Southern District of Iowa

DAVENPORT, IOWA – A Davenport man, Lelen Lee Bonds, age 42, was sentenced on Monday, June 21, 2021, by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to 270 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Bonds was also on supervised release at the time he committed this offense and was sentenced to a period of 36 months in prison to run consecutive to the 270 month sentence. Following his imprisonment, Bonds was ordered to serve ten years of supervised release and immediately pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal made the announcement.

According to court documents, Bonds was involved in drug trafficking activities in the Quad Cities area beginning in September of 2019. A vehicle identified in the investigation was found to be owned by Bonds. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant and installed a GPS tracker for the vehicle and noted it made a trip to the area of South 10th Street in Burlington, Iowa—which is known to law enforcement as a high drug trafficking area. Once back in the Quad Cities, Bonds would distribute the methamphetamine. Further surveillance revealed more trips to the Burlington area as well as additional instances of suspected drug distribution. On October 3, 2019, search warrants were conducted on Bonds, his vehicle, and a residence he was associated with. During a search of the residence officers found over four ounces of ice methamphetamine.

On January 28, 2021, a jury found Bonds guilty of the charge that was brought against him. The Davenport Police Department (DPD) investigated the case and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa prosecuted this matter.

Des Moines, Iowa – A Johnston man was arrested Friday night on criminal charges related to his alleged involvement in the manufacture and possession of an explosive device that was located in 1400 block of SE Waywin Drive in Ankeny on June 9, 2021.

According to court documents, Chad Allen Williams, age 46, of Johnston, unlawfully manufactured and possessed an unregistered explosive device in violation of federal law.

Allen is charged by criminal complaint with possession of an unregistered explosive device in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 5861(d), and manufacture of an explosive device in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 5861(f). If convicted, Allen faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.

The Ankeny Police Department, State of Iowa Fire Marshall’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

DES MOINES – Six members and associates of the OTB Criminal Street Gang have been charged in a federal indictment. A Federal Grand Jury charged members and associates with various crimes, including attempted murder in aid of racketeering; using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; felon in possession of a firearm; drug user in possession of a firearm; possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number; and witness tampering. In total, six members and associates of OTB, a Des Moines-based street gang, have been charged with four separate shootings against rival gang members that occurred between May 2020 and December 2020.

Those arrested on federal charges include Raekwon Malik Patton a/k/a Kwon and Nutt; Fabrece Jamar Bower Turner a/k/a Fab and Vell; Braden Craig Shafer a/k/a Stickup; Austin James Mallory; Yuri Perren Green Jr. a/k/a YG; and Jordan Marie Wilkerson.

Six other members of the OTB Street Gang were previously charged with federal drug and firearms violations. Specifically, on December 3, 2020, Logan James Elmquist was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. On February 18, 2021, Marcus De Shawn Ford was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. On April 28, 2021, Javontay Dequan Johnson was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and MDMA and drug user in possession of a firearm. On March 11, 2021, Robert John Manuel Jr. pleaded guilty to being a drug user in possession of a firearm. Manuel Jr.’s sentencing in federal court is set for July 9, 2021. On March 29, 2021, Montreel Robinson pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Robinson’s sentencing in federal court is set for August 24, 2021. On July 28, 2020, Dejon Gene Watley pleaded guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Watley’s sentencing in federal court was set for December 8, 2020; however, he failed to appear for sentencing and remains a fugitive.

Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa, as well as Des Moines Police Department Chief Dana Wingert, made the announcement.

“All members of this community deserve to live free from the fear of being victimized by the individual and repeated acts of violence by these criminal gangs and their rivals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Westphal. “We will continue to make community safety one of our highest priorities, and work hand in hand with our local law enforcement and prosecution partners to aggressively prosecute those individuals who are the primary drivers of violent crime.”

Des Moines Police Chief Dana Wingert stated, “This is another example of local and federal partners working collectively to actively pursue the most violent criminals in our community. In recent years, this continuous pursuit has resulted in numerous significant arrests and prosecutions, the impact of which cannot be overstated. The feeling of safety in your neighborhood is a basic necessity that we are committed to protecting. Those who compromise the quality of life for our citizens through violent crime should be prepared for a similar outcome to this most recent indictment. As partners, we remain vigilant in this effort.”

It is alleged in the indictment the OTB Street Gang is a criminal enterprise that engaged in racketeering activity, namely offenses involving controlled substances and acts involving murder. The OTB Street gang and its members are alleged to have preserved and protected the profits of the gang through the threatened or physical use of violence and kept victims and witnesses in fear of the street gang through these threats of violence. In addition, it is alleged the OTB Street Gang provided support to gang members who were incarcerated for gang-related activities; and retaliated against acts of violence perpetrated against the street gang including acts of violence against rival gangs known as the C-Block and C-Block-affiliated street gangs. The OTB Street Gang allegedly operated and conducted their affairs through a series of rules and policies; and initiated new members through the practice of having them discharge a firearm at, and hit, another person. It is alleged that members and associates of the OTB Street Gang managed the procurement, transfer, use, concealment, and disposal of firearms to protect gang-related personnel and operations, and to deter, eliminate, and retaliate against other rival street gangs. It is alleged that members agreed to distribute drugs, recruited juveniles to commit acts for the gang’s benefit, and agreed or conspired to commit acts of violence, including acts involving murder, against rival gangs.

The charges in the indictment carry maximum penalties of between 10 years and life imprisonment. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. There is no parole in the federal court system.

The public is reminded that charges contain only accusations and are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt

The investigation was conducted by the Des Moines Police Department, Crimes Against Persons and Intelligence Sections. The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa, with assistance from the Polk County Attorney’s Office, as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

Davenport, Iowa – On Friday, June 11, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Lamar Harris, age 37, of Burlington, to 210 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Harris was ordered to serve four years of supervised release to follow his prison term as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

Harris was found to have been involved in a long-standing conspiracy to distribute significant quantities of controlled substances, with his involvement dating back to 2011. Harris has a history of violence and had two prior felony drug convictions. Harris was under criminal justice supervision at the time of this offense.

Harris was one of eight defendants who faced federal charges in the Southern District of Iowa after a multi-year joint federal and state investigation which culminated in the execution of several search warrants in various locations, including several in Burlington on November 19, 2019.

This investigation was conducted by numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies including: the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Southeast Iowa Narcotics Taskforce; Burlington Police Department; Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office; West Central Illinois Taskforce; Quincy, Illinois Police Department; Drug Enforcement Administration; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; Henry County Sheriff’s Office; Mt. Pleasant Police Department; West Burlington Police Department; Keokuk Police Department; Ft. Madison Police Department; Lee County Sheriff’s Office; Iowa City Police Department; Johnson County Sheriff’s Office; North Liberty Police Department; Coralville Police Department; Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office; Louisa County Sheriff’s Office; Washington County Sheriff’s Office; Bettendorf Police Department; Illinois State Police; Monmouth, Illinois Police Department; Macomb, Illinois Police Department; Galesburg, Illinois Police Department; Adams County, Illinois Sheriff’s Office; and Fulton County, Illinois Sheriff’s Office.

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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

DES MOINES, IA – A Des Moines man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for producing child pornography.

According to court documents, Michael Aaron Estrada, age 35, used Snapchat in 2019 and 2020 to communicate with a minor who lived in Massachusetts. Estrada knew the minor with whom he was communicating was 15 years old. On multiple dates between August 2019 and June 2020, Estrada knowingly solicited from that minor pictures and videos of the minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The minor created “selfie” photos and videos of herself as requested and sent them to Estrada via Snapchat. Separate from the conduct involving the 15-year old, Estrada also downloaded other pictures and videos of child pornography from the internet in 2019 and 2020 and distributed videos of child pornography via the internet in March 2020.

Acting U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.

The FBI Child Exploitation Task Force and the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated the case. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the United States Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nationwide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children.

Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.

Davenport, Iowa – A Davenport man, Cory Lamar Carter, age 33, was sentenced Thursday, May 27, 2021, by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to five years in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana. Following his prison term Carter was ordered to serve four years of supervised release.

According to court documents, Carter was involved in multiple instances of marijuana trafficking between the summer of 2018 and the fall of 2019. As a part of this investigation, the United States Postal Inspector intercepted multiple packages destined for Carter’s residence, which contained pounds of marijuana. Carter has a prior federal conviction for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana. On January 28, 2021, Carter pleaded guilty to the charge.

Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Davenport Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspector were involved in the investigation of this matter. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Davenport, Iowa – Kevin Cortez Garrett, age 39, of Burlington, was sentenced Thursday, May 27, 2021, by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to 34 months in prison for Felon in Possession of Firearms. Garrett was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

According to court documents, law enforcement identified Kevin Cortez Garrett as a felon who was present at a shooting range in Burlington on two occasions in April 2020. While inside the range, surveillance video showed Garrett in possession of five firearms and a large amount of ammunition. Garrett removed three of the handguns from his waistband and one from his coat pocket. Garrett obtained four of the five firearms from a straw purchaser, who purchased the firearms and ammunition specifically for him. As a convicted felon out of Cook County, Illinois, Garrett is prohibited from possessing firearms.

Acting U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

Davenport, Iowa – Deandre Darnell Blakely, age 26, of Bettendorf, was sentenced on Thursday, May 27, 2021, by United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey, to 80 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana and Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Following his prison term, Carter was ordered to serve three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, Blakely was involved in the distribution of marijuana and possessed multiple firearms as a felon. After his arrest, Blakely attempted to obstruct justice by soliciting others to provide false information on his behalf. Blakely has prior convictions for Reckless Discharge of a Firearm (related to a shooting), Obstructing Justice, and a prior felony drug conviction. Blakely pleaded guilty to the charges on November 16, 2020.

Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.

The Davenport Police Department investigated this matter and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Davenport, Iowa – Joshua Lee Scheper, age 40, of Davenport, was sentenced on May 27, 2021, by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to 30 months in prison for Making False Statements During Firearm Purchases. Scheper was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

According to court documents, law enforcement identified Joshua Lee Scheper as an individual who straw purchased firearms on behalf of persons who were prohibited from possessing them. On forms required to purchase a firearm, Scheper stated he was the intended buyer of the firearms and was not purchasing them on behalf of others. But, in some instances, Scheper did acquire the firearms on behalf of others and sold them immediately after the purchase. Scheper admitted he did so with the intent to make a quick profit. Multiple instances of violence in the Quad Cities and Chicago involved firearms purchased by Scheper. Between 2014 and 2016, Scheper purchased 26 firearms, at least seven of which were involved in criminal acts, including four homicides in Chicago.

Acting U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.

This case was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods, a national initiative bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

DES MOINES – On Tuesday, May 25, 2021, a federal judge sentenced Allison Danielle Doyle, age 25, of Des Moines, to 18 months in prison for making a false statement to a Des Moines Police Detective investigating a federal crime. Doyle had previously pleaded guilty to the charge.

At sentencing, United States District Court Senior Judge James E. Gritzner found that Doyle’s lies to police were designed to thwart law enforcement’s investigation into gun-related crimes. Specifically, police were investigating a gang-related shooting that occurred on May 10, 2020. During the course of that investigation, a search warrant was executed at Doyle’s residence and a firearm was discovered. Doyle and her boyfriend then concocted a scheme to have Doyle falsely claim responsibility for the firearm to avoid her boyfriend being federally charged. Doyle then subsequently lied to a Des Moines Police Detective during an interview.

Acting U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.

The investigation was conducted by the Des Moines Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On May 21, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Parish Bennett, age 33, of Iowa City, to five years in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Following his term of imprisonment, Bennett was ordered to serve a term of supervised release of three years.

Bennett was charged in a one-count Indictment filed on March 11, 2020, in the Southern District of Iowa for being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm, on or about December 11, 2019. On September 14, 2020, Bennet pleaded guilty to the Indictment.

This charge arose from the execution of a search warrant on a residence in Iowa City after obtaining information that Bennett and his girlfriend were selling drugs out of the residence and locating controlled substance residue in their trash. During execution of the search warrant, officers located a firearm in the home. Bennett admitted using methamphetamine, being a felon, and possessing the firearm. The firearm was previously reported stolen.

Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.

The Johnson County Drug Task Force (JCDTF) investigated the case.

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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

DAVENPORT, IOWA – A federal grand jury in Davenport returned a 19-count Indictment last week charging six individuals with various drug and firearms charges announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal.

According to court documents, Taylor Christopher Graeber, age 23; Joshua John Paarmann, age 30; Karley Ann Smith, age 27; Joshua Steven Ennis, age 38; Donnie Wayne Robinson, Jr., age 34; and Robert Stanley Nelson III, age 40; are each charged in a Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine that started by at least July 1, 2020, and continued until March 29, 2021. The conspiracy involved the possession of numerous firearms, multiple pounds of methamphetamine, and continued distribution of methamphetamine throughout the Quad Cities area during the conspiracy’s duration.

Graeber is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. If convicted, Graeber faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.

Paarmann is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. If convicted, Paarmann faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.

Smith is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. If convicted, she faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.

Ennis is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.

Robinson is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.

Nelson is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Following a finding of guilt, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors for each individual defendant.

The Davenport Police Department, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group, and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating this matter. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa is prosecuting the case.

DES MOINES – Today a federal judge sentenced Dreshon Rene Frazier, age 25, of Des Moines, to 20 years in prison for drug and gun crimes. Frazier had previously pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

At sentencing, United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger found over the course of 2019 to 2020, Frazier repeatedly acquired and dealt marijuana. During that year, Frazier, a known Gunna Gang affiliate, also possessed numerous firearms, including those with high capacity magazines. A search of Frazier’s residence on February 26, 2020, revealed two loaded pistols, drug-related items, and ammunition.

In December 2019, Frazier was involved in a gang-related shooting in Des Moines. During that shooting, Frazier and two other Gunna Gang members shot at the occupied residence of a rival gang member. Frazier pleaded guilty in the Iowa District Court for Polk County to charges related to that shooting. Frazier, a convicted felon, has an extensive criminal history that categorizes him under the United States Sentencing Guidelines as a career offender. He was serving two terms of parole when he committed both the shooting and the federal crimes.

Acting U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.

The investigation was conducted by the Des Moines Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

DES MOINES, Iowa – Marlin Santana Thomas, age 45, of Des Moines pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to sex trafficking six victims by force, fraud, and coercion announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Thomas is scheduled to be sentenced on September 10, 2021, before United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey.

Thomas pleaded guilty to sex trafficking six adult victims and admitted to trafficking a 14 year-old victim. Thomas admitted in his plea agreement to trafficking victims beginning in 2009, and as recently as February 28, 2018, when he was arrested as part of a separate federal drug investigation, for which he is currently serving a term of federal imprisonment. Thomas admitted to posting online escort advertisements of victims, transporting them to hotels and motels within and outside of Iowa to engage in commercial sex acts, and taking proceeds of the commercial sex acts. Thomas admitted to using physical violence towards all six adult victims, and admitted to providing heroin to one victim to keep her engaging in sex acts. Thomas also admitted in his plea agreement to arranging for a 14-year-old to engage in commercial sex acts, knowing that she was not yet 18 years old.

Thomas is subject to a fifteen-year mandatory minimum prison term for each count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, up to life imprisonment. The terms of imprisonment may be imposed consecutive to or concurrent with one another.

Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of youth under the age of 18 for commercial sex; the exploitation of adults for commercial sex through the use of force, fraud, or coercion; and the exploitation of any individual for compelled labor. Human trafficking does not require the transportation of individuals across state lines, or that someone is physically restrained. Signs that a person is being trafficked can include working excessively long hours, unexplained gifts, physical injury, substance abuse issues, running away from home, isolation from others, or having a person in their life controlling them or monitoring them closely. Victims particularly susceptible to being trafficked include those with criminal histories, a history of physical or sexual abuse, uncertain legal status, and dependency on controlled substances. Individuals who purchase sex from minors or from those who are otherwise exploited for commercial sex are also subject to prosecution for sex trafficking under federal law, if they knew or were in reckless disregard of the fact that they were under the age of 18, or that force, fraud, or coercion was used.

Anyone who suspects human trafficking is occurring, be it a minor engaging in paid sex acts, or anyone being coerced into prostitution or labor, is urged to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. If anyone has information about this defendant, they are urged to call the Des Moines Police Department Vice/Narcotics Office at 515-237-1516, or call the Hotline.

This case was investigated by the Des Moines Police Department and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On Tuesday, May 4, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Christopher Mateo Perez, age 29, of Rock Island, to 180 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Perez was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

In August of 2019 Perez was arrested on an outstanding warrant. A search warrant was conducted on Perez’s residence and officers located a loaded Glock 17 nine-millimeter pistol and various items consistent with drug trafficking. The gun contained 17 rounds of ammunition and had been reported stolen. Perez admitted the firearm belonged to him. At the time, Perez knew he was a convicted felon, therefore he was prohibited from possessing firearms.

This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On Tuesday, May 4, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Tremayne Lamar Clemons, age 29, of Coralville, to 30 months in prison for Unlawful Drug User in Possession of Firearms announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Clemons was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

The investigation of Tremayne Lamar Clemons began on December 25, 2019, when law enforcement responded to the scene of a shooting in the 900 block of Boston Way in Coralville. The following day officers conducted a search warrant at Clemons’s residence -- a residence some people involved in the shooting the day before were seen exiting just prior to the shooting. During the search, law enforcement located three firearms, boxes of ammunition, and drug paraphernalia. Clemons admitted to possessing the firearms found. He also admitted to using controlled substances. On December 31, 2019, Clemons possessed two additional firearms at a retail store in Coralville. Clemons admitted to being an unlawful user of controlled substances at the time of his possession of the five firearms.

This matter was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On Tuesday, May 4, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Chad Michael Oxley, age 38, of Davenport, to 144 months in prison for Receiving Child Pornography announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Oxley was ordered to serve seven years of supervised release to follow his prison term as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund and $9,000.00 to the victims of his crime.

The investigation of Oxley began in January of 2019 when the Davenport Police Department received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children concerning a video containing child pornography that had been uploaded to Google in December of 2018. Information from the CyberTip traced back to Oxley. Officers conducted a search warrant at Oxley’s known residences in February of 2019 and several cellphones were located. A review of the cellphones revealed many images and videos containing child pornography as well as chat sessions wherein Oxley was purporting to be a female and exchanging child pornography with others. At the plea hearing on November 16, 2020, Oxley agreed he received more than 600 images and/or videos of child pornography.

This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nation-wide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children. Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On Monday, May 3, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Darvill Jimmy Joseph Bragg, age 26, of Davenport, to 240 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Bragg was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow his prison term as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund. On August 26, 2020, following a jury trial, Bragg was found guilty of illegally possessing a Taurus Judge revolver.

On October 25, 2019, law enforcement received multiple 911 calls regarding shots fired in the area of the 1300 block of East 37th Street in Davenport. The Davenport Police Department responded and located multiple fired shell casings, as well as damage consistent with bullet holes in a nearby apartment building. The target of the shooting informed law enforcement Bragg and another man shot at him as he drove through the parking lot—Bragg with a revolver and the other man with an automatic pistol. Officers observed damage consistent with bullet holes in the target’s vehicle. Later that same night, law enforcement encountered Bragg as the front passenger in a vehicle in the area of the earlier shooting. A Taurus Judge revolver was in the door bin next to his seat. At the time of the offense, Bragg had been convicted of Willful Injury in the Iowa District Court for Scott County.

At sentencing, Bragg was subject to Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(e) (the Armed Career Criminal Act). He was subject to the Act due to prior convictions for armed robbery in 2011 in Rock Island County, Illinois, and Willful Injury in 2015 in Scott County.

This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Federal Charge Brought Following Split Jury Verdict in Polk County District Court

DES MOINES – Today a federal jury convicted Ceeron Tearrence Williams, age 29, of Des Moines, for felon in possession of ammunition. Williams faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison on the conviction. Williams was ordered to remain detained pending his sentencing on September 10, 2021.

According to court documents and evidence presented at the three-day trial, shortly after 4 a.m. on January 21, 2018, Williams fired nine gunshots from a pistol while he and a group of individuals were standing near the storefront of a Des Moines Kum & Go store. Williams struck a victim with seven of his gunshots, including in the stomach and hips. Williams fled the shooting scene with his pistol.  The victim survived.

Williams was indicted in federal court in February 2021 for possessing ammunition on the date of the shooting, having been previously convicted of a felony. The federal indictment followed a prosecution by the Polk County Attorney’s Office where Williams was charged with Attempted Murder, Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent, and related state charges. In September 2020, a Polk County jury acquitted Williams of Attempted Murder but convicted him of several less severe charges. He also has an undischarged term to serve on the state convictions.

Acting U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.

The investigation was conducted by the Des Moines Police Department, assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and FBI Safe Streets Task Force. The case was prosecuted by United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On Monday, May 3, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Teron Deachon Conley, age 26, of Davenport, to 96 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Conley was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

In September of 2019, the Davenport Police Department responded to the 6300 block of Appomattox Road for multiple shots fired complaints. At that location, officers found eleven shell casings in the road as well as three other casings in a yard. Witnesses described Conley as one of the two shooters and stated the shooters and another man left in a tan SUV. When officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the SUV the car fled from law enforcement. All three occupants of the car eventually ditched the vehicle and left a firearm on the ground nearby the car.

The gun matched the shell casings found in the street. On November 18, 2020, Conley admitted to possessing the firearm in September 2019. As a convicted felon, Conley was prohibited from possessing firearms.

This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – On Thursday, April 29, 2021, a federal search warrant was executed at a home on the 100 block of Ehrig Avenue in Treynor, Iowa. The search at this residence was an official law enforcement action involving agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are unaware of any safety risk to the public.

This is an ongoing investigation and no other information will be released at this time.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On Thursday, April 22, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Terry Lee Douglas, III, age 34, of Burlington, to 200 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Douglas was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow his prison term as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

In January of 2020, Douglas was caught with approximately 250 grams of ice methamphetamine in the Burlington area. On multiple occasions between January and May of 2020, Douglas was associated with methamphetamine transactions. In May of 2020, Douglas and others traveled together to obtain ice methamphetamine from a supplier in Galesburg, Illinois. Upon returning to Iowa, the vehicle was stopped, and Douglas was arrested. At the time of the stop and arrest, Douglas had two ounces of ice in his possession. On December 1, 2020, Douglas admitted to knowingly and intentionally joining in an agreement to distribute methamphetamine in the Burlington area.

This matter was investigated by the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DES MOINES, Iowa – On April 22, 2021, United District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger sentenced Tanner Jo Halverson-Weese, age 36, of Marshalltown, to 211 months in prison for Possession With Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Halverson-Weese was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

On January 1, 2020, law enforcement stopped a vehicle in which Halverson-Weese was a passenger. After a brief struggle with officers, Halverson-Weese was detained. Halverson-Weese possessed two loaded firearms, $2,280 in cash, and over 300 grams of methamphetamine in a container on the passenger floorboard in front of him.

This matter was investigated by the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Task Force and the Marshalltown Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On Thursday, April 22, 2021, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Marion Joseph Hare, age 30, of Davenport, to 94 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition and Distribution of Methamphetamine announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Hare was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term as well as pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

In February of 2020 Hare sold ten ecstasy pills that contained methamphetamine to another person in exchange for $40. Later that month, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Hare’s known residence. In his bedroom officers located a loaded Ruger .380 pistol, two digital scales, a box of plastic sandwich baggies, one federal .380 round of ammunition, a box of 39 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, and indicia indicating Hare lived in the residence. At the time of this incident Hare knew he had prior felony convictions for crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year.

This matter was investigated by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On Wednesday, April 21, 2021, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Bobby Wilson, III, age 23, of Buffalo, to 24 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Wilson was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

This investigation began in January 2020 when police officers were dispatched to a disturbance at a bar in downtown Davenport. A report had been made regarding a male who stated he had a gun during a verbal altercation. Law enforcement made contact with the subject, later identified as Wilson, who ran to evade officers and resisted arrest when he was caught. Officers located a loaded Springfield XDS .45 caliber handgun in his sweatshirt pocket. At the time of this incident, Wilson knew he had a prior felony conviction for a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Wednesday, April 21, 2021, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Donovan Ryan Schmacht, age 40, of Rock Island, Illinois, to 30 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Schmacht was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

In April 2020, Davenport Police Department officers made contact with Schmacht after he and his friend had confronted two individuals near Locust and Main Street in Davenport with what appeared to be firearms concealed under their shirts. When officers responded to the area, Schmacht noticed the officers, and walked behind a dumpster. As officers approached Schmacht, he fled on foot disregarding verbal commands to stop. Officers were able to catch Schmacht and a physical struggle ensued. Once arrested, officers recovered a loaded black Taurus nine-millimeter semi- automatic pistol behind the dumpster where Schmacht had thrown it. As a convicted felon, Schmacht is prohibited from possessing firearms.

This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Wednesday, April 21, 2021, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Ismael Salazar Montes, age 30, of Nogales Sonora, Mexico, to 160 months in prison for Illegal Reentry, Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, and Illegal Alien in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Following his prison term, Salazar Montes was ordered to serve five years of supervised release and pay $300 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

The investigation began in October 2019, when law enforcement stopped Salazar Montes’s vehicle in Mount Pleasant. After stopping the vehicle, law enforcement had a canine conduct a sniff of the vehicle, resulting in an alert as to the presence of narcotics. As officers searched the vehicle, Salazar Montes admitted he had a handgun in his suitcase. Officers searched the suitcase and located an unloaded, nine-millimeter Ruger handgun. Salazar Montes admitted he did not have a permit for the firearm and knew he could not lawfully possess the firearm because he was not legally present in the United States. A search of the backseat of the vehicle revealed a cooler where officers located three bags of controlled substances—812.8 grams of methamphetamine, 958.7 grams of heroin, and 307.27 grams of fentanyl. Salazar Montes admitted he placed the controlled substances in the cooler and was transporting them from Tucson, Arizona to Chicago, Illinois.

This matter was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, Drug Enforcement Agency, Mount Pleasant Police Department, and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Wednesday, April 21, 2021, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Larry Dean Weir, age 40, of Davenport, to 120 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Weir was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

In September of 2019, law enforcement investigated a suspicious vehicle believed to belong to Weir. Officers located Weir at a hotel in Bettendorf and obtained a search warrant for his room, where they located 111.30 grams of methamphetamine and a digital scale underneath a mattress. A female acquaintance of Weir’s admitted receiving methamphetamine from him earlier that day. Weir admitted he possessed the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute some or all of it to other persons.

This matter was investigated by the Bettendorf Police Department and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Four additional members and associates of the Lowrider Street Gang have been federally charged in a Superseding Indictment. In addition to the added defendants, a Federal Grand Jury charged members and associates with a Racketeering Conspiracy spanning from in and around 2013 to the present. In total, members and associates of the Lowrider Street Gang have been charged with five separate shootings and one stabbing against rival gang members that occurred between August 2015 and June 2020.

In August 2020, charges were previously announced for eleven members and associates of the Lowriders, a Davenport-based street gang, for various crimes including attempted murder in aid of racketeering, drug trafficking, tampering with witnesses, knowingly transfer of a handgun to a juvenile, lying to the grand jury, use of persons under 18 years of age in drug operations, and firearms charges. Five members or associates of the Lowriders have been charged in state court for intimidation with a dangerous weapon, willful injury, criminal gang participation, and drug-related offenses.

Two other members were previously charged with federal firearms violations. Specifically, in November 2019, Alejandro Francisco Herrera, Jr., was sentenced after pleading guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance. In February 2020, Zacharia Allen Clark was sentenced to 200 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to prohibited person in possession of ammunition related to an incident in which he shot at another person in the parking lot of a Davenport nightclub. As a result of this investigation, twenty-two Lowrider Street Gang members and associates have been charged with crimes.

Those arrested on federal charges include AUSTIN NICHOLS, ADAN HERRERA, CODY HERRERA a/k/a Cody Williamson, KERRI JOANNE REITZ, JOSE MIGUEL PENA, ANDRES JOSEPH ARRIAGA, TEVIN MAXWELL LIRA, JACOB TRUJILLO, ANTONIO HERRERA, CARMELO REYES, ANGEL MORA, MARIO HERRERA, EDUARDO HERRERA SR., and ARNOLDO HERRERA. The identities of those who have not yet been arrested remain sealed at this time.

The charges were announced by Richard D. Westphal, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa, and Paul Sikorski, Davenport Police Chief. In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations, Bettendorf Police Department, Moline Police Department, and Scott County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation.

“The law-abiding citizens in these neighborhoods deserve to feel safe from violent gangs such as the Lowriders, and their criminal rivals,” said Acting United States Attorney Westphal. “Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to aggressively pursue this goal of community safety and use every available state and federal prosecution tool to charge those individuals committing these acts of violence.”

It is alleged the Lowrider Street Gang is a criminal enterprise that engaged in racketeering activity, namely offenses involving controlled substances; acts involving murder; and acts relating to the tampering with a witness, victim, or informant. The Lowrider Street Gang and its members are alleged to have preserved and protected the profits of the gang through the threatened or physical use of violence and kept victims and witnesses in fear of the street gang through these threats of violence. In addition, it is alleged that the Lowrider Street Gang provided support to gang members who were incarcerated for gang-related activities; and retaliated against acts of violence perpetrated against the street gang including acts of violence against rival gangs known as the West Side Mafia and Latin King street gang. The Lowrider Street Gang allegedly operated and conducted their affairs through a series of rules and policies; held regular meetings at which they discussed, planned, and otherwise engaged in criminal activity; and initiated new members through the practice of causing them to endure physical assaults conducted by members of the gang at various gang-related gatherings. It is alleged that members agreed to distribute drugs, recruited juveniles to commit violent acts for the gang’s benefit, and agreed or conspired to commit acts of violence, including acts involving murder, against rival gangs.

The charges in the indictment carry maximum penalties of between 10 years and life imprisonment. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. There is no parole in the federal court system.

The public is reminded that charges contain only accusations and are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Phillip Darnell Hicks, age 38, of the Quad Cities-area, to 51 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Hicks was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

The investigation began August of 2019 when Hicks met with an individual with the intent to sell them marijuana. Rather than selling marijuana, Hicks sold an empty bag. As a result, a car chase ensued, and Hicks’s vehicle was fired upon. The vehicle Hicks occupied got into a collision, and Hicks ran from the scene carrying a loaded Taurus Slim PT709 nine-millimeter pistol that he later threw away in a residential neighborhood in Davenport. At the time of this incident, Hicks knew he had a felony conviction for a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year and was prohibited from possessing a gun.

This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa. 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Johnathon Lawrence Rose, age 33, of Clinton, to 210 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Felon in Possession of a Firearm announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Rose was ordered to serve four years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

The investigation began in January 2020 when Defendant Rose was stopped by police for illegally tinted windows and no valid driver’s license. Officers located pills that tested positive as eutylone, methamphetamine, cocaine, and caffeine in Rose’s pockets. A search warrant was executed at Rose’s residence and yielded a large amount of ammunition, parts for an AR-15, and drug paraphernalia. During the intake process at the jail, a firearm fell out of Rose’s pants during a search by a corrections officer. A search of his jacket revealed additional pills and more than 35 grams of methamphetamine. Rose was previously convicted of a felony and prohibited from possessing firearms.

This matter was investigated by the Clinton Police Department and the Blackhawk Area Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Monday, April 19, 2021, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Christopher Michael Goerdt, age 40, of Cedar Rapids, to 69 months in prison for Bank Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, Wire Fraud, and Misapplication by Bank Officer announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Goerdt was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay $1,500 to the Crime Victims’ Fund. Furthermore, Goerdt was ordered to pay $1,124,343.60 in restitution to the victims of his crimes. The victims include County Bank, Peoples Trust and Savings Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services, and Everest Insurance.

This investigation began as early as 2006 when Goerdt participated in fraudulent activities at multiple financial institutions. Goerdt obtained and used a credit card in the name of a bank for his personal use. Further, Goerdt falsified loan documents, diverted loan proceeds, altered appraisals, made false statements to investigators, and obtained loans without the knowledge of customers. The Court found the loss attributable to Goerdt for the 15 counts he pleaded to was nearly $900,000. Furthermore, Goerdt knew he was being investigated by law enforcement and continued his pattern of deception by seeking employment that would allow him to commit additional fraud at Farm Bureau Financial Services.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG). This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – On April 19, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced D'Ante Decarl Dirks, age 26, of Kansas City, Missouri, to 132 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine, carrying a firearm in relation to drug trafficking and knowingly in possession of a firearm as a felon announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Dirks was ordered to serve four years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay $300 to the Crime Victims’ Fund. There is no parole in the federal system.

On July 7, 2020, the Iowa State Patrol conducted a traffic stop on a car driven by Dirks. As the Trooper attempted to issue a citation, Dirks sped off. In an effort to elude law enforcement, Dirks drove in excess of 100 mph, drove into oncoming traffic, and passed on the shoulder of the highway until he was forced into a ditch in rural Mills County. Dirks ran from the scene and threw a loaded handgun into a nearby cornfield.

A search of the car Dirks was driving located marijuana, synthetic marijuana, powder cocaine and cocaine base (crack cocaine). Further investigation revealed Dirks intended to sell the drugs found in the car. Dirks pleaded guilty on December 4, 2020, to the gun and drug charges.

This investigation was conducted by the Iowa State Patrol, Mills County Sheriff’s Office, and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – On April 19, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Jessica Joy Martinez, age 31, of Carroll, to 120 months in prison; Shaun Lee Walker, age 40, of Council Bluffs, to 135 months in prison; and Jonathan Samuel Dings, age 28, of Glidden, to 160 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Each defendant was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow their prison terms and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund. There is no parole in the federal system.

On January 10, 2020, Carroll County law enforcement served a search warrant on Dings’ residence in Glidden. While conducting the search, law enforcement learned Martinez and Walker planned to supply Dings – that day – with approximately a pound of methamphetamine they obtained from Omaha, Nebraska. Dings was to sell the methamphetamine in Carroll and Audubon Counties. Law enforcement attempted to intercept the load car containing the methamphetamine that was driven by Walker with Martinez as a passenger, in Audubon, which resulted in a pursuit occurring before Walker and Martinez were arrested.

This investigation was conducted by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Audubon County Sheriff’s Office, Audubon Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Agency. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Monday, April 19, 2021, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Detavion Marques Levi, age 24, of Davenport, to 52 months in prison for Felon in Possession of Firearm announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Levi was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

The investigation of Levi began in June 2020 when law enforcement officials executed a search warrant on a hotel room related to a stolen vehicle. Upon search of the room, officers located Levi, a previously convicted felon, another individual, marijuana, keys to the stolen car, and a loaded firearm. Levi initially denied possessing the firearm, but then claimed he briefly handled the gun before police arrived. Levi’s fingerprint was subsequently found on the loaded magazine of the firearm. Officers located additional evidence that Levi had been dealing marijuana and been in possession of other firearms. Levi was under federal supervision for a prior gun conviction at the time of this offense.

This matter was investigated by the Bettendorf Police Department, the Davenport Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DES MOINES, IA – On April 16, 2021, United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger sentenced Joseph Mikel Cerwick, age 33, of Urbandale, to 144 months in prison for Receipt of Child Pornography announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Cerwick was ordered to serve eight years of supervised release to follow his prison term, pay $9,000 in restitution, and comply with sex offender registry requirements upon his release from prison.

This investigation began in December of 2017 when the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation Task Force received a tip that a video of child pornography had been sent to an individual through the Kik internet application. Following further investigation, the FBI executed a search warrant at Cerwick’s Urbandale apartment in September 2018. Police seized Cerwick’s cellular telephone which was found to contain hundreds of images of child pornography. Cerwick also received and sent a video of child pornography to other persons via the Kik app in November 2017.

This matter was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the United States Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nationwide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children.

Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.

DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Thursday, April 15, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Geneva Kristine Hudson, age 28, of Iowa City, to 270 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, distribution of five grams and more of methamphetamine, and distribution of 50 grams and more of methamphetamine announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Hudson was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow her prison term as well as pay $300 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

The investigation of Hudson began in 2019 when she was identified as having supplied heroin to individuals in Coralville. Hudson conspired with Bryant Smith, Jeffrey Goins, and Heather Simmons in the Iowa City and Coralville areas to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and other drugs. Hudson was arrested in Coralville in February of 2020 and was convicted after a jury trial held in Davenport in October of 2020.

This matter was investigated by the Johnson County Drug Task Force and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Thursday, April 15, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Tykeese McCray, age 44, of Iowa City, to three months in prison for Health Care Fraud and False Statements announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. McCray was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow her prison term and pay restitution in the amount of $118,943.19 and $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

The investigation revealed as early as 2011, McCray fraudulently completed application paperwork for the Section 8 housing assistance program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). On the initial application, as well as the annual recertification forms filed every year, McCray purposefully did not list her husband as a household member, nor did she include his income for purposes of determining her eligibility. McCray also falsified benefit forms by indicating she was single when, in fact, she was married. In addition to defrauding HUD, McCray also falsified forms for food assistance benefits (aka SNAP), childcare assistance, and medical insurance through Medicaid. As a result of falsifying records, McCray agreed she received $54,032 in entitled housing assistance, $31,385 in unentitled food assistance, $31,835.73 in unentitled medical assistance, and $1,690.46 in unentitled medical assistance for a total loss amount of $118,943.19.

This matter was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General and the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – On April 19, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Destiny Marsh, age 21, of Council Bluffs, to 50 months in prison for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Marsh was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow her prison term and pay a $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund. There is no parole in the federal system.

On March 3, 2020, Marsh was found unresponsive in her motel room at the Deluxe Inn in Council Bluffs. The Council Buffs Fire Department was dispatched to the scene and upon arrival saw a large bag containing approximately 800 grams of methamphetamine and cash next to Marsh. She pleaded guilty to the offense on November 6, 2020.

This investigation was conducted by the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force and the Council Bluffs Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – On April 12, 2021, United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger sentenced Lindsay Hurst, age 35, of Council Bluffs, to 126 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Hurst was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow her prison term and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund. There is no parole in the federal system.

In January and February 2020, Hurst sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on three occasions - selling approximately 130.83 grams total of actual methamphetamine. Hurst pleaded guilty on November 20, 2020, to the methamphetamine charge.

This investigation was conducted by the Council Bluffs Police Department and Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa

DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Thursday, April 15, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Curtis Anthony Cousins, age 37, of Ainsworth, to 210 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Cousins was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

The investigation began in January of 2019 when law enforcement identified Cousins as a distributor of “ice” methamphetamine in the Washington County area. Following a search warrant at a residence Cousins was renting, officers found distribution quantities of ice methamphetamine, materials consistent with drug trafficking, two handguns, and drug proceeds. Cousins, as a convicted felon, is prohibited from legally possessing firearms.

This matter was investigated by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Thursday, April 15, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Jaterius Deshawn Davis, age 22, of Davenport, to 140 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Davis was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay $300 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

On July 17, 2019, Davis punched an officer in the face after the officer attempted to lawfully arrest him. Davis ran from officers but was quickly apprehended. In Davis’ pockets a loaded .380 caliber Ruger handgun with a defaced serial number, 15 grams of marijuana, and a digital scale with cocaine and marijuana residue were found. Officers also located five grams of crack cocaine concealed in his underwear. Immediately prior to his arrest, Davis was seen riding in a vehicle where officers had located a handgun and ammunition linked to a shooting six days earlier. Through his plea of guilty, Davis admitted knowingly possessing the handguns, ammunition, and narcotics.

Davis was previously convicted of Dominion/Control of a Firearm by a Felon. As a convicted felon, Davis knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms.

This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – On April 12, 2021, Jacob Benjamin Tuttle, Age 42, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm by District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger to 84 months in prison announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. In addition, Tuttle was ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release following his prison term and pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund. Tuttle pleaded guilty to the offense on August 11, 2020.

On November 26, 2019 Tuttle was driving a stolen car on a rural two-lane highway in Mills County, IA. when Tuttle saw a Sheriff’s patrol vehicle behind him. Tuttle accelerated to 100 mph before he crashed the car on the side of the road and ran from the scene. He was arrested a short time later.

On the front passenger seat of the stolen vehicle, officers found a Taurus .357 Magnum, S# LP70893, along with 12 grams of methamphetamine. Tuttle is a convicted felon and drug user, therefore, prohibited from possessing firearms.

The investigation was conducted by the Mills County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - On April 12, 2021, United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger sentenced David Robert Blake Vanderpool, age 35, of Council Bluffs, to 50 months in prison for the knowing possession of a short barrel shotgun that was not registered to him, announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Vanderpool was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund. There is no parole in the federal system.

On June 23, 2020, the Iowa State Patrol conducted a traffic stop on Vanderpool for speeding on Interstate 29. During the stop, troopers observed a sawed-off shotgun, found to be loaded, on the backseat of Vanderpool’s car. A check of the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record by law enforcement found the firearm was not registered to him. Vanderpool pleaded guilty on November 20, 2020, to the firearm charge.

This matter was investigated by the Iowa State Patrol and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DES MOINES, IA – On April 12, 2021, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Ryan Don Andrew Ford, age 49, of Centerville, to 324 months in prison for Production of Child Pornography and 240 months in prison for Receipt of Child Pornography announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. The prison sentences are to be served concurrently. Ford was ordered to serve ten years of supervised release to follow his prison term and comply with sex offender registry requirements upon release.

In 2018 and 2019, Ford sexually exploited children. In 2018, Ford secretly recorded three minors using hidden cameras Ford placed in his Centerville residence, including in the shower. Ford knowingly captured images of the minors that constituted child pornography, saved the images, and distributed some of the images to others. In addition, in 2018 and 2019, Ford downloaded images and videos of child pornography from the internet. Law enforcement executed a search warrant in June 2019 at Ford’s residence and located over 1,800 images and 27 videos of child pornography on his cell phone.

After the sentencing, FBI Omaha’s Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “Identifying, investigating, and arresting those who sexually exploit children will always be a priority for the FBI. We work with our state and federal partners to hold these criminals accountable. Ryan Ford’s 27-year sentence today sends a clear message – preying on innocent children will not be tolerated.”

“The sentence imposed today is the result of law enforcement cooperation at the local, state, and federal levels,” stated Acting United States Attorney Westphal. “If you victimize children you will be pursued and brought to justice.”

This case was investigated by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, and the Centerville Police Department. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the United States Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nationwide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children.

Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.

DES MOINES, IA – On Tuesday, March 30, 2021, United States District Court Senior Judge James E. Gritzner sentenced Jaime Morales Cisneros, age 27, of Corydon, to 126 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute five grams or more of actual methamphetamine announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. On the same date, Judge Gritzner sentenced Chad Andrew Moore, age 39, of Allerton, to 141 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine; and Seth Brian Miller, age 28, of Corydon, to four years of probation for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

The above individuals were the last participants to be sentenced of the defendants charged in this methamphetamine conspiracy. On March 10, 2021, Judge Gritzner sentenced Travis Wesley Boyce, age 47, of Humeston, to 97 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. On March 10, 2021, Judge Gritzner sentenced Ruben Rios-Sanchez, age 33, of Osceola, who was charged in a separate indictment, to 300 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Following each of the prison terms the defendants will serve several years of supervised release.

In 2017 and 2018, Osceola-resident Rios-Sanchez was supplying Morales with methamphetamine for re-distribution. Morales in turn supplied Moore, Boyce, and Miller with methamphetamine that they sold to customers in South Central Iowa. At times, Rios-Sanchez also directly supplied Moore, Boyce, and Miller with methamphetamine. The conspiracy involved drug transactions in several South-Central Iowa Counties, including Wayne, Clarke, and Lucas.

This case was investigated by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, South Central Iowa Drug Task Force, Osceola Police Department, Chariton Police Department, Centerville Police Department, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Des Moines Police Department, Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force, and the Wayne County Attorney’s Office. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa –On Wednesday March 30, 2021, federal search warrants were executed at Rashid Long Term Care Pharmacy and Rashid Pharmacy PLC, both in Fort Madison, Iowa. The searches at these locations were official law enforcement actions involving officers, agents, and investigators from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Iowa Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Fort Madison Police Department, and Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

This is an ongoing investigation and no other information will be released at this time.

DES MOINES, Iowa — On Wednesday, March 25, 2021, United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger sentenced Rachel Ann Danielson, age 42, of St. Paul, Minnesota, to 144 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine announced acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Following her prison term, Danielson was ordered to serve five years of supervised release, as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Assistance Fund. At the time Danielson committed the offense, she was serving a term of federal supervised release for a prior drug conviction in the District of North Dakota. Judge Ebinger sentenced Danielson to two years in prison for the violation of supervised release, to be served consecutively to her 144 month sentence.

Danielson was the last individual to be sentenced of the five defendants charged in the methamphetamine conspiracy. In November 2021, Judge Ebinger sentenced Michael Roy Marsh, age 43, of St. Paul, Minnesota, to 150 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Judge Ebinger also sentenced Jeremy Travis Beason, age 28, to 240 months of prison, and Tiffany Carol Wagner, age 26, to 96 months of prison, for the same offense. Both Beason and Wagner are from Marshalltown. Following their prison terms, Marsh and Beason were ordered to serve five years of supervised release and Wagner was ordered to serve three years of supervised release. Marsh, Beason, Wagner were also ordered to pay $100 each to the Crime Victims’ Assistance Fund.

In November 2021, Judge Ebinger sentenced Marco Antonio Hernandez Lopez, age 35, of Kansas City, Missouri, who was charged in a separate indictment, to 198 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Following his prison term, Hernandez Lopez was ordered to surrender to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings. Hernandez Lopez was ordered to serve five years of supervised release, as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Assistance Fund.

The 2019 investigation of this drug conspiracy revealed Hernandez Lopez was supplying Marsh and Danielson with kilogram quantities of methamphetamine for distribution. Hernandez Lopez was receiving this methamphetamine from Mexico. Marsh and Danielson drove to Kansas City to obtain methamphetamine from Hernandez Lopez. Marsh and Danielson met Beason and Wagner on multiple occasions in Iowa to deliver kilogram quantities of methamphetamine. Beason and Wagner distributed the methamphetamine in Marshalltown and elsewhere. In total, Hernandez Lopez is responsible for the distribution of 45 kilograms of methamphetamine.

This matter was investigated by the Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Thursday, March 18, 2021, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Michael Christopher Lewis, age 33, of Rock Island, Illinois, to 248 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Lewis was ordered to serve four years of supervised release and to pay $300 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

The investigation began in 2019 when law enforcement attempted to arrest Lewis - who had an active warrant for his arrest. Lewis fled and ran into a utility pole, knocking himself unconscious. Law enforcement arrested Lewis and found a loaded black handgun and $617.00 of drug proceeds in his possession. Lewis’s vehicle was searched and methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, morphine and fentanyl, and pills, as well as a loaded handgun were found. As a prior convicted felon, Lewis knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms.

This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Thursday, March 25, 2021 United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Aquinas Lenell Jackson, Sr., age 60, of Coralville, to 70 months in prison for Bank Robbery announced Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal. Following his prison term, Jackson, Sr. was ordered to serve three years of supervised release as well as pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

On March 4, 2020, Aquinas Lenell Jackson, Sr., entered the US Bank, located on 10th Avenue in Coralville, and, through threats and intimidation, took $4,300 from a bank teller. The bank’s deposits were insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation at the time of the offense.

This matter was investigated by the Coralville Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.