyl pills.  In January 2025, he distributed at least one fentanyl pill to someone who overdosed.  The victim recovered after receiving Narcan.  

Throgmartin was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Throgmartin was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a four-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated as part of the Northern Iowa Heroin Initiative and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence‑driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

Throgmartin 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 25-CR-5.

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A man working a clean-up crew for the historic June 2024 flooding in Spencer, Iowa was sentenced July 16, 2025, to more than 3 years in federal prison.

Hector Benavidez, age 38, from Donna, Texas, received the prison term after a February 12, 2024, guilty plea to one count of possession of firearms by a felon and one count possession of stolen firearms.

Evidence in the case revealed, during a gun audit at a Spencer store, two firearms were missing.  Law enforcement and the stores loss prevention personnel discovered that Benavidez had been hired by a cleaning crew to help clean up after the 2024 flooding.  This crew had access to the room where the firearms were located and stored.  When Benavidez was confronted by law enforcement, he admitted to taking the firearms two days prior and stated they were with his belonging in the hotel room he was staying in.  Law enforcement was able to locate and recover the firearms during a search of the hotel room.  Benavidez was previously convicted of felony aggravated robbery in Texas.  

Benavidez was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 42 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a 2-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

The case was investigated by Spencer, Iowa Police Department, Clay County, Iowa Sheriff’s Department and the United States Department of Justice – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, (ATF). This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild. 

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

The case file number is 24-4056.

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 A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced July 16, 2025, to more than 15 years in federal prison.

Chad Brown, age 41, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 29, 2025, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more methamphetamine.

At the sentencing hearing, Brown admitted that from January to around April 2024, he took part in the distribution of several pounds of methamphetamine with others.  Evidence further showed that, on April 22, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Brown’s residence in Fort Dodge.  Law enforcement located approximately 74 grams of methamphetamine and two loaded handguns.  Brown has an extensive criminal history which included a 2016 felony conviction in Oregon for delivery of methamphetamine, and multiple prior firearms-related convictions.     

Brown was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Brown was sentenced to 186 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.  Brown 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 T. Greenwood and investigated by the Fort Dodge Police Department, the Webster County Sheriff’s Office 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 24-CR-03030.

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A man who formerly operated a used appliance business in Marion, Iowa, was convicted by a jury today after a three-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.

Cordell Maleec Mayfield, age 28, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.  The verdict was returned this afternoon following about 35 minutes of jury deliberations.

The evidence at trial showed that Mayfield had a firearm with an obliterated serial number in his Marion business on September 19, 2024, when Marion Police arrived late in the evening to perform a welfare check.  The welfare check was precipitated by a 911 call to Marion Police to have officers check on the caller’s daughter who was with Mayfield at his business.  Officers saw the weapon in Mayfield’s hand and later recovered it in a search.  Evidence further showed that a few months before the firearm seizure, Mayfield stated in a recording that he preferred firearms with obliterated serial numbers.  

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

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Mayfield remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Mayfield faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick J. Reinert and Ashley Corkery and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Marion Iowa Police Department, Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.  

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

The case file number is 24-CR-00094.

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A man who was sentenced today, to more than 14 years in federal prison.

Dana Eugene Igou, age 41, from Spencer, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 22, 2025, guilty plea to one count of possession of firearms by a drug user and domestic abuse misdemeanant and one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

During the course of the conspiracy Igou, and others conspired to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine.  Igou also possessed several firearms during the drug conspiracy.  In December of 2023, Igou was stopped for a traffic violation and found in possession of a 9 mm handgun and a small amount of methamphetamine.  Igou was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his prior felony convictions and his prior conviction of a crime of domestic violence.  On March 14, 2024, law enforcement again arrested Igou, and he was again in possession of firearms, as well as ammunition, brass knuckles, and nearly 9 ounces of methamphetamine.  Because of his prior convictions, Igou was determined to be a career offender.  

Igou was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Igou was sentenced to 170 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.

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

The was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jack Lammers and was investigated by Estherville Police Department, Spirit Lake Police Department, Spencer Police Department, Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  

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

The case file number is 24-CR-4018.  

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A former Iowa nurse from western Iowa, who stole pain medication from nursing home residents, burglarized multiple residences, possessed a firearm as a felon, and committed a bank fraud, was sentenced on July 16, 2025, to more than three years in federal prison.  Sarah Ann Haptonstall, age 47, from Onawa, Iowa, received the prison term after she pled guilty on February 24, 2025, to one count of acquiring and attempting to acquire a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, deception, or subterfuge, one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, and one count of bank fraud.

In a plea agreement, and at her plea and sentencing hearings, Haptonstall admitted that, in March 2023, she burglarized an Onawa couple’s home on multiple occasions in order to steal narcotic pain medication.  One the residents needed the medication for constant nerve pain.  Haptonstall knew this, because when she was a nurse in 2021, she had delivered narcotics to the Onawa couple’s residence.  When law enforcement officers arrested Haptonstall on March 10, 2023, after she re-burglarized the Onawa couple’s residence a final time, Haptonstall possessed a 9mm Luger pistol in her truck.  Haptonstall was a felon and drug user at the time, and so it was illegal for her to possess firearms.  Haptonstall had purchased two 9mm Luger pistols in February 2020, after falsely stating that she was not an unlawful user of, or addicted to, a controlled substance.

The burglaries of the Onawa couple’s home were but one part of a larger drug diversion scheme that Haptonstall was perpetrating in western Iowa.  In February and March 2023, Haptonstall was entering multiple apartments in Onawa and stealing the residents’ pain medications.  Further, between April and October 2022, while working as a licensed Iowa nurse, defendant stole hydrocodone pills from four elderly residents of an Onawa nursing home and a Sergeant Bluff nursing home.  One of the victims was over 90 years old.  Haptonstall removed the narcotics from pill cards and replaced them with Tylenol.  One of the nursing home residents suffered from severe pain as she died because defendant had swapped out the victim’s narcotic pills for Tylenol and made a false entry in her medical record.  Another resident was in hospice when defendant stole her narcotics.  Haptonstall was first licensed as a nurse in 2006, and her license was renewed at least five times (in 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021).  Haptonstall ultimately surrendered her nursing license.

Haptonstall also admitted that, in early 2023, she committed a bank fraud against a small family-owned business in Onawa.  Haptonstall was the business’s bookkeeper and abused her position of trust to embezzle over $8,000 from the company.  Specifically, Haptonstall created fraudulent checks payable to herself, drawn on the small business’s account, and bearing one of its proprietor’s signatures.  Haptonstall disguised the fraudulent checks by making false and fictitious entries in the small business’s electronic bookkeeping system.

Haptonstall has an extensive criminal history, beginning with six theft convictions in the late 1990s and 2000s.  Between 1997 and 2013, a state court dismissed more than 30 additional theft charges against Haptonstall after she agreed to pay restitution to the victims in those cases.  Haptonstall’s felony record started in 2006, when she pled guilty to forgery after she forged signatures on checks.  In 2014, Haptonstall was convicted of a felony controlled substance violation after making a material misrepresentation to obtain hydrocodone from a grocery store.  In February 2023, while she was committing bank fraud, and about a month before burglarizing residences in Onawa, Haptonstall received a ten-year, fully suspended prison sentence in state court for felony drug diversion after she admitted she had swapped patients’ hydrocodone for Tylenol pills while working as a delivery driver for a local pharmacy. 

Haptonstall was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Haptonstall was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment.  She was also ordered to make over $8,000 in restitution to her former employer and to repay $5,000 in court-appointed attorney fees.  Haptonstall must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Haptonstall 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 Timothy L. Vavricek and investigated by the Iowa Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Monona County Sheriff’s Office assisted the investigation.

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

The case file numbers are 24-CR-4016 and 25-CR-4007.  

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A woman who conspired to distribute fentanyl was sentenced on July 10, 2025, to more than 11 years in federal prison.  Braleigh Schossow, age 25, from Galva, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 11, 2025, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

At the sentencing hearing, Schossow admitted that between December 2020 and February 2024, she distributed at least 100,000 pills containing fentanyl.  Evidence further showed that Schossow would acquire counterfeit pills stamped with “M30” which contained fentanyl from her sources in Minnesota.  Schossow then distributed tens of thousands of these pills across Iowa and Nebraska.  As part of that distribution, in 2022, after she acquired fentanyl pills from her source in Minnesota, some of those pills were knowingly distributed to another who died from an overdose.  In 2023, during a search warrant execution at her residence in Fort Dodge, law enforcement found over 7,000 fentanyl pills, cocaine, $72,000 in cash, and a loaded handgun belonging to Schossow.     

Schossow was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 141 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Schossow is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and 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. 

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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

The case file number is 24-CR-03026.

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 A woman who violated multiple federal firearms laws was sentenced July 9, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City.

Maria Francisca Portalatin, age 53, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty on February 7, 2025, to one count of being a prohibited person in possession of firearms, one count of making false statements during the purchase of firearms, one count of straw purchase of firearms, and one count of concealing a person from arrest.

 Evidence in the case showed that in April of 2023, Portalatin knowingly made false statements and representations on ATF forms to Dunham’s Sports Store in Sioux City in connection with her acquisition of multiple firearms.  Portalatin later admitted to law enforcement that she was an unlawful user of methamphetamine and purchased the firearms for Freddie Summerville who she knew was prohibited from possessing a firearm.  Evidence further showed, that in June of 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Portalatin’s residence and located the four firearms she had purchased.  During an interview with law enforcement, Portalatin admitted she lied on the ATF forms and that she was aware that Freddie Summerville was wanted on a federal warrant.  In July of 2024, Portalatin and Summerville were stopped in a vehicle near Sioux Falls.  Subsequently, in an interview with law enforcement she admitted they were smoking methamphetamine and that she had helped harbor and conceal Summerville.  
 
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Portalatin was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to pay $1,400 in fines and assessments.  She must also serve a 2 year term of supervised release following imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kraig R. Hamit and Kevin C. Fletcher.  

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  
The case file number is 24-CR-04053.   Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
 

A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl was sentenced July 8, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City, to 76 months’ imprisonment.

Danielle Morris, 49, originally from Denver, Colorado, staying in Odebolt, Iowa, pled guilty February 12, 2025, to one count of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.  At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that from January 2024 through April 27, 2024, Morris and others conspired to distribute about one pound of methamphetamine and more than 1700 pills of fentanyl.  On April 21, 2024, Morris, along with two others were headed to Colorado to pick up more methamphetamine and to sell fentanyl pills.  When law enforcement tried to stop them, the fentanyl was thrown from the vehicle and later seized.  Morris and the others recklessly attempted to elude law enforcement driving their vehicle at high speeds.  Morris made a “false” 911 call in an effort to distract police and avoid capture.  Later on the same date, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Morris and her co-conspirator’s residence and seized a small amount of methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded .22 caliber Beretta handgun.

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Morris was sentenced to 76 months’ imprisonment and must serve a four-year term of supervised release following the imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Morris remains in custody of the United States Marshal until she can be transported to a federal prison.  

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

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

The case file number is 24-4042.  Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

Jammonttay Coleman, 35, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, pled guilty July 7, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

Evidence at the plea hearing showed that on August 25, 2024, Coleman knowingly possessed a stolen Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol with an attached magazine capable of accepting 17 rounds of ammunition.  Coleman admitted to possessing this firearm as a felon with prior convictions for felony burglary and assault while participating in a felony, as well as being a user of marijuana.  As a felon and user of controlled substances, he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. 

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

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

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

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is 24-3039.  Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

A Cedar Rapids man who conspired to distribute controlled substance was sentenced July 7, 2025, to more than 25 years in federal prison.

James Colquhoun, age 40, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 10, 2025, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance after a prior conviction for a serious drug felony, carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that between January 2024 and February 13, 2024, Colquhoun knowingly conspired with others to distribute significant quantities of methamphetamine in the Cedar Rapids area.  On February 13, 2024, officers stopped Colquhoun’s vehicle and searched it.  During the search, officers located over 500 grams of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, over $25,000, and a firearm.  Colquhoun knowingly possessed those controlled substances with the intent to distribute them.  After the traffic stop, officers searched Colquhoun’s hotel room where he resided.  During the search of his hotel room, investigators located over 600 grams of heroin, over 50 grams of methamphetamine, and another firearm.  In 2014, Colquhoun was convicted in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa of distribution of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and carrying a firearm during and relation to a drug trafficking crime.  

Colquhoun was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Colquhoun was sentenced to 336 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.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Hudson, and it was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Marion Police Department.  

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

The case file number is 24-CR-00029-001.

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A Cedar Rapids man who mailed thousands of fentanyl pills from Arizona to Cedar Rapids was sentenced July 7, 2025, to more than eight years in federal prison.  

Anthony Chan Dixon, age 35, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 21, 2025 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.  

Information disclosed at the sentencing hearing showed that Dixon moved from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Phoenix, Arizona, prior to 2022.  Beginning in 2022, and continuing through September 2023, Dixon shipped packages containing hundreds of fentanyl pills from Arizona to various fentanyl dealers in Cedar Rapids, totaling at least 4,500 fentanyl pills.  Dixon had previously been convicted of two felony drug offenses.           

Dixon was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Dixon was sentenced to 106 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a three‑year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Johnson County Drug Enforcement Task Force consisting of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa City Police Department, the Coralville Police Department, the North Liberty Police Department, the University of Iowa Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; and the Drug Enforcement Administration.   

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 24-CR-00058-CJW.

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A Waterloo man who was responsible for distributing over thirteen pounds of ice methamphetamine was sentenced on July 2, 2025, to more than nineteen years in federal prison.

Matthew James Wessels, age 44, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 23, 2024, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance after a prior conviction for a serious drug felony. 

In a plea agreement, Wessels admitted that during the summer of 2024, after being released from federal prison for a previous controlled substance conviction, he conspired with several others to import ice methamphetamine and then distribute the methamphetamine in Waterloo and the surrounding area.  On three separate occasions, Wessels distributed ice methamphetamine to an undercover police officer.  On another occasion, officers found him in possession of over three pounds of ice methamphetamine.  In total, Wessels was personally responsible for distributing over thirteen pounds of ice methamphetamine. 

Wessels was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Wessels was sentenced to 234 months’ imprisonment.  He must also serve a ten-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jared Manternach and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force consisting of the Waterloo Police Department, Cedar Falls Police Department, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Department, Evansdale Police Department, Waverly Police Department, Hudson Police Department, La Porte City Police Department, and the Bremer County Sheriff’s Department; the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Jones County Sheriff’s Department; and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

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

The case file number is 24-CR-2035.

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Michael Turner, 35, from Fort Dodge, Iowa was sentenced July 1, 2025, to 87 months’ imprisonment, in federal court in Sioux City, for possession of firearm by a prohibited person.

At the plea hearing on February 5, 2025, Turner admitted that between March 1, 2024 and March 29, 2024, he possessed a Glock .45 caliber pistol knowing that he was then previously convicted of a crime(s) punishable of a term of imprisonment for more than one year and was an unlawful user of controlled substance(s).  On March 29, 2024, Turner was stopped and found in possession of a .45 caliber Glock pistol.  It was later determined by ballistic comparison evidence the firearm had been used in a March 8, 2024, shooting in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Other evidence, including surveillance video, indicated Turner was present during the shooting.  

Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Turner was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment and must serve a two-year term of supervised release following the imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Turner remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.  

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Dodge Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  

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The case file number is 24-3023.  

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