Southern District of Iowa

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on Monday, July 13, 2020, Brent Rawson, age 55, of Council Bluffs, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 188 months in prison for receipt of child pornography. Rawson was ordered to serve eight years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

The charges were the result of an investigation initiated from two internet service providers who submitted tips to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that a user of their service uploaded suspected images of child pornography. An investigation of this information led law enforcement to execute a search warrant at Rawson’s Council Bluffs residence. Law enforcement located a laptop, cell phone, and two hard drives, which were taken as evidence and analyzed. The forensic analysis revealed Rawson possessed and received numerous images and videos of child pornography.

This investigation was conducted by the Douglas County Sheriff Office and the Omaha Federal Bureau of Investigations Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on Thursday, July 16, 2020, Matthew Carson, age 37, of Council Bluffs, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to a total of 10 years in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Carrying a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime. He was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

The charges stemmed from two traffic stops of Carson by Council Bluffs Police Officers. On August 8, 2019, Carson drove without a valid driver’s license and was found in possession of 24 grams of methamphetamine. On September 25, 2019, Carson was found in possession of 20 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm.

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

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA -- United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, Michael Sutton, age 47, of Council Bluffs, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger to 147 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Sutton was ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

The charge was the result of an investigation involving Sutton distributing a large quantity of methamphetamine in the Council Bluffs area. Local law enforcement executed a search warrant at Sutton’s residence in Council Bluffs where 724 grams of methamphetamine was found.

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

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA -- United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, Larry Schneckloth, age 47, of Council Bluffs, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger to 110 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl. Schneckloth was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

The charge was the result of an investigation regarding Scheckloth distributing controlled substances in the Council Bluffs area. Schneckloth sold fentanyl pills on two occasions in Sarpy County, Nebraska, and he was also linked to fentanyl pills located during an investigation at a hotel in Omaha, Nebraska. Law enforcement, through their investigation, attributed over 3000 fentanyl pills to Schneckloth. On December 7, 2019, Council Bluffs Police officers were dispatched to a motel in Council Bluffs where Schneckloth was arrested for a warrant and was found in possession of 95 grams of methamphetamine.

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

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on July 16, 2020, James William Chvala, age 56, of California, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to 60 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The sentencing was the result of a traffic stop on June 26, 2019, in Council Bluffs by the Council Bluffs Police Department. An investigation revealed Chvala had approximately one pound of methamphetamine hidden in his vehicle and had obtained the methamphetamine from a source in California and was transporting it for distribution in Illinois. It was learned that Chvala had made multiple trips from California to deliver methamphetamine in Illinois. Chvala pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on January 24, 2020.

The 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.

Des Moines, Iowa—On July 10, 2020, Vance Allan Misel, age 31, of Des Moines, appeared before United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger and was sentenced to nine years in prison for possession of child pornography with eight years of supervised release to follow his prison term. Misel pleaded guilty to the offense on April 13, 2020. Misel was also ordered by the Court to pay $1,000 restitution and a $100 special assessment.

Misel was found to have possessed more than 150 images of child pornography and to have obstructed justice by deleting images of child pornography upon learning of a search warrant being executed at his residence. During the investigation, law enforcement located on-line postings of Misel, in which, Misel expressed a desire to engage in sexual abuse of minor females and to exchange child pornography, among other things.

This matter was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations with assistance of the United States Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on July 8, 2020, two individuals were sentenced to prison by United States District Court Senior Judge James E. Gritzner for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. Erik M. Barber and Lacey Jo Smalley were sentenced to prison for 18 years and 16 years, respectively. Previously, the Court sentenced the leader of the conspiracy, Jason Paul Rodriguez, to 30 years in prison on March 12, 2020.

Rodriguez organized and led the large-scale drug trafficking operation from 2016 until his arrest in April 2019. Rodriguez and his co-conspirators distributed more than 220 pounds of methamphetamine in Omaha and Western Iowa. Barber, age 43, of Council Bluffs, was a major distributor of methamphetamine for Rodriguez. Smalley, age 36, of Clarinda, was also one of Rodriguez’s primary distributors.

The sentencings were the result of a lengthy investigation by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement originating in Page County regarding distribution of methamphetamine delivered from Council Bluffs, Iowa. The investigation revealed that Rodriguez, Barber, Smalley, and others were distributing large amounts of methamphetamine in numerous locations throughout Southwest Iowa and Omaha.

This matter was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, Council Bluffs Police Department, Clarinda Police Department, Page County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on July 8, 2020, Robert Matthew Justice, age 41, of Glenwood, was sentenced to 156 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release and his co-defendant, Stacey Madonna Morrison, age 44, of Council Bluffs was sentenced to 61 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release by United States District Court Senior Judge James Gritzner for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

The sentencing was the result of an investigation by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force into methamphetamine trafficking in Western Iowa and the Omaha Metro Area. The investigation revealed that methamphetamine was being brought into Western Iowa by Justice, who then provided it to Morrison and others for distribution in Pottawattamie, Mills, and Fremont Counties.

In March of 2020, Justice and Morrison entered guilty pleas to Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by the Mills County Sheriff’s Office, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on July 13, 2020, Ryan Nicholas Schwery, age 43, of Shelby County, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 78 months in prison, to be followed by six years of supervised release for distributing methamphetamine.

The sentencing was the result of an investigation by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement into the distribution of methamphetamine in Harlan, Iowa. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, using a confidential source, made three separate purchases of methamphetamine from Schwery before serving a search warrant on his living quarters at the Harlan Inn and Suites. During the search, officers located approximately 144 grams of pure methamphetamine, along with drug distribution paraphernalia, and over $1,000 in cash from the sale of methamphetamine. On February 21, 2020, Schwery entered a guilty plea to Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute.

This matter was investigated by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on July 8, 2020, Brandon Michael Barringer, age 36, of Audubon, was sentenced to two years in prison followed by two years of supervised release by United States District Court Senior Judge James E. Gritzner for being a drug user in possession of a firearm. Barringer pleaded guilty to the offense on March 6, 2020.

The sentencing was the result of an incident in Audubon on November 15, 2019. Barringer removed a .40 caliber rifle from his car and threatened an individual with the rifle after a domestic disturbance. Barringer then left Audubon and was located by law enforcement in Carroll County, where the rifle was recovered along with ammunition. Barringer is a long time user of methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by the Audubon Police Department, Audubon County Sheriff’s Office, Carroll Police Department, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Tax Payment and Filing Deadline July 15, 2020

DES MOINES, Iowa – United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum and Acting Special Agent in Charge Adam Steiner, IRS Criminal Investigation, St. Louis Field Office, are reminding taxpayers that the tax filing and payment deadline is July 15, 2020, and to continue to be on the lookout for scam artists.

USA Krickbaum and Steiner made the announcement today to urge people to owe taxes, even if they have a filing extension, to carefully review their situation and pay what they can by July 15 to avoid penalties and interest. Due to COVID-19, the original filing date and tax payment due date for 2019 was postponed from April 15 to July 15. For people facing hardships, including those affected by COVID-19, who cannot pay in full, the IRS has several options available on IRS.gov/payments.

“Taxpayers who are unable to pay their taxes in full should act as quickly as possible since interest and penalties can quickly accumulate when more time passes,” warned Steiner. “You must pay the taxes you owe by July 15.”

In addition, USA Krickbaum and Steiner remind taxpayers that scammers are hard at work looking for ways to steal your personal information and money. Stay alert to these scams. The IRS will not contact you by phone, email, or social media to ask for personal information. This is a scam.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office and IRS Criminal Investigation will investigate and prosecute criminals who use taxpayer’s personal information to commit crimes,” stated USA Krickbaum. “Individuals who perpetrate tax scams and prey on the most vulnerable of taxpayers will be held responsible.”

For official information, go directly and solely to IRS.gov.

DAVENPORT, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on June 29, 2020, Johnathan Keith Sneed, age 34, of Burlington, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey for a felon in possession of a firearm charge. Sneed was sentenced to 80 months in prison to be followed by a term of supervised release of three years. Sneed was ordered to pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

Sneed pleaded guilty on February 18, 2020, and admitted on September 13, 2018, he possessed a loaded .380 caliber Hi-Point pistol. Prior to possessing the weapon, Sneed had been convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing a gun.

This case is part of Project Guardian and Project Safe Neighborhoods, programs bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. This case was investigated by the Burlington, Iowa, 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.

The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit alleging that the owner and manager of rental properties in Davenport, Iowa violated the Fair Housing Act by subjecting a female tenant to sexual harassment and retaliation.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, alleges that Juan Goitia, the manager of multiple residential rental units in Davenport, sexually harassed a female tenant from March 2018 until August 2018. According to the complaint, Goitia made repeated and unwelcome sexual comments, touched the tenant’s body without her consent on multiple occasions, and retaliated against the tenant for filing a fair housing complaint. The United States also named 908 Bridge Cooperative, the corporate owner of the rental property where the harassment occurred, as a defendant in the lawsuit.

“No woman should have to endure sexual harassment to keep her home,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Fair Housing Act protects tenants from sexual harassment and retaliation by their landlords, and the Justice Department will vigorously pursue those who engage in such reprehensible and illegal conduct.”

“Women have a hard enough time finding a decent affordable place to live without having to be subjected to unwanted sexual advances,” said Assistant Secretary Anna Maria Farias of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Office. “HUD applauds the action the Justice Department is taking in this matter and remains committed to working together to protect the housing rights of women when those rights are violated.”

The lawsuit arose from a complaint about Goitia’s conduct that the former tenant filed with the Davenport Commission on Civil Rights (DCRC) and HUD. After DCRC and HUD investigated the complaints, HUD issued a charge of discrimination and the matter was referred to the Department of Justice.

Today’s lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victim and a court order barring future discrimination. The complaint contains allegations of unlawful conduct; the allegations must be proven in court.

The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is an effort to combat sexual harassment in housing led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. The Attorney General recently reaffirmed this commitment by directing the Department of Justice to deploy all available enforcement tools against anyone who tries to capitalize on the COVID-19 crisis by sexually harassing people in need of housing. The goal of the initiative is to address sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers, or other people who have control over housing. As part of the initiative, the Justice Department developed a public service announcement and formed a joint task force with HUD to combat sexual harassment in housing. Since launching the Initiative in October 2017, the Department of Justice has filed 16 lawsuits alleging  sexual harassment in housing.

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt.

Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or managed by Juan Goitia or 908 Bridge Cooperative, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, can contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line, at 1-800-896-7743, and select option number 91 to leave a message.

Individuals can also report sexual harassment and other forms of housing discrimination by visiting civilrights.justice.gov.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Twelve people, all of whom are felons, are facing 28 criminal charges as part of federal drug and gun investigations announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. A Federal Grand Jury filed eleven Indictments and one Superseding Indictment earlier this month in United States District Court in Davenport, Iowa.

The investigations occurred in Scott and Des Moines Counties. 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. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

In addition to the above, 21 additional individuals have been federally charged with gun crimes out of the Davenport Divisional Office since January 1, 2020. During the same time period, 15 individuals have been sentenced for gun-related crimes, resulting in sentences up to 240 months of imprisonment, with the average imprisonment sentence being 101 months or roughly 8.5 years.
There is no parole in the federal system.

“Prosecuting violent crime—especially gun crime—in places like Davenport and Burlington is our office’s top priority,” said United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. “Our message is very simple. Put down the gun, or we will ask a judge to put you in federal prison.”

These cases are part of Project Guardian (PG) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), programs bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The cases were investigated by the Davenport Police Department, Burlington Police Department, Bettendorf Police Department, and the Scott County Sheriff’s Office. The cases are being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Several defendants have been arrested and are outlined below. The other cases remain sealed pending arrest.

DEFENDANT

Alexander Jamica Hubbard

Case Number 3:20-cr-48

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(D) - Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody

Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody

Title 18, U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A) – Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime Maximum Penalty is life in custody; 25 year mandatory minimum (enhanced due to prior conviction)

DEFENDANT

Jermaine Allen Ford

Case Number 3:20-cr-22

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody

Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(j) – Possession of a Stolen Firearm Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody

Title 21, U.S.C. § 844(a) – Possession of a Controlled Substance Maximum Penalty is 1 year in custody

Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) – Distribution of a Controlled Substance Maximum Penalty is 20 years in custody

DEFENDANT

Adam Brent Branton

Case Number 3:20-cr-53

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A) –Distribution of a Controlled Substance Maximum Penalty is life in custody; 10 year mandatory minimum

Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody

Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody

DEFENDANT

David Christopher Westby

Case Number 3:20-cr-59

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Title 18, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) – Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance Maximum Penalty is 20 years in custody

Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody

Title 18, U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A) – Possess a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime Maximum Penalty is life in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum

DEFENDANT

Vernon Lee Bellamy

Case Number 3:20-cr-60

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) – Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance Maximum Penalty is 20 years in custody

Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody

DEFENDANT

Darius Antwone Sims

Case Number 3:20-cr-61

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Title 18, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A) – Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance Maximum Penalty is life in custody; 10 year mandatory minimum

Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody

DEFENDANT

Nihjl Shaquielle Rahmhad Hoover

Case Number 3:20-cr-68

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on June 15, 2020, Tevonta Reair Tiller, age 23, of Omaha, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge Robert W. Pratt for Attempted Armed Bank Robbery. Tiller was sentenced to 94 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.

On the morning of January 25, 2019, two individuals, with their faces partially covered, entered the outer doors of the Cobalt Credit Union in Council Bluffs. A man carried a pistol and Tevonta Tiller carried a large bag. After opening the doors of the Credit Union, they could not get inside the lobby because the inner doors of the vestibule were locked. Tiller and his accomplice then left the scene and returned to their stolen vehicle. They drove across the street from the Credit Union, abandoned the vehicle, and disappeared. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and found evidence that identified Tiller, a known member of the Bloods gang in Omaha.

This case was investigated by the Council Bluffs Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Papillion Police Department, La Vista Police Department K-9 Unit, and the Great Plains Violent Crimes Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

The Justice Department today announced that it reached a settlement agreement with the Iowa City Community School District (School District), Iowa, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  The agreement resolves a complaint filed by parents of children with disabilities alleging that playgrounds in the school district are not accessible to children who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices.  Based on the complaint, the Justice Department surveyed playgrounds at twelve school district elementary schools and identified elements of those playgrounds that did not meet the applicable ADA Standards for Accessible Design. 

Under the agreement, the school district will ensure that its playgrounds comply with Title II of the ADA and the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.  The school district will remedy violations related to play components; play area amenities, such as benches and picnic tables; accessible routes to play areas; and routes connecting play components.  

“Nearly thirty years after passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, no child with a disability should be prevented from accessing a playground because it has been constructed in violation of the ADA,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division.  “This settlement agreement will ensure that children with disabilities can access their school’s playground and play alongside their classmates.  We commend the Iowa City Community School District for its ongoing cooperation with this matter, as well as the significant steps it has already taken to ensure that its playgrounds are accessible.”

2020 marks the ADA’s 30th anniversary.  The Justice Department continues to advance the nation's goal of equal opportunity, integration, full participation, inclusion, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities.  Through its enforcement and technical assistance tools, the Justice Department strives to eliminate unlawful discrimination against individuals with disabilities. 

To read the settlement agreement, please click http://www.ada.gov/iccsd_sa.html.  For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt.  For more information about the ADA, please call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov.

DES MOINES, Iowa – On May 7, 2020, the twelfth defendant was sentenced in the federal prosecution of fourteen defendants charged with drug trafficking, firearms offenses, money laundering, and lying to a federal grand jury stemming from the investigation of a multi-state, armed drug trafficking and money laundering ring announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.

The drug trafficking organization was led by Robert William Lampe and Mason Leroy Snyder, who operated their drug distribution business out of various residences in the Des Moines area. Lampe and Snyder obtained marijuana primarily from Tan Fong Vang, who resided in the Minneapolis area. Vang and his parents, Charley Vang and Sindy Xiong, utilized multiple residences in Minneapolis to store and distribute thousands of pounds of marijuana. Lampe, Snyder, and their co-conspirators traveled to Minnesota to acquire the marijuana and distributed it in the Des Moines area.

Lampe and Snyder also organized the acquisition of cocaine from various sources, including Kasey Lee Cassady and Peter Gerald Blaha, before selling the cocaine to customers in the Des Moines area. Alyssa Jean Karnowski, Brett Allan Corrigan Jr., Robert Joseph Lampe Jr., Austin Eugene Brommel, and David Joseph Daughenbaugh all assisted Lampe and Snyder with their operation, including purchasing and/or distributing marijuana and/or cocaine from and on behalf of Lampe and Snyder.

Lampe and Snyder used their drug proceeds to purchase various items, including vehicles and a residence located in Des Moines. The residence was purchased from Douglas Scott Bruns, who knowingly accepted $100,000 in drug proceeds for a down payment on the residence. Bruns’s son, Ian Michael Bruns, later provided false testimony to a federal grand jury regarding the circumstances surrounding that transaction. Both men were charged and pleaded guilty to offenses involving this conduct.

The investigation culminated in federal search warrants being executed at five locations in the Des Moines metro area on August 9, 2018. On November 20, 2018, an additional search warrant was executed at one of Vang’s residences in Minnesota. During the execution of that warrant, Vang and his parents were discovered with boxes containing approximately 294 pounds of marijuana, as well as a loaded handgun.

In total, the organization was responsible for the distribution of over 100 kilograms of marijuana and over 500 grams of cocaine in the Southern District of Iowa between April 2018 and January 2019. The organization also possessed multiple firearms throughout its operation. Over $140,000 in drug proceeds were seized as a result of the investigation, as well as multiple vehicles and two residences. All defendants charged pleaded guilty or were found guilty after proceeding to a jury trial, and twelve of the fourteen defendants have been sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger.

• Tan Fong Vang, age 29, of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of 170 months.

• Mason Leroy Snyder, age 20, of Waukee, sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of 120 months.

• Robert William Lampe, age 23, of Des Moines, sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of 73 months.

• Robert Joseph Lampe Jr., age 56, of Des Moines, sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of 70 months.

• Brett Allan Corrigan Jr., age 25, of Des Moines, sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of 60 months.

• Austin Eugene Brommel, age 22, of Pleasant Hill, sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of 60 months.

• Alyssa Jean Karnowski, age 21, of Des Moines, sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of 46 months.

• David Joseph Daughenbaugh, age 21, of Des Moines, sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of 37 months.

• Charley Vang, age 50, of Hayfork, California, sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of 30 months.

• Sindy Xiong, age 47, of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of 21 months.

• Douglas Scott Bruns, age 51, of Ankeny, sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of 15 months.

• Ian Michael Bruns, age 22, of Des Moines, sentenced to a four-year term of probation.

• Kasey Lee Cassady, age 22, of Adel, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 16, 2020.

• Peter Gerald Blaha, age 42, of Winterset, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 10, 2020.

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

DES MOINES, IA – On May 7, 2020, United States District Senior Judge James E. Gritzner sentenced Tofyk Ali Oro, age 32, a former resident of Texas, to 30 months in prison for Access Device Fraud Conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. On December 12, 2019, Senior Judge Gritzner sentenced Ali Oro’s co-defendants Jose Antonio Hernandez and Luis S. Boffill Figueredo, also former residents of Texas, for the same charge. Hernandez was sentenced to 30 months in prison and Boffill to six months in prison. Each defendant was ordered to serve multiple years of supervised release to follow the prison terms and pay restitution.

On or about October 28, 2017, Ali Oro and Hernandez traveled from Texas to the Des Moines area and agreed to fraudulently purchase store gift cards and other items from various retailers using credit/debit card account numbers they knew were stolen. Specifically, they unlawfully obtained account numbers that belonged to customers of Community State Bank and then encoded the stolen numbers on the magnetic strips of other plastic cards. From October 28 through November 3, 2017, they used the fraudulent “encoded” cards to complete $28,839.18 in sales transactions. On December 19, 2017, Ali Oro and Hernandez again traveled from Texas to Des Moines. This time they were joined by Boffill. The group then encoded stolen account numbers belonging to customers of Bankers Trust on the magnetic strips of other plastic cards. From December 19 through December 23, 2017, they used these fraudulent cards to complete $41,826 in sales transactions in the Des Moines area.

All three defendants were ordered to jointly and severally pay $41,826 in restitution to Bankers Trust. Ali Oro and Hernandez were also ordered to jointly and severally pay $28,839.18 in restitution to Community State Bank. Both banks covered the fraudulent charges made on their customers’ accounts.

This case was investigated by the Des Moines Police Department with computer analysis assistance by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on May 6, 2020, Patrick Spagnotti, age 50, of Omaha, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for bank robbery. Spagnotti was sentenced to 36 months in prison to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release.

On April 5, 2019, Spagnotti handed a note to a teller at a US Bank in Council Bluffs that demanded money and the teller gave Spagnotti $4,335 in cash. Once Spagnotti left the bank, law enforcement attempted to stop and pull him over, but Spagnotti accelerated to speeds in excess of 100 mph. Law enforcement eventually executed a controlled stop of the vehicle and arrested Spagnotti. The cash was recovered by law enforcement.

This matter was investigated by the Council Bluffs Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Great Plains Violent Crimes Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on May 6, 2020, David Walling, Jr., age 37, of Council Bluffs, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Walling was sentenced to 134 months in prison to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release.

On July 13, 2019, law enforcement attempted to stop Walling, who was operating a motorcycle, in a parking garage in Council Bluffs. Walling failed to stop for police and took off at a high rate of speed. Walling was stopped before he could exit the parking garage. At the time of Walling’s arrest, he was found in possession of 43.34 grams of actual methamphetamine. This matter was investigated by the Council Bluffs Police Department and the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force.

The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DES MOINES, IA – On April 30, 2020, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Bruce Arthur Hauptman, age 67, formerly of Fairfield, to 42 months in prison for three counts of wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. The prison sentence for the three counts of wire fraud will run concurrently. Hauptman was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay restitution to all victims in an amount of $2,158,000.

Hauptman pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud on November 21, 2019. According to court documents, Hauptman was a former registered securities agent in Iowa and convinced multiple victims in Iowa, Wyoming, and elsewhere to invest in numerous business entities Hauptman created. Hauptman promised the victims the repayment of their capital investment with interest, along with an opportunity to make a greater return on the investment. During the course of the investment period, victims received occasional payments of a portion of the interest due, but when victims attempted to get their money back, Hauptman ignored their requests, or lied to the victims as to the status of their investments. An investigation revealed that Hauptman used a substantial portion of the funds received by the victims for his own personal use, without the victims’ knowledge, to include his mortgage payments, rent payments, and credit card payments, among other personal expenses.

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

DES MOINES, Iowa – The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), St. Louis Field Office, are warning taxpayers to be on the lookout for scam artists trying to use the COVID-19 economic impact payments as cover for schemes to steal personal information and money.

United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum and Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), St. Louis Field Office, made the announcement today in an effort to prevent taxpayers from falling victim to criminals using the recently approved economic impact payments as an opportunity to commit a crime.

Automatic COVID-19 economic impact payments started being deposited into taxpayers’ accounts on April 11. For most Americans, this will be a direct deposit into your bank account. For the unbanked, retirees or other groups who have traditionally received tax refunds via paper check, they will receive their economic impact payment in this manner as well. Scammers may try to get you to sign over your check to them or use this as an opportunity to get you to “verify” your filing information in order to receive your money, and then use your personal information at a later date to file false tax returns in an identity theft scheme. Because of this, everyone receiving a COVID-19 related economic impact payment from the government is at risk.

Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI St. Louis Field Office warned “The existence of a deadly national pandemic will not stop criminals seeking to capitalize on the fears and difficulties faced by the public as they try to line their own pockets by stealing your money or your personal information.”

“Today, we need to be just as careful about our financial information as we are about our health,” stated U.S. Attorney Krickbaum. “Don’t give out your financial or personal information—or your money – over the phone, or in response to emails or texts. And look out for your elderly neighbors, friends, and relatives to help prevent them from falling victim to scammers.”

Special Agent in Charge Stiften offers the following information and tips to spot a scam and understand how the COVID-19 related economic impact payments will be issued.

• The IRS will deposit your check into the direct deposit account you previously provided on your tax return (or, in the alternative, send you a paper check).

• The IRS will not call and ask you to verify your payment details. Do not give out your bank account or any other account information - even if someone claims it's necessary to get your check. It's a scam.

• If you receive a call, don't engage with scammers or thieves, even if you want to tell them that you know it's a scam, or you think that you can beat them. Just hang up.

• If you receive texts or emails claiming that you can get your money faster by sending personal information or clicking on links, delete them. Don't click on any links in those emails or texts.

• Reports are also swirling about bogus checks. If you receive a check that requires that you verify the check online or by calling a number, it’s a fraud.

In these uncertain and trying times, we need to stand together united with purpose. Don’t become a victim by allowing criminals to exploit your emotions. Stay strong, tell your family, friends and neighbors about these scams.

"IRS Criminal Investigation alongside the U.S. Department of Justice are prioritizing these types of investigations to help protect taxpayers and the tax system, especially those looking to prey on vulnerable taxpayers,” said Special Agent in Charge Stiften. “Remember, go directly and solely to IRS.gov for official information.”

For more information, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/coronavirus. You can always report scams to the IRS on the website at https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishing

DES MOINES, Iowa – United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum of the Southern District of Iowa today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address disaster@leo.gov.

In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes. The NCDF Hotline can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.

In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office has appointed a coronavirus coordinator, and we are working with Attorney General Tom Miller, County Attorneys such as John Sarcone, and others across Iowa to identify cases of fraud and abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Krickbaum. “If anyone uses this crisis to exploit others and line their own pockets, we will hold them accountable.”

Some examples of these schemes include:

• Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.

• Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.

• Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.

• Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on March 12, 2020, Jason Paul Rodriguez, a/k/a “Chico,” age 40, of Council Bluffs, was sentenced to 30 years in prison by United States District Court Senior Judge James E. Gritzner for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The prison terms for each conviction will be served concurrently. Rodriguez will serve 10 years of supervised release after his prison term.

Rodriguez organized and led a large-scale drug trafficking operation from 2016 until his arrest in April 2019. Rodriguez and his co-conspirators distributed more than 220 pounds of methamphetamine. Co-defendants Lacey Jo Smalley and Erik M. Barber have pleaded guilty and will be sentenced at a later date. The conspiracy involved dozens of others and the investigation is ongoing.

Rodriguez was arrested on April 30, 2019, following a traffic stop. A drug dog alerted law enforcement to the presence of approximately eleven pounds of methamphetamine in the vehicle. $14,933.55 in cash was also seized.

This matter was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, South West Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, Council Bluffs Police Department, Clarinda Police Department, Audubon Police Department, Omaha Police Department, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Page County Sheriff’s Office, Audubon County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Division of Intelligence, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on March 12, 2020, Jordan James Collier, age 31, of Council Bluffs, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James E. Gritzner for Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm. Collier was sentenced to 84 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.

The sentencing was the result of an investigation which began with a call from the American Inn in Council Bluffs regarding a firearm located in a patron’s room. Upon arrival, officers entered the room and located a black and silver, .32 caliber revolver on the bed along with drugs and drug paraphernalia. The defendant was contacted as he returned to the hotel room and it was determined he had previously been convicted and sentenced in the Southern District of Iowa for the crime of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, making his possession of firearms or ammunition illegal.

This matter was investigated 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.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on March 5, 2020, Gregory Herbert Markham, age 52, of Carter Lake, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger after pleading guilty to Transportation with Intent to Engage in Sexual Activity, Distribution of Marijuana and Cocaine to a Person Under the Age of Twenty-One, and Distribution of Child Pornography. Markham was sentenced to 151 months in prison for the transportation and child pornography charge and 120 months in prison for the drug charge; all sentences are to run concurrently. Markham’s term of imprisonment is to be followed by supervised release for seven years. Markham was ordered to pay $1,500 in restitution.

This investigation began in March 2019, when a Douglas County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Department Deputy encountered a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of the Travel Inn. The driver was subsequently arrested and the two females involved in this matter were left at the motel. One of the females contacted the Defendant Markham for a ride. Markham picked up the two females, ages seventeen and eighteen from the Omaha motel and drove them to his home. Markham had previously transported one of the females from Omaha across the state line to his home for prostitution. Markham allowed the females to stay at his home and set up prostitution dates for sex. He also provided them with cocaine and marijuana. Markham took pictures of the seventeen year old on his cell phone and distributed the child pornography to a friend.

This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, Omaha FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, Carter Lake Police Department, Council Bluffs Police Department, and Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DES MOINES, IA – On March 9, 2020, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Paul Morales Castillo, age 25, of West Des Moines, to 216 months in prison for Transportation of Child Pornography, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Morales Castillo was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow his prison term, pay $3,000 in restitution, and comply with sex offender registry requirements upon release.

The investigation began in August 2018 when West Des Moines Police received an investigative lead from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that a video of child pornography had been uploaded on Morales Castillo’s Facebook account. Following further investigation, West Des Moines Police executed a search warrant at Morales Castillo’s apartment in August 2018. Police seized Morales Castillo’s iPhone which contained hundreds of videos and images of child pornography. The investigation showed that Morales Castillo sent and received videos of child pornography to other persons via the WhatsApp messaging platform during July and August 2018.

This case was investigated by the West Des Moines Police Department, Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on March 5, 2020, Aaron M. Volkmar, age 46, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for a felony Lacey Act Violation. The Court imposed a sentence of two years probation and a $5,000 fine. Volkmar was ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution and a $100 Special Assessment to the Crime Victims' Fund.

Volkmar is the owner and operator of Tails of the Hunt LLC., which provided guided hunts in southwest Iowa, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Volkmar provided a guided deer hunt to undercover agents in December 2013. While providing these guided hunt services, Volkmar violated Iowa state law by illegally tagging a deer and assisting with transportation of the deer across state lines.

This matter was investigated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Services and Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on March 4, 2020, Ellis Dale Robinson, age 34, of Council Bluffs, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for Possession of Child Pornography. Robinson was sentenced to 121 months in prison to be followed by a term of supervised release of seven years.

In September 2017, a Douglas County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Deputy was working undercover with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigating users sharing child pornography on a peer-to-peer file sharing network. Based on information derived from the investigation, a search warrant was executed on Robinson’s residence and a laptop computer was seized. The forensic exam produced numerous links to the peer-to-peer file sharing networks, videos and photos of child erotica, and child pornography.

This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, Omaha FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation - Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on March 4, 2020, Shawn Morgal, age 55, of Council Bluffs, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm. Morgal was sentenced to 27 months in prison to be followed by a term of supervised release of three years.

On May 21, 2018, the Council Bluffs Police Department received a report of a theft from a local gun store. Morgal admitted to stealing a pistol from the gun store and later trading it in exchange for controlled substances.

This case was investigated by the Council Bluffs 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.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on March 4, 2020, Dalton Lee Dukes, age 30, of Council Bluffs, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Carrying a Firearm in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Duke was sentenced to 151 months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine, to be followed by an additional 60 months for carrying a firearm in relation to drug trafficking. Dukes will serve five years of supervised release after his prison term.

The sentencing was the result of an investigation originating in Cass County regarding the distribution of methamphetamine delivered from Omaha, Nebraska. The investigation revealed that Dukes was distributing methamphetamine in numerous locations throughout Southwest Iowa. After a confidential informant purchased methamphetamine from Dukes, he was arrested on February 15, 2019. At the time of his arrest, Dukes was found with money from drug sales and a loaded 9mm Taurus handgun.

Prior to being sentenced in this case, Dukes was charged with First Degree Murder in Douglas County, Nebraska and he is awaiting transfer to answer those charges.

This matter was investigated by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Omaha Police Department, and Iowa Division of Narcotics Investigation. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – On February 28, 2020, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Jason Eric Leinen, age 46, of Council Bluffs, to 97 months in prison for possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Leinen was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow his prison term, pay $500 in restitution to each victim seeking restitution, and to comply with sex offender registry requirements upon release.

The investigation began in April 2018, when a Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Department Deputy was working undercover investigating users sharing child pornography on a peer-to-peer file sharing network. The program identified an IP address sharing known images and videos of child pornography. A search warrant was executed on Leinen’s residence and a desktop drive and PC were seized. The forensic exam produced numerous links to the peer-to-peer file sharing networks, child erotica, and child pornography.

This matter was investigated by the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Department and the Council Bluffs Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, IA – On Wednesday, February 26, 2020, Zacharia Allen Clark, age 30, of Davenport, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to more than 16 years in prison (200 months) after pleading guilty to being a Felon in Possession of Ammunition, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Clark was ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release to follow his release from prison and to pay a $100 special assessment payable to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

Clark pleaded guilty to the charge on October 1, 2019. On September 23, 2018, Davenport Police Officers responded to a nightclub in reference to shots fired. Subsequent investigation revealed that Clark pulled a pistol from his waistband and fired shots at another individual, who was only a few feet away, during a dispute in the parking lot. A nightclub employee was also present and near the shots fired. That same morning, Clark was arrested after officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Clark, a Lowrider Street gang member, was a passenger, along with three other known Lowrider Street gang members. When Clark was booked into the Scott County Jail a round of ammunition was located in his pocket. Clark is prohibited under federal law from possessing ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions.

At sentencing, the Court found that Clark was an Armed Career Criminal, meaning he had at least three prior convictions of violent felonies as defined by 18 U.S.C. § 924(e). This designation subjected Clark to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

“Zacharia Clark was caught with a single bullet, but because of his numerous acts of violence and long criminal record, he will serve more than sixteen years in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Krickbaum. Krickbaum continued, “Gang members in the Quad Cities need to pay attention. If we catch you with a gun or ammunition on the street, we will send you to federal prison.”

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

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on February 24, 2020, Jacob Allen Washburn, age 29, of Council Bluffs, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for Prohibited Person in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition. Washburn was sentenced to 48 months in prison to be followed by a term of supervised release of three years.

On July 3, 2019, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint that the Defendant was sitting in a vehicle parked in a homeowner’s driveway. When law enforcement responded, Washburn produced a valid Iowa Driver’s License and identified himself, however, he did not have any registration or ownership paperwork for the vehicle. The Defendant appeared to be disoriented and did not know where he was when questioned. While investigating, deputies saw a digital scale in the vehicle and the Defendant was detained. A pistol was found in Washburn’s left front pocket. The vehicle also contained a Remington Model 870 Express 12-gauge shotgun, and a Marlin Model 60 .22 LR semiautomatic rifle. Additionally, a bag containing 5.3 grams of methamphetamine was found in Defendant’s pocket and a bag containing 17.4 grams of methamphetamine was located in the vehicle. The Defendant admitted that he had a prior felony conviction.

This case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotic Enforcement and the Cass County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Des Moines, Iowa—On February 24, 2020, Brandon Robert Fry, age 39, of Creston, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to 188 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Fry was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

Fry pleaded guilty to this offense on October 11, 2019. He admitted that he knowingly possessed over 500 grams of methamphetamine on June 4, 2019, which was found by law enforcement in a white Mercedes, in Creston. Fry admitted that he had intended to distribute the methamphetamine. At the time of this offense, Fry was on federal supervised release for a prior conviction of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

This matter was investigated by the United States Probation Office, Des Moines Police Department, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Creston Police Department, and the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On February 13, 2020, Jonathan Folker, age 39, of Davenport, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to 15 months in prison on each of two counts of Tax Evasion and Making and Subscribing a False Tax Return, those terms to run concurrent. Folker was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund. Folker was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $256,783, with interest.

On June 5, 2019, the United States Attorney’s Office filed a two-count Information charging Folker with Tax Evasion and Making and Subscribing a false tax return. A plea agreement was entered on August 20, 2019, and Folker admitted he failed to file income tax returns for several years and had a total tax liability of $256,783. Folker also admitted he made and subscribed a false Form 1040 for the tax year 2012.

This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigations and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On February 5, 2020, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey, sentenced Ricki Charles Hess, age 55, of North Liberty, to 144 months in prison for possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Hess was ordered to serve five years of supervised release following his imprisonment, pay $9,000 in restitution and $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, and to comply with sex offender registry requirements upon release.

On August 19, 2019, Hess pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography. The investigation began in August 2017 when the North Liberty Police Department received a cyber-tip from the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force relating to Hess. Agents searched Hess’s residence and seized several electronic devices. A forensic analysis was conducted on Hess’s HP computer, a hard drive, and a cellular phone and it revealed numerous images of child pornography. In excess of 160 video files and more than 30 images of child pornography were found in Hess’ possession.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), with assistance from the North Liberty Police Department and ICAC. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On February 4, 2020, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Jeffrey Scott Walter, age 57, of Burlington, to 104 months in prison for receiving and distributing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Walter was ordered to serve five years of supervised release following his imprisonment, pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, and comply with the sex offender registry requirements upon release.

On September 24, 2019, Walter pleaded guilty. The investigation began between September 2016 and February 2018, when a Homeland Security Investigations agent identified an IP address advertising child pornography files. On March 5, 2018, a search warrant was executed at Walters’ residence, which was tied to the IP address. A forensic examination of the electronic devices seized revealed multiple images and videos containing child pornography. Walter admitted that he did receive, distribute, and possess child pornography.

This matter was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DES MOINES, Iowa – On January 28, 2020, following a six-day trial, a jury found Kendall Andrew Streb, of Hills, Iowa, guilty of three counts of child sex trafficking, two counts of distributing methamphetamine to children, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of unlawful user in possession of a firearm and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.  The case was presided over by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose. A sentencing hearing will be set at a later date.

During trial, the government presented evidence Streb trafficked three teenagers in Iowa City, Coralville, and Cedar Rapids, from November 2018 through February 2019. Streb solicited the three minors, aged 15 through 17 years old, and paid them in cash and methamphetamine in exchange for sex acts. Streb, at times, transported the teenagers to hotel rooms where he engaged in commercial sex acts with them. The evidence proved Streb knew one or more girls was under 18 years old, and otherwise was in reckless disregard of the fact they were under the age of 18.On March 26, 2019, during a search warrant executed at Streb’s residence and truck, law enforcement located methamphetamine and two handguns. Evidence of drug trafficking was also found during the search, that included methamphetamine packaged for sale, a digital scale, and packaging materials.

“Let’s be clear: if you pay money or provide drugs in exchange for sex with underage girls, you are a sex trafficker. We will prosecute you and send you to federal prison,” said Krickbaum. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is grateful to the law enforcement officers, particularly those from the Iowa City Police Department, who brought Kendall Streb to justice.”

Sex trafficking of a child is punishable by a minimum of ten years’ imprisonment and up to life imprisonment.

Human trafficking is defined as 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. 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.

The case was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department, with assistance from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Coralville Police Department. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced that on January 21, 2020, Omar A. Martinez, age 46, was sentenced to 300 months in prison by Chief Judge John A. Jarvey for Conspiracy to Distribute at least 500 Grams or More of a Controlled Substance. Martinz will serve ten years of supervised release following his release from prison.

The sentencing was the result of a lengthy investigation by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force into methamphetamine trafficking in Western Iowa and the Omaha Metro Area. The investigation revealed that methamphetamine was being brought from Mexico into the Omaha, Nebraska, area and then transported to various location in Nebraska and Western Iowa for distribution.

The following were sentenced as part of this investigation, and received the following years in prison: Bernave Navarrete,twenty years; Joseph Brown, ten years; Chris Rouse, twenty years; Jackie Thielen, ten years; Brandy Kumpula, eight years; Chase Richard, fifteen years; Jessica Snavely, ten years; Colby Dunn, eight years; Laura Rausch Anderson, five years; Manda May Rowell, five years; and, William LaBenz, five years.

This case was investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, Omaha Police Department, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Council Bluffs Police Department, Harlan, Iowa Police Department, and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On January 16, 2020, United States Chief District Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Ashley Erin Murphy Schneider, age 37, of Muscatine, Iowa, to 18 months in prison for wire and mail fraud, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Schneider was ordered to serve a term of three years of supervised release following her imprisonment, pay a $700 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund, and pay $197,603.45 in restitution to American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus (AFLAC).

On September 17, 2019, Schneider pleaded guilty to five counts of wire fraud and two counts of mail fraud. Schneider became a licensed insurance producer in the state of Iowa in 2010 and in 2012 became an insurance agent appointed with AFLAC. On September 24, 2015, investigators completed an AFLAC internal investigative report. According to the report, Schneider allowed unqualified businesses to receive payroll rates (businesses that did not have the required number of employees) and established fraudulent insurance policies for businesses that did not exist. AFLAC suffered a loss of $5,170.12 in advanced commissions and $650 in claims filed as a result of Schneider’s actions. Schneider was terminated for creation of the fraudulent insurance group policies effective November 30, 2015.

Further investigation revealed that prior to Schneider’s termination, she set up a supplemental cancer policy through AFLAC for a minor child. AFLAC’s claim and explanation of benefits reflected the child was diagnosed with malignant neoplasm of the right lung on November 24, 2015. Between November 25, 2015, and January 9, 2017, 180 unique benefit claims were made on 54 claim numbers by Schneider. The investigation revealed that the minor child did not have cancer and AFLAC had paid out $192,408.33 to Schneider based on the fraudulent claims she submitted.

This matter was investigated by United States Postal Inspection Service and the Iowa Insurance Fraud Bureau. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DES MOINES, Iowa – On January 16, 2020, Shane Leroy Robey, age 24, of Des Moines, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Robey was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, the statutory maximum, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release.

Robey pleaded guilty to the offense on September 3, 2019. At sentencing, the Court found on July 3, 2019, Des Moines Police Officers attempted to pull over Robey’s motorcycle. Robey then led officers on a high-speed chase through a residential neighborhood in Des Moines. Robey eventually crashed his motorcycle and then ran from officers. After a brief foot chase, officers apprehended Robey in the backyard of a residence. Officers found a loaded handgun with an obliterated serial number on Robey’s flight path. At the time, Robey was on parole for three separate Iowa convictions.

This case was investigated by the Des Moines 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.

DES MOINES, Iowa – On January 16, 2020, Shane Leroy Robey, age 24, of Des Moines, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Robey was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, the statutory maximum, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release.

Robey pleaded guilty to the offense on September 3, 2019. At sentencing, the Court found on July 3, 2019, Des Moines Police Officers attempted to pull over Robey’s motorcycle. Robey then led officers on a high-speed chase through a residential neighborhood in Des Moines. Robey eventually crashed his motorcycle and then ran from officers. After a brief foot chase, officers apprehended Robey in the backyard of a residence. Officers found a loaded handgun with an obliterated serial number on Robey’s flight path. At the time, Robey was on parole for three separate Iowa convictions.

This case was investigated by the Des Moines 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.

DAVENPORT, IA-- On January 15, 2020, Narinder Kumar, age 66, from Bettendorf, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to six months in prison after pleading guilty to Failure to Pay Employment Taxes, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Kumar was ordered to serve three years of supervised release, pay a $10,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund. Kumar was also ordered to pay $721,394.34 in restitution, which has been paid in full.

In July 2014, Kumar was responsible for paying withheld employment taxes on behalf of Jai Mata Lakshmi, doing business as Embers of Phoenix. Jai Mata Lakshmi operated two businesses at the same Davenport location – Echelon Sports Bar and Embers of Phoenix. In violation of federal tax laws, Kumar willfully failed to pay the second quarter 2014 withheld employment taxes due on behalf of Jai Mata Lakshmi. In total, Kumar admitted from 2010-2016, he was responsible for paying employee withholding taxes for Bettendorf Pediatric, Echelon Sports Bar, Embers of Phoenix, and Funky Desi, and failed to pay $461,390 in taxes. These businesses also failed to pay $260,004.16 in Social Security taxes and Medicaid.

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

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on January 14, 2020, Dustin Shawn Morrison, age 39, of Council Bluffs, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Morrison was sentenced to 151 months in prison to be followed by a term of supervised release of five years.

On April 26, 2019, law enforcement was conducting a routine check of parolees when officers stopped Morrison. Morrison was found in possession of a bag containing three pounds of methamphetamine.

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

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on January 3, 2020, Chanel Traci Huff, age 34, of Maryville, Missouri, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Huff was sentenced to 120 months in prison to be followed by a term of supervised release of five years.

On February 2, 2019, Mills County law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Huff’s vehicle and officers located 381 grams of methamphetamine and $7,000 in drug proceeds in her car. A search warrant was executed at Defendant’s residence and officers seized $15,000 in drug proceeds and a pistol.

This matter was investigated by the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, Mills County Sheriff’s Office, Nodaway County (Missouri) Sheriff’s Office, and the Maryville (Missouri) Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on January 3, 2020, Rebecca Canfield, age 46, was sentenced to 30 months in prison by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and health care fraud. Canfield will serve 48 months of supervised release following her release from prison.

In August of 2015, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) received information regarding the illegal distribution of prescription drugs in and around Cass County, Iowa. An investigation revealed Mary Mayo and Rebecca Canfield obtained prescriptions for oxycodone from medical professionals through false representations of injury or illness and related pain management. Canfield used her Medicare/Medicaid benefits to obtain oxycodone from local pharmacies. Once the prescription drugs were obtained, Canfield provided the oxycodone to co-defendant Mary Mayo for resale. During the course of the investigation it was determined Canfield also received Social Security benefits to which she was not entitled. As part of her sentence, Canfield was ordered to pay restitution to Medicare/Medicaid, and the Social Security Administration.

Previously sentenced were: Mary Mayo, sentenced to 24 months imprisonment followed by 48 months of supervised release; Tony Martin May, sentenced to 12 months of imprisonment followed by 36 months of supervised release; Jessica Lynn Gross, sentenced to time served and 60 months of supervised release; and Alex Lee Pleis, sentenced to time served and 36 months of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the DEA; Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General; Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit; Social Security Administration-Office of the Inspector General; Cass County Sheriff’s Office; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force. This matter was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Dworek alleged to have embezzled over one million dollars

DES MOINES, Iowa – On December 18, 2019, a federal grand jury returned an Indictment charging Jeffrey Dworek, age 54, formerly of Urbandale, with ten counts of Mail Fraud announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Trial is scheduled for February 3, 2020 before United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey.

According to the Indictment, from 2012 to 2017, Jeffrey Dworek, while employed as Metro Waste Authority Director of Operations, mailed fraudulent invoices to Metro Waste Authority for payment. The fraudulent invoices were from Britad, a company that Dworek incorporated in 2012, without the knowledge of Metro Waste Authority. As a result, Metro Waste Authority paid Britad over $1 million, to Dworek’s benefit.

The public is reminded that an Indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless they are proven guilty.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the State of Iowa Auditor’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DES MOINES, Iowa – On December 20, 2019, Christina Louise Stein, age 34, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for Felon and Unlawful User of a Controlled Substance in Possession of a Firearm. Stein was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, the statutory maximum, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release.

Stein pleaded guilty to the offense on August 14, 2019. At sentencing, the Court found on April 7, 2019, Stein was stopped by an Iowa State Patrol Trooper after she was driving the wrong way on a one-way street in downtown Des Moines. While the Trooper was conducting the traffic stop, Stein reversed her vehicle to escape, nearly hitting the Trooper. Stein then led the Trooper on a high-speed chase through the streets of downtown Des Moines, nearly striking multiple other vehicles. She reached speeds of between approximately 60 and 75 miles per hour. Stein eventually crashed her vehicle in a parking lot at Principal Park. A loaded revolver was found at her feet in the vehicle. At the time, Stein was on parole for three separate Iowa convictions.

The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, 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.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on December 11, 2019, John Daniel Nielsen, Sr., age 40, of Omaha, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James E. Gritzner for travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Nielsen was sentenced to three years in prison, to be followed by a term of supervised release of five years.

In February 2019, Nielsen arranged a meeting at a Council Bluffs motel with a person that Nielsen thought was a fifteen year-old female, but was actually an undercover police officer, for the purpose of having a sexual encounter. Nielsen traveled from Omaha, Nebraska to Council Bluffs, Iowa and was arrested when he arrived at the motel.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Omaha Police Department, Council Bluffs Police Department, Mills County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln (Neb.) Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.