Southern District of Iowa

DAVENPORT, IA- On Thursday, December 5, 2019, Chad Eric Mink, age 45, from Rock Island, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to a total sentence of 600 months in prison after being convicted of 15 counts alleging various crimes including stalking, interstate domestic violence, receipt and possession of unregistered destructive devices, malicious use of explosive materials, identity theft, using a destructive device during a crime of violence, interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, and tampering with a witness and evidence, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.

A jury found Mink guilty of the 15 offenses on June 24, 2019. At trial, the Government presented more than 70 witnesses, including several forensic experts, who testified about Mink’s use of a stolen truck to ram a vehicle occupied by a former intimate partner and her boyfriend; possession of multiple pipe bombs; planting a pipe bomb near his former intimate partner’s room at the Quad City Inn in Davenport; and attempts to influence a witness to destroy evidence and to fabricate evidence.

“This case demonstrates once again the effectiveness of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies combining their expertise and investigative talents to remove a very dangerous person from our community,” stated Mario Vidoli, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Kansas City Division.

“Chad Mink is a violent, dangerous stalker who, for years, subjected a good woman to his own personal reign of terror,” said United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. “Mink deserves every day he will spend in federal prison. I commend the prosecution team, including Assistant United States Attorneys Cliff Cronk, Amy Jennings, Will Ripley, Victim-Witness Coordinator Christina Busse, and especially ATF Special Agent Jason Pessman, whose tireless work on this case upheld the highest standards of law enforcement.”

The lead investigative agency was the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The following agencies assisted in the investigation: the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Prisons, United States Marshals Service, Rock Island (County) Sheriff’s Office, Davenport Police Department, Milan (Illinois) Police Department, Rock Island Police Department, Muscatine County Jail, and the Illinois State Police Crime Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DES MOINES, Iowa — On December 3, 2019, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Michael Adam Muth, age 32, formerly of Britt, Iowa, to 144 months in prison for transportation and possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Muth was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow his prison term, pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, pay $24,000 in restitution, and comply with sex offender registry requirements.

On August 2, 2019, Muth pleaded guilty to transportation of child pornography and possession of child pornography. The investigation began in September 2017 when the Urbandale Police Department received two Cyber Tip line Reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children indicating Muth’s email address had uploaded child pornography from an Urbandale address. Officers with the Urbandale Police Department executed a search warrant at the Urbandale address where Muth was residing at that time. Officers recovered child pornography on multiple devices belonging to Muth. Muth admitted to possessing child pornography, transporting it over the internet, and distributing it to a minor with the intent to persuade, induce, entice or coerce the minor to engage in an illegal activity.

This matter was investigated by the Urbandale Police Department, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation 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.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On December 4, 2019, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey, sentenced Christopher Lee Collins, age 35, of Davenport, to 240 months in prison for receiving child pornography and possessing obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Collins was ordered to serve ten years of supervised release to follow his prison term, pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, and comply with the sex offender registry requirements upon release.

On July 22, 2019, Collins pleaded guilty to two child pornography offenses. This investigation began in 2017, while Collins was on supervised release for a prior possession of child pornography conviction. A laptop used by Collins was found to contain 26 images of child pornography, downloaded by Collins from August 16, 2017 to August 26, 2017. Further review of the computer revealed 28 images of anime depicting child pornography.

Prior to this conduct, Collins pleaded guilty in 2008 to possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 78 months imprisonment and ten years of supervised release on February 26, 2009. Collins was found in violation of his supervised release due to committing the above offense. On December 4, 2019, he was sentenced to five years imprisonment for that violation.

This matter was investigated by Davenport Police Department and the 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 – United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum and Adair County Attorney Melissa S. Larson announced that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Randall Lee Comly with gun and drug crimes, for which Comly faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. These charges stemmed from an October 2019 incident where Comly allegedly shot at, and attempted to kill, four law enforcement officers in Stuart, Iowa.

On October 17, 2019, a Stuart police officer and three Guthrie County deputy sheriffs attempted to serve an arrest warrant for Comly at his apartment in Stuart. Comly allegedly shot repeatedly at the officers, two of whom were wounded during the exchange of gunfire. The government alleges that a search of Comly’s apartment revealed a .22 caliber revolver and methamphetamine under the bed in the room where Comly barricaded himself.

As a result of these alleged crimes, Comly is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm; possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it; and possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, Comly faces at least 25 years in prison, and up to life in prison. Under federal law, there is no parole.

“Randall Comly is a felon and alleged drug dealer who shot at law enforcement officers who were doing their jobs and protecting our community, said United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. “We will hold him fully accountable for his crimes.”

Comly is currently charged in state court with attempted murder. Those charges will be dismissed without prejudice to allow the federal charges to proceed first.

“An essential role of the county attorney is to pursue criminal cases in order to keep our communities safe, and our office takes that role very seriously,” said Adair County Attorney Melissa S. Larson. “I believe that the decision to step back from pursuing the state charges at this time, in order for the federal case to proceed first, accomplishes this. I am confident that the U.S. Attorney’s office will prosecute their case to the fullest extent of the law.”

Comly has been arrested and made his initial appearance in federal court in Des Moines, Iowa. Trial is set for February 3, 2020, before the Honorable Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger, United States District Court Judge. Comly is detained in federal custody pending trial.

The investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation; Adair County Sheriff’s Office; Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office; and the Stuart Police Department. The Adair County Attorney’s Office also provided invaluable assistance.

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

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on November 22, 2019, Colby Dunn, age 29, of Omaha, was sentenced to 100 months in prison and Laura Rauch Anderson, age 36, also of Omaha, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine in the Southern District of Iowa and elsewhere. United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced both defendants.

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

Previously sentenced to prison as part of this investigation were Bernave Navarrete to twenty years; Joseph Brown to ten years; Chris Rouse to twenty years; Jackie Thielen to ten years; Brandy Kumpula to eight years; Chase Richard to fifteen years; Jessica Snavely to ten years; and William LaBenz to five years. Pending sentencing are Omar Martinez, and Manda May Rowell.

This matter 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; Shelby County Sheriff’s Department; and the Lincoln, Nebraska Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DES MOINES, Iowa – United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on November 26, 2019, John Allen Urfer, age 43, of Grinnell Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge James E. Gritzner for Receipt of Child Pornography. Urfer was sentenced to 260 months in prison, to be followed by a term of supervised release of twenty years. Urfer was also order to pay $21,000 in restitution to identified victims depicted in the images and videos that Urfer received.

Urfer pleaded guilty to the offense on July 10, 2019, and admitted that he received child pornography, including prepubescent child pornography, from September 2017 to April 2018. Urfer was found to have over 1,300 images and over 2,900 videos of child pornography. Urfer further admitted to having prior convictions for assault with intent to commit sex abuse in Marion County in 2003, and sex abuse in the third degree in Polk County in 2005. In addition to the sex abuse convictions, Urfer has two convictions for failing to comply with Iowa sex offender registry requirements.

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On November 19, 2019, United States District Judge Stephanie M. Rose, sentenced Charles Steven Dickenson, 67, of Muscatine, Iowa, to 132 months in prison for receiving child pornography, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Dickenson was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release following his imprisonment, pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, pay $36,000 in restitution, and comply with the sex offender registry requirements upon release.

On January 11, 2019, Dickenson pled guilty to one count of receiving child pornography. The investigation began in 2016 when an FBI agents identified a computer on the BitTorrent network that appeared to be related to the distribution of child pornography. The agent downloaded over 1,100 files from Dickenson’s shared files. The majority of the files depicted prepubescent children, including infants and toddlers, engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Dickenson admitted to downloading thousands of child pornography files over the course of five and one-half years.

This matter was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Eight defendants are facing federal criminal charges as part of a multi-year joint federal and state investigation of a large drug trafficking organization that operated out of Burlington, Iowa. Five of the federal defendants were arrested yesterday, November 19, 2019. Those arrested will make their initial appearance in federal court at the United States Courthouse, in Davenport, on Wednesday, November 20, 2019.

The charges were announced by Marc Krickbaum, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa; Kristi Johnson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Omaha Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Lisa Schaefer, Des Moines County, Iowa, Attorney; Dennis Kramer, Chief of Police of the Burlington, Iowa, Police Department; and Robert Copley, Chief of Police of the Quincy, Illinois, Police Department.

The charges stem from a long-term investigation conducted by numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies including: the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Southeast Iowa Narcotics Taskforce; Burlington, Iowa, Police Department; Des Moines County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office; West Central Illinois Taskforce; Quincy, Illinois, Police Department; Drug Enforcement Administration; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; Henry County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office; Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Police Department; West Burlington, Iowa, Police Department; Keokuk, Iowa, Police Department; Ft. Madison, Iowa, Police Department; Lee County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office; Iowa City, Iowa, Police Department; Johnson County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office; North Liberty, Iowa, Police Department; Coralville, Iowa, Police Department; Muscatine County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office; Louisa County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office; Washington County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office; Bettendorf, Iowa, 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.

Eight defendants were charged by complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, stemming from a years-long investigation of this drug trafficking organization. Those arrested include KENDRICK PAGE, BREON RAQUON ARMSTRONG, LAMAR HARRIS, TRISTAN DAVIS, and JAMES LEWIS MILES, Jr. The identities of those who have not yet been arrested remain sealed at this time. Additionally, search warrants were executed at multiple locations in the Southern District of Iowa, Northern District of Illinois, and Northern District of Texas. Others involved in this drug trafficking organization have previously been arrested in both the Southern District of Iowa, and the Central District of Illinois.

The charges in the complaints carry maximum penalties of between 40 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.

These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
 

ADDENDUM

In addition to the defendants arrested this week, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa has indicted 18 individuals in the last year from the Burlington, Iowa, area. To date, 16 defendants have been arrested and the names, case numbers, charges and penalties are outlined below. The other cases remain sealed pending arrest.

1. John Patrick Auwaerter Case Number 3:18-cr-101

Title 21, U.S.C. § 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances
Maximum Penalty is life imprisonment; mandatory minimum of 10 years

Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B) – Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute
Maximum Penalty is 40 years; mandatory minimum of 5 years

Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A) – Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute
Maximum Penalty is life imprisonment; mandatory minimum of 10 years

Title 18, U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A) – Carry a Firearm During and In Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime
Maximum Penalty is life imprisonment; mandatory minimum of 5 years

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

On September 4, 2019, the Honorable Michael J. Melloy, Senior United States 8th Circuit Judge, sentenced Auwaerter to 180 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release.

2. Michael Lee Davis Case Number 3:18-cr-102

Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A) – Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Deliver
Maximum Penalty is life imprisonment; mandatory minimum of 10 years

Title 18, U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A) – Carry a Firearm During and In Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime
Maximum Penalty is life imprisonment; mandatory minimum of 5 years

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

On September 25, 2019, the Honorable John A. Jarvey, Chief United States District Court, sentenced Davis to 120 months of imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.

3. Rachel Marie Horn Case Number 3:19-cr-6

Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B) – Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is 40 years in custody; mandatory minimum of 5 years

Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A) – Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is life imprisonment; mandatory minimum of 10 years

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

On November 14, 2019, the Honorable John A. Jarvey, Chief United States District Court, sentenced Horn to 240 months of imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.

4. Tyreon Leseanjea Woodard Case Number 3:19-cr-10

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

On September 25, 2019, the Honorable John A. Jarvey, Chief United States District Court, sentenced Woodard to 70 months of imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release.

5. Gerald Victor Terry Case Number 3:19-cr-19

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

6. Pamela Sue Hester Case Number 3:19-cr-41

Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) – Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is 40 years in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum

Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A) – Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is life imprisonment; mandatory minimum of 10 years

7. Michael Antonio Davison Case Number 3:19-cr-43

Title 21, U.S.C. § 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; mandatory minimum of 10 years

Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A) – Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; mandatory minimum of 10 years

8. Norris Davison Case Number 3:19-cr-43

Title 21, U.S.C. § 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; mandatory minimum of 10 years

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

9. Wilbert James Bowers Case Number 3:19-cr-43

Title 21, U.S.C. § 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; mandatory minimum of 10 years

10. Justin Harold Love Case Number 3:19-cr-43

Title 21, U.S.C. § 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; mandatory minimum of 10 years

11. Anthony Collins Case Number 3:19-cr-46

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

12. Demetrius Ernest Alexander Case Number 3:19-cr-66

Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), 922(g)(3) – Prohibited Person in Possession of a 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

13. Charles Lester Warner Case Number 3:19-cr-87

Title 18, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A) – Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is life imprisonment; mandatory minimum of 10 years

14. Lloyd Davenport Case Number 3:19-cr-91

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

Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A) – Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is life imprisonment; mandatory minimum of 10 years

15. Johnathan Keith Sneed Case Number 3:19-cr-99

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

16. Allen Julian Fields, Jr. Case Number 3:19-cr-117

Title 18, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A) – Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is life imprisonment; mandatory minimum of 10 years

DAVENPORT, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on November 19, 2019, Jamie Allen Fulton, age 51, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose for Conspiracy to Deliver Methamphetamine and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Fulton was sentenced to 72 months in prison, to be followed by a term of supervised release of four years. Fulton was also ordered to pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

Fulton pleaded guilty to the offenses on July 26, 2019, and admitted that he conspired with others from at least January 2017 and continuing until October 24, 2018, to distribute methamphetamine. As part of the conspiracy Fulton sold methamphetamine twice during an undercover operation. A search warrant was executed at Fulton’s residence, and Fulton was found in possession of distribution amounts of methamphetamine and a loaded Kel-Tec, nine-millimeter pistol. Fulton has prior federal felony convictions for Conspiracy to Manufacture Methamphetamine and Possession of a Sawed-Off Shotgun, both of which caused Fulton to be prohibited from legally possessing firearms.

This matter was investigated by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office - Special Operations Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and 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. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On November 14, 2019, United States Chief District Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Oliver Sonny Maupin, 62, of Las Vegas, Nevada, to 60 months in prison on the charge of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute at least 100 kilograms of a mixture and substance containing marijuana and at least 100 marijuana plants, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Maupin was also ordered to serve 4 years of supervised release following his imprisonment, pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, and pay a fine of $10,000.

Maupin was instrumental in creating two separate marijuana grow operations in Oregon that contributed large quantities of marijuana to Iowa for illegal distribution. Maupin educated himself thoroughly on the Oregon medical marijuana laws during the process, and learned how to exploit them in such a fashion so that his illegal operations could avoid detection by local law enforcement. The evidence introduced at trial demonstrated that this conspiracy lasted for years, involved well over a hundred pounds of marijuana, and several hundred thousand dollars. On June 28, 2019, Maupin was found guilty by a jury of the sole count pending against him, conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana.

This matter was investigated by the Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group (MEG), and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa –On November 15, 2019, United States Chief District Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Kevin Lamond Claville, 33, to 160 months in prison on the charge of Distribution of a Controlled Substance, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Claville was also order to serve four years of supervised release following imprisonment, and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

Claville pleaded guilty to distributing at least 5 grams of actual methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled Substance. Claville admitted that on two separate occasions he distributed actual methamphetamine to another person.

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

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On November 14, 2019, United States Chief District Judge John A. Jarvey, sentenced Devonte Darnell Holston, 25, of Davenport, Iowa, to 90 months in prison, after Holston pleaded guilty to Felon in Possession of a Firearm, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.

On June 26, 2016, Holston possessed two handguns inside a vehicle in the City of Davenport. When law enforcement attempted to identify him, Holston provided a false name and then ran from officers. Holston was previously convicted of two Wisconsin felonies for burglary in 2012, which were punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. On March 7, 2017, Holston pleaded guilty to Count Two of the two count indictment.

This matter was investigated by the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and 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 that on November 12, 2019, 24 year-old Javon Joshua Jennings was sentenced to 57 months in prison by District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for one count of Tampering with a Witness, and one count of Retaliating Against a Witness. Jennings was also ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release for each count, to run concurrently, following the period of incarceration. The sentence was also ordered to be served consecutive to a sentence imposed in state court in April, 2019, for Child Endangerment Causing Death and Involuntary Manslaughter.

An inmate in the Pottawattamie County Jail was served a subpoena by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in April, 2019, and when the inmate informed his family in a telephone conversation other inmates overheard the conversation. Shortly thereafter, Jennings repeatedly assaulted the inmate that had been served with the subpoena.

This case was investigated by the Council Bluffs Police Department, the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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 that on November 12, 2019, 35 year-old Kentriss Thomas Rhodes, 33 year-old Ashley S. Fleming, and 45 year-old Antoine Sanders, all residents of Chicago, Illinois, were sentenced by District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger, for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (Oxycodone).

The investigation of Rhodes, Fleming and Sanders began on August 16, 2018, when the Council Bluffs Police Department responded to a call from the Madison Avenue Hy-Vee on a report of a fraudulent prescription being presented at the store’s pharmacy.

Council Bluffs Police arrested two individuals who had presented the forged prescription, and then obtained assistance from the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration determined that the two arrested persons were working for a Chicago organization that was sending out groups of people to obtain oxycodone by forging prescriptions and presenting them to area pharmacies.

Rhodes, Fleming, and Sanders used vulnerable adults from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to present forged prescriptions for the oxycodone. Using this method, Rhodes, Fleming, and Sanders obtained oxycodone from Council Bluffs, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and other locations in Iowa, in addition to pharmacies in Nebraska, Illinois, Missouri, and South Dakota. Rhodes, Fleming, and Sanders had obtained, or attempted to obtain, over 6,500 oxycodone pills through the use of fraudulent prescriptions during a nine month period.

As a result of their conduct, Rhodes was sentenced to 72 months in prison, Fleming was sentenced to 46 months in prison, and Sanders was sentenced to 110 months in prison. All three were also ordered to serve three years of Supervised Release once they are released from incarceration.

This case was investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; Nebraska State Patrol; Council Bluffs, Iowa, Police Department; Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Police Department; Iowa Division of Intelligence; Chicago, Illinois, Police Department; and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On November 12, 2019, the Honorable Michael J. Melloy, Senior United States Circuit Judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, sentenced Marcus Henry Benjamin, 28, of Iowa City, Iowa, to 90 months in prison for receiving child pornography, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Benjamin was also ordered to serve 6 years of supervised release following his imprisonment, pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, pay $5,000 in restitution, and comply with the sex offender registry requirements upon release.

On June 21, 2019, Benjamin pleaded guilty to one count of receiving child pornography. The investigation began in 2018 when FBI agents discovered sexually explicit posts on a social media discussion website. The investigation led agents to identify Benjamin and his residence, and a search resulted in agents seizing twelve electronic devices. The forensic evaluation of the electronic devices revealed that Benjamin collected child pornography for more than four years, amassing a collection of over 1200 images plus videos.

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

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On November 12, 2019, the Honorable Michael J. Melloy, Senior United States Circuit Judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, sentenced Ryan Mitchell Budde, 34, of Clinton, Iowa, to 130 months in prison for receiving and distributing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Budde was also ordered to serve 6 years of supervised release following his imprisonment, pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, pay $5,000 in restitution, and comply with the sex offender registry requirements upon release.

On July 9, 2019, Budde pleaded guilty to one count of receiving and distributing child pornography. The investigation began in 2017 when a tip to law enforcement was received from a social media company regarding 27 files containing child pornography which had been uploaded to the social media site. Two cellular phones and two laptops belonging to Budde were seized and examined, and a total of 365 images were identified as child pornography and recovered from these devices. The investigation also revealed that Budde had chat sessions with young boys, where he pretended to be a 15 year-old virgin.

This matter was investigated by Clinton County, Iowa, Police Department and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Nineteen individuals are facing 38 criminal charges as part of federal gun, robbery and drug investigations announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Sixteen Indictments by a Federal Grand Jury were filed in the last eight weeks in United States District Court in Davenport, Iowa. This is in addition to the 25 individuals charged for federal violations of gun crimes announced in August 2019 by United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.

All of the investigations occurred in Scott County, Iowa, and involved the seizure of multiple firearms and drugs. 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.

“The reduction of violent crime is our highest priority,” said Davenport Police Chief Paul Sikorski. “Through effective collaboration and partnerships with our Federal, State and Community partners, we have a shared focus in vigorously investigating and pursuing violent offenders. All areas of our Department are committed and focused on reducing violent crime. Our Gun Investigation Unit has been instrumental in our violent crime reduction strategy with the seizure of 62 firearms and the service of 58 search warrants in the first six months of existence. It is our solid partnerships with our Federal and Local prosecutors and law enforcement agencies, as well as initiatives such as Project Safe Neighborhoods and the National Public Safety Partnership where we share an effective violent crime strategy. This year Davenport has experienced a 5% reduction in violent crime.”

“In the past few years our office in Davenport has substantially increased prosecutions of violent criminals, with a focus on those who illegally use and possess guns,” said United States Attorney Krickbaum. “That has been possible only because of our partnerships with law enforcement, which are as strong today as they have ever been.”

These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. The cases were investigated by the Davenport Police Department, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Bettendorf Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The cases are being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

To date, 13 defendants have been arrested and are outlined below. The other cases remain sealed pending arrest.

DEFENDANT

Darrell Kenneth Holloway Case Number 3:19-cr-92

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 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

DEFENDANT

Paris Larue Davis Case Number 3:19-cr-100

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. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) – Possession of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime

Maximum Penalty is life in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum

DEFENDANT

Alex Rogelio Barrera Case Number 3:19-cr-78

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Title 18, U.S.C. § 1951 – Interference with Commerce by Robbery

Maximum Penalty is 20 years in custody

Title 18, U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii) – Use and Carry a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence

Maximum Penalty is life in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum

DEFENDANT

James Curtis Pryor Case Number 3:19-cr-78

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Title 18, U.S.C. § 1951 – Interference with Commerce by Robbery

Maximum Penalty is 20 years in custody

DEFENDANT

Christopher Lee Schultz Case Number 3:19-cr-79

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Title 18, U.S.C. § 2113(a) – Armed Bank Robbery (Three Counts)

Maximum Penalty is 20 years in custody per count

DEFENDANT

Benjamin David Watkins Case Number 3:19-cr-79

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Title 18, U.S.C. § 2113(a) – Armed Bank Robbery (Two Counts)

Maximum Penalty is 20 years in custody per count

DEFENDANT

Alexander Rene Holcomb Case Number 3:19-cr-70

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Title 21, U.S.C. § 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance

Maximum Penalty is life imprisonment; 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

Curlie Marque Quarterman Case Number 3:19-cr-85

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Title 18, U.S.C. § 1951 – Interference with Commerce by Robbery

Maximum Penalty is 20 years in custody

DEFENDANT

James Lawrence Salkil Case Number 3:19-cr-86

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 21, U.S.C. § 844(a) – Possession of a Controlled Substance

Maximum Penalty is 1 year in custody

DEFENDANTS

Isaiah Ramon Henderson Case Number 3:19-cr-94

Jaquan Leonte Jones Case Number 3:19-cr-95

Justin Lee Watson Case Number 3:19-cr-96

Tray Everett Miller Case Number 3:19-cr-101

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm

Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody

DES MOINES, IA – On November 1, 2019, Mark Alan Blankespoor, of Pella, Iowa, was sentenced to 80 months in prison by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Blankespoor was ordered by the Court to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term. Additionally, he must pay $8,464,103 in restitution to over 100 victims.

The defendant pleaded guilty to wire fraud in June of 2019. According to court documents, Blankespoor was a health coach and consultant in Pella. He represented to others he was involved in developing medically-oriented gyms and licensed the program to fitness clinics across the United States. For more than four years, Blankespoor represented to investors they had an opportunity to make money by investing in the medically-oriented gym concept. At least 100 investors provided Blankespoor with approximately $15 million in investment funds. Blankespoor admitted he used the investors’ money for unauthorized purposes that were not for the benefit of the affected investors. Blankespoor used the investor money, unbeknownst to them, for his personal expenses and paying other investors to further the scheme.

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

The Des Moines Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office announced the results of a summer enforcement effort, which took dozens of guns off the street and resulted in federal indictments against multiple violent criminals in Des Moines.

The Des Moines Police Department Special Enforcement Team operated from April to October 2019. During that time, the team’s investigations led to over 20 federal indictments for gun- and drug-related crimes, and the seizure of 71 guns from Des Moines’s streets. These prosecutions are part of a series of local, state, and federal efforts known as Project Safe Neighborhoods.

“Project Safe Neighborhoods is more than just a concept,” said Des Moines Police Chief Dana Wingert. “In Des Moines, it has developed into a highly effective crime fighting strategy. United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum and his staff have taken a hardline stance on prosecuting our most violent criminals, particularly gun offenders, in an effort to reduce violent crime in our neighborhoods. To date, the effect has been dramatic, and this working relationship is poised to continue these efforts long into the future. In many larger cities across the country, efforts such as this may seem to have less of an impact on overall violent crime numbers. In Des Moines, the results are real and the crimes trends validate the impact.”

In announcing the results of this effort in Des Moines, United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum noted that, “What’s impressive about the work of the Special Enforcement Team is not just the volume of cases—which has been amazing—but also the quality of those cases. We’re arresting and charging the right people.”

One example is United States v. Xzavier Justin Lee Clark, case number 4:19-cr-138. In July 2019, Clark led Des Moines officers on a high-speed chase, during which he tossed a loaded handgun out of a car. He pleaded guilty to being a drug user in possession of a firearm. At a sentencing hearing scheduled for February 13, 2020, the government expects to present evidence linking Clark to multiple acts of violence in the Des Moines area.

Another case is United States v. Kaytjuan Tyrez Gibbs & Devon Laron Williams, case number 4:19-cr-103. Gibbs and Williams have pleaded guilty to being drug users in possession of firearms, and sentencing for both is scheduled for January 31, 2020. Between September 2018 and May 2019, Gibbs and Williams were involved in a series of gun-related crimes in Des Moines, including possession of at least six firearms, several of which were stolen, and one of which had an obliterated serial number to prevent it from being traced.

“In the past few years our office in Des Moines has substantially increased prosecutions of violent criminals, with a focus on those who illegally use and possess guns,” said United States Attorney Krickbaum. “That has been possible only because of our partnerships with law enforcement, which are as strong today as they have ever been.” Krickbaum added, “Des Moines PD has been front and center in this fight, joined by ATF, FBI, and other local, state, and federal agencies. Our united effort is making a difference in Des Moines.”

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

These enforcement actions and partnerships are 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. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on October 16, 2019, Marcus John Josephson, age 35, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Josephson was sentenced to 102 months in prison, to be followed by a term of supervised release of three years.

On August 20, 2019, Judge Ebinger sentenced Josephson’s co-defendants, Dustyn Russell Bond, age 47, and Clayton Dean Stucker, age 31, for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Bond was sentenced to 176 months of imprisonment, to be followed by a term of supervised release of eight years; and Stucker was sentenced to 77 months in prison, to be followed by a term of supervised release of five years. All three defendants had earlier pleaded guilty to this charge.

On January 10, 2018, Bond and Stucker were stopped by law enforcement in Mills County and found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Bond and Stucker were associated with Marcus Josephson, who assisted them in the distribution of controlled substances in Montgomery County.

This case was investigated by the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Mills County Sheriff’s Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s 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 October 16, 2019, Brian Lee Rhodes, age 39, and Jeremy Eugene Jameson, age 46, were sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for child pornography related offenses. Each defendant had earlier pleaded guilty to the charges.

Rhodes was sentenced to 30 years in prison on each of three counts of Coercion and Enticement of a Minor, and 20 years in prison for one count of Distribution of Child Pornography. The sentences will run concurrently. Rhodes’ imprisonment will be followed by a term of supervised release of 15 years for each count, also to run concurrently.

Jameson was sentenced to 35 months in prison, to be followed by a term of supervised release of five years for Access with Intent to View Child Pornography.

In March of 2018, a concerned parent made a report to the Creston Police Department regarding an inappropriate conversation she found on her 11 year-old daughter’s Facebook account with Rhodes. During a search of Facebook accounts created by Rhodes, officers located conversations with other minors in which Rhodes asked the minors to send him inappropriate images and videos. The Douglas County Nebraska Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation also received a tip from Facebook that Rhodes, through a fraudulent Facebook account, sent Jameson an image of child pornography.

This case was investigated by the Creston Police Department, Atlantic Police Department, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation - Internet Crimes Against Children Unit and the Douglas County Nebraska Sheriff’s 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 October 16, 2019, Jason Nicholas Feller, age 38, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Feller was sentenced to 200 months in prison to be followed by a term of supervised release of 5 years. Feller pleaded guilty in April of 2019.

On December 30, 2018, Council Bluffs Police conducted a traffic stop on Feller. Feller admitted he had drugs in the vehicle. During the search of the vehicle, officers recovered two baggies containing approximately 12 grams of methamphetamine. Officers later located a container with a false bottom that held approximately 63 grams of methamphetamine.

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

DES MOINES, Iowa—On October 11, 2019, United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced that Brandon Robert Fry, age 38, of Creston, Iowa, appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Celeste F. Bremer and entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Fry 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, Iowa. Fry admitted that prior to being arrested on June 4, 2019, 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.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, Fry faces an agreed-upon sentence of 188 months in prison. He is also subject to at least 5 years of supervised release following the imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for February 24, 2020, at 9:30 a.m., before the Honorable Chief Judge John A. Jarvey at the United States Courthouse in Des Moines, Iowa.

This matter was investigated by the United States Probation Office, the Creston Police Department, the Des Moines Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement (MINE) 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 three sentences for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine imposed by Chief District Court Judge John Jarvey on October 8, 2019. Joseph A. Brown, a 35 year-old Omaha, Nebraska, resident, was sentenced to ten years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Christopher M. Rouse, a 31 year-old Omaha, Nebraska, resident was sentenced to twenty years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Bernave Navarrete, a 28 year-old resident of Council Bluffs, Iowa was sentenced to twenty years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

The convictions were 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. The investigation revealed that methamphetamine was being brought into the Omaha, Nebraska, area from Mexico, and then transported to various locations in Nebraska and Western Iowa for distribution.

As part of this investigation, the following individuals were already sentenced to prison: Jackie Thielen, ten years; Brandy Kumpula, eight years; Chase Richard, fifteen years; Jessica Snavely, ten years; and William LaBenz, five years. The sentencing hearings for Omar Martinez, Laura Rausch-Anderson, Colby Dunn and Manda May Rowell are still pending.

This matter 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.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced that on October 8, 2019, 53 year old Laura Lynn Schubert was sentenced by District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Schubert was sentenced to imprisonment for 92 months followed by a term of supervised release for 5 years.

In October 2018, an Iowa State Trooper made a traffic stop of the vehicle Schubert was driving. Schubert was in possession of 90 grams of methamphetamine. A search warrant was obtained for her residence where officers located an additional 340 grams of methamphetamine. Schubert pled guilty to this charge in June 2019. Schubert has a prior federal felony conviction for distribution of a controlled substance in 2004.

This case was investigated by the Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement 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, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced that on October 8, 2019, 69 year old Richard John Massey was sentenced by District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey for Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct. Massey was sentenced to imprisonment for 40 months followed by a term of supervised release for 5 years.

In November 2018, agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Massey on charges stemming from an investigation which started when a 17 year-old female student in Omaha, Nebraska confided to an adult about her relationship with Massey. A search of Massey’s Facebook and email accounts showed he was in contact with several females in other countries. Massey pled guilty to this charge in February 2019.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Council Bluffs Police Department, and the Omaha, Nebraska Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on October 2, 2019, Martell Roberts, age 24, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Roberts was sentenced to a prison term of 100 months to be followed by a term of supervised release of three years. Roberts was ordered to pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

Roberts pleaded guilty to the offense on March 20, 2019. On July 31, 2018, Roberts possessed two loaded firearms located in his residence during the execution of a search warrant conducted by the Bettendorf Police Department. Roberts admitted one of the firearms had been reported stolen out of Muscatine. Roberts further acknowledged he had two prior felony convictions for drug felonies.

This case was investigated by the Bettendorf 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.

DES MOINES, Iowa – On September 19, 2019, a federal grand jury returned an Indictment charging defendants, Jessica Rae Reznicek and Ruby Katherine Montoya, with one count of conspiracy to damage an energy facility, four counts of use of fire in the commission of a felony, and four counts of malicious use of fire, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Montoya was recently arrested in the District of Arizona and detained pending court proceedings to determine her appearance in the Southern District of Iowa. Reznicek appeared in Des Moines on October 1, 2019 and was conditionally released pending trial. Trial is currently scheduled for December 2, 2019, before United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger.

According to Count 1 of the Indictment, from at least as early as 2016 and continuing in 2017, in the Southern District of Iowa and elsewhere, Reznicek and Montoya conspired to knowingly and willfully damage and attempt to damage the property of an energy facility involved in the transmission and distribution of fuel, or another form or source of energy, in an amount exceeding or which would have exceeded $100,000, and to cause a significant interruption and impairment of a function of an energy facility.

Counts 2 through 9 of the Indictment allege specific instances of damage or attempts to damage portions of the Dakota Access Pipeline in the Southern District of Iowa by Reznicek and Montoya on various dates in 2017.

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

If they are convicted of Count 1, conspiracy to damage an energy facility, Reznicek and Montoya face up to 20 years imprisonment, not more than a $250,000 fine, or both such fine and imprisonment.

If they are convicted of Counts 2, 4, 6 and/or 8, use of fire in the commission of a felony, Reznicek and Montoya face a mandatory minimum 10 years imprisonment to be served consecutive to the sentence imposed on Count 1. For each second or subsequent conviction of Counts 2, 4, 6 and/or 8, Reznicek and Montoya face a mandatory minimum 20 years imprisonment to be served consecutive to the sentence imposed on Count 1.

If they are convicted of Counts 3, 5, 7 and/or 9, malicious use of fire, Reznicek and Montoya face a mandatory minimum 5 years imprisonment and a maximum of 20 years imprisonment, not more than a $250,000 fine, or both such fine and imprisonment.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on September 30, 2019, Jay R. Jahn, age 27, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge Robert W. Pratt for Receipt of Child Pornography. Jahn was sentenced to five years in prison to be followed by a five year term of supervised release.

In July 2017, Carter Lake Police received a referral from the La Plata County Sheriff in Colorado regarding a 15 year old child who had received sexually explicit messages online from Jahn. A search warrant was obtained for Jahn’s residence, where officers located a computer and cell phone. A search of the electronic devices located images and videos of child pornography. Jahn pleaded guilty to this charge in May 2019.

This case was investigated by the La Plata County, Colorado Sheriff’s Office, Carter Lake 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.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on October 1, 2019, William Walter Batten, age 46, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge Robert W. Pratt for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Batten was sentenced to 10 years in prison, to be followed by a term of supervised release of five years.

In October 2018 Council Bluffs Police stopped a motorcycle driven by Batten and it was discovered he did not have a motorcycle endorsement or insurance. Batten was arrested and admitted he had methamphetamine in his motorcycle. A search warrant was obtained and officers located over 50 grams of methamphetamine. Batten pleaded guilty to this charge in March 2019.

This case was investigated by the Council Bluffs Police Department and the 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 September 30, 2019, Mathew William Finken, age 44, was sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine by United States District Court Senior Judge Robert W. Pratt. Finken was sentenced to ten years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.

Finken was arrested by law enforcement with the Council Bluffs Police Department on January 25, 2019. At the time of his arrest, Finken was in possession of over 100 grams of methamphetamine, packaging materials and over $800. When

Finken pleaded guilty on April 15, 2019, he admitted he intended to sell the methamphetamine he had in his possession.

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

DAVENPORT, Iowa- On September 25, 2019, Michael Lee Davis, age 26, of New Boston, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to 120 months in prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and 120 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. The two terms of imprisonment were ordered to run concurrently. Davis was ordered to serve five years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

On May 20, 2019, Davis pleaded guilty to the offenses and admitted on May 18, 2018, he was driving a vehicle in Burlington, Iowa, and was in possession of a 55.75 grams of actual methamphetamine, a loaded 12-gauge shotgun, drug packaging material, and a digital scale. He further admitted at the time, he intended to distribute some or all of that methamphetamine to other people. Additionally, he admitted he had previously been convicted of two felony offenses in Mercer County, Illinois, in 2010 and 2015.

This matter was investigated by the Burlington Police Department and 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 September 25, 2019, United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced, Demajor Alexander Nettles, age 26, of Davenport, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to 200 months in prison for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and 60 months in prison Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. These sentences were ordered to run consecutively. Nettles was ordered to serve four years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

On May 20, 2019, Nettles pleaded guilty and admitted he distributed cocaine base to another individual. He further admitted that during the course of a search warrant executed on his hotel room officers located cocaine base and methamphetamine, a digital scale, packaging material, and a loaded firearm. Nettles admitted that $1,974 dollars in his possession were proceeds from narcotics trafficking.

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 Neighborhood (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 - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on September 25, 2019, Tyreon Leseanjea Woodard, age 22, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Woodard was sentenced to a prison term of 70 months to be followed by a term of supervised release of three years. Woodard was ordered to pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

Woodard pleaded guilty to the offense on May 15, 2019, and admitted on September 13, 2018, he possessed a loaded, semi-automatic Smith and Wesson nine-millimeter pistol, a loaded semi-automatic Zastava rifle, and a loaded semi-automatic rifle. Woodard had previously been convicted of a felony and was not allowed to possess firearms.

This case was investigated by the Burlington 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.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on September 19, 2019, Chase Lee Richard, age 34; Brandy Lee Kumpula, age 28; and Jackie Lynn Thielan, age 31, were sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine by United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey. Richard was sentenced to 15 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release; Kumpula was sentenced to eight years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release; and Thielen was sentenced to 10 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.

In late 2017, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force began investigating a large drug trafficking organization that was transporting large quantities of methamphetamine in and around the Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska areas. As part of that investigation, law enforcement determined that Jackie Thielen was transporting and distributing large amounts of the methamphetamine to various locations in Shelby County, Iowa. Law enforcement determined that Thielen was obtaining the methamphetamine from Chase Richard. Law enforcement learned that Richard was also providing large quantities of methamphetamine to multiple people including Brandy Kumpula, who was selling methamphetamine to individuals in Council Bluffs and Omaha.

Previously sentenced in this case were Jessica Snavely to a prison term of ten years and William LaBenz to a prison term of five years. Four additional defendants are pending sentencing.

The case was investigated by the 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 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.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on September 19, 2019, Travis Wright Scott, age 31, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Carrying a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime. Wright was sentenced to prison for a total of 160 months. He was sentenced to 100 months of imprisonment on the drug charge and 60 months of imprisonment for the gun charge. The sentences will run consecutively. Following Scott’s prison term, he will serve five years of supervised release.

In 2018, detectives with the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force conducted controlled buys of narcotics with Scott. Following the issuance of an arrest warrant, when Scott was located, he possessed a small amount of methamphetamine, a digital scale, serialized money from the controlled buys, and a loaded Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm handgun that was reported stolen. Scott pleaded guilty to these charges in April 2019.

This case was investigated by the Council Bluffs Police Department and the 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 September 18, 2019, Jorge Alejandro Salazar Machado, age 28, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James E. Gritzner for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Salazar Machado was sentenced to 10 years in prison to be followed by a five year term of supervised release.

In January 2019, Salazar Machado was arrested by Council Bluffs Police for possession of drug paraphernalia. A subsequent search warrant was executed on his vehicle. During the search, officers located two packages containing a total of 1,891.28 grams of heroin. Salazar Machado pleaded guilty to the charge in May 2019.

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

Des Moines, IA—On September 17, 2019, Theodore Eric Watson, age 54, of Altoona, appeared before United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey and was sentenced to 18 months in prison for mail fraud and embezzlement of labor union assets, with three years of supervised release to follow his prison term. Watson pleaded guilty to these offenses on April 15, 2019.

Watson admitted from 2007 until September 2016, while employed as the Business Manager for Local 74 of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers (AFL-CIO), he sent fraudulent requests for payment of grant funds for training to the United Way of Central Iowa. These fraudulent requests were unauthorized and unknown to Local 74.

Watson also admitted to embezzling from Local 74 by making unauthorized purchases and cash advances on a Local 74 credit card and then concealing the fraud by submitting altered credit card statements and false monthly reports to Local 74. Watson additionally opened a bank account in the name of Local 74, without Local 74's consent or knowledge, and from December 2013 through January 2016, Watson diverted Local 74 funds into this account for his personal use.

Watson was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $125,443.24 ($55,604.91 to Local 74 and $69,838.33 to United Way of Central Iowa).

This matter was investigated by the United States Department of Labor—Management Standards. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DES MOINES, IA – United States Attorney Mark Krickbaum announced on August 22, 2019, Robert Milton Kimber II, age 46, was sentenced by United States District Senior Judge James E. Gritzner for Possession of Child Pornography. Kimber was sentenced to 189 months in prison to be followed by a term of supervised release of seven years. Kimber was ordered to pay $2,000 to each victim seeking restitution.

The investigation began in 2018 when multiple online service providers sent the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children multiple Cyber Tip Line reports indicating Kimber was sending child pornography to other persons using the internet. A subsequent law enforcement investigation showed in early 2018 Kimber sent and received child pornography on multiple internet platforms and engaged in a sexually explicit chat online with a person who indicated she was only 13 years old. Kimber solicited and received a sexually explicit picture from that person. Later in 2018, police seized a cellular phone that stored videos and images of child pornography from the defendant. Kimber is a registered sex offender since his conviction in the Iowa District Court for Polk County in 1993 for assault with intent to commit sexual abuse.

This case was investigated by the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Council Bluffs Police Department, Pottawattamie County Attorney’s Office, West Des Moines Police Department, 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 August 20, 2019, Terrance Terrell Jackson, Sr., age 40, was sentenced to seven years in prison to be followed by seven years of supervised release for sex trafficking involving force. United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger sentenced Jackson.

The conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation Task Force. On May 11, 2018, an undercover law enforcement officer responded to an advertisement on an internet website offering sexual services from a person identified as “Savannah.” A meeting was arranged between “Savannah” and the undercover officer at a hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska. “Savannah” arrived at the agreed to location and was arrested by law enforcement.

Law enforcement determined Jackson had placed the ad that offered the services of “Savannah” and had driven her to Lincoln, Nebraska to meet the undercover officer. Investigation revealed Jackson had been offering the services of “Savannah” by placing ads on internet web sites beginning in late 2017. When a date was arranged, Jackson transported “Savannah” to the agreed to location, including locations in Omaha, Nebraska and Council Bluffs, Iowa for acts of prostitution. The investigation determined Jackson had physically assaulted “Savannah” to ensure she would participate in acts of prostitution, having injured her seriously enough to have her hospitalized on several occasions.

The investigation was done by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force; Lincoln, Nebraska, Police Department; Omaha, Nebraska, Police Department; and the Council Bluffs, Iowa, 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 August 20, 2019, Chad Alan Soderman, age 43, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime. Soderman was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment for the drug charge and 60 months of imprisonment for the gun charge. The time will run consecutively. He will serve a term of supervised release for five years when released from prison.

On July 7, 2018, while driving from Colorado to Minnesota, two-time convicted felon Chad Alan Soderman was stopped by an Iowa State Patrol Trooper in Pottawattamie County for speeding. Soderman’s vehicle was found to have contained 223.2 grams of methamphetamine, 576.4 grams of marijuana, a loaded 9mm pistol, 61 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a digital scale, and $3,417 in cash.

This case was investigated by the Iowa State Patrol, Council Bluffs Police Department, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, 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.

DAVENPORT, IA-- On August 12, 2019, Nirander Kumar, age 66, from Bettendorf, Iowa, pled guilty to Failure to Pay Employment Taxes announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. This crime carries a maximum potential penalty of not more than 5 years’ imprisonment, up to a $10,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than (3) three years, and a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund. Kumar’s sentencing is scheduled for December 19, 2019.

On or about July 31, 2014, Nirander Kumar had a duty and 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 to willfully failing to pay approximately $187,000 in employment taxes withheld from Jai Mata Lakshmi employees. Additionally, as part of his plea agreement, Kumar also admitted that he willfully failed to pay over $234,000 of employment taxes withheld from employees’ pay at Bettendorf Pediatric; and over $39,000 in employment taxes for another business, Funky Desi, in Moline, Illinois.

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

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Twenty-five people, all of whom are prohibited possessors of firearms, are facing 58 criminal charges as part of federal drug and gun investigations announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Seven Indictments and 18 Superseding Indictments by a Federal Grand Jury were filed last week in United States District Court in Davenport, Iowa. Several of the defendants had previously been charged and appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Stephen B. Jackson, Jr.

The investigations occurred in several Iowa counties including: Clinton, Des Moines, Johnson, Scott, and Washington County and involved the seizure of approximately 78 firearms including two sawed-off shotguns. 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.

“Our message is simple,” said United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. “If you commit a gun crime, we will do our best to prosecute you in federal court.” Krickbaum added, “Federal law has a long reach. If you have a gun and you are a drug user, a felon, are near a school, have a conviction for misdemeanor domestic violence, or you know the gun is stolen, you can go to federal prison.”

These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The cases were investigated by the Davenport Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Clinton Police Department, Burlington Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Department of Homeland Security, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The cases are being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

To date, 17 defendants have been arrested and are outlined below. The other cases remain sealed pending arrest.

DEFENDANT
Robert Lee Poore Case Number 3:19-cr-31
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearms
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody
Title 26, U.S.C. §§ 5841, 5845, 5861(d), 5871 – Receive and Possess Machineguns and Silencers
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody

DEFENDANT
Adam Steven White Case Number 3:19-cr-65
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 21, U.S.C. § 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is 40 years in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum
Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(3) – Unlawful Drug User in Possession of a 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

DEFENDANT
Larenzo Marshan Grandberry Case Number 3:19-cr-30
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 21, U.S.C. § 844(a) – Possession of a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is 1 year in custody

DEFENDANT
Deshawn Mitchell Case Number 3:19-cr-45
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 21, U.S.C. § 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is 40 years in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum
Title 18, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B) – Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is 40 years in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum
Title 18, U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) – Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; 5 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
Rodolfo Tellez Gutierrez Case Number 3:19-cr-45
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 21, U.S.C. § 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; mandatory minimum of 10 years
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; mandatory minimum of 10 years
Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(3) – Unlawful Drug User in Possession of a Firearm
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody

DEFENDANT
Curtis Lee Smith Case Number 3:19-cr-46
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(D) – Possession With Intent to Distribute Marijuana
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody
Title 18, U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) – Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; 5 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
Devario Dewayne Talley Case Number 3:18-cr-87
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) – Possession of a Controlled Substances with Intent to Distribute
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)(i) – Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum
Title 18, U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) – Carry a Firearm During and In Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum

DEFENDANT
Adam Christopher Smith Case Number 3:19-cr-40
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) – Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is 20 years in custody
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. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) – Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; 5 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
Michael Terrell Richardson Case Number 3:18-cr-98
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. § 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. § 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. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) – Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum
Title 21, U.S.C. § 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is 40 years in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum

DEFENDANT
Zacharia Allen Clark Case Number 3:19-cr-27
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) – Felon in Possession of Ammunition
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody

DEFENDANT
Terry Eugene Cook Case Number 3:19-cr-33
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B) – Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is 40 years in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum
Title 18, U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) – Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum
Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(3) – Unlawful Drug User in Possession of a Firearm
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody

DEFENDANT
Junior Emilio Roldan Marin Case Number 3:19-cr-44
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), 922(g)(8), 922(g)(9) – Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody

DEFENDANTS
Joseph Roosevelt Howard Rogers Case Number 3:19-cr-29
William Walter Franklin Case Number 3:19-cr-74
Justin Joseph Halter Case Number 3:19-cr-23
Levi Shelby Roe Case Number 3:19-cr-35
Marc Andrew Dietrich Case Number 3:19-cr-67
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 July 31, 2019, Kevin Lee Longo, age 46, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm. Longo was sentenced to 46 months in prison, to be followed by a term of supervised release for three years.

On September 20, 2018, Council Bluffs Police responded to a call about a man who had pointed a gun and fired a round into the air. An investigation revealed the Defendant and a victim had an exchange regarding a former girlfriend of Longo’s, after which Longo pulled out a firearm and threatened the victim. Officers received permission to search Longo’s vehicle and located a pellet gun, marijuana, methamphetamine, crushed pills, pipes, a scale, bb’s, CO2 cartridges, and .380 ammunition. A subsequent search yielded a loaded black and silver Walther PK380 firearm Longo had hidden in a shed.

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.

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.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on July 31, 2019, Andrew Steven Newport, age 31, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for Coercion and Enticement of a Minor. Newport was sentenced to 10 years in prison to be followed by a term of supervised release of 10 years.

In September 2018, Council Bluffs Police received a call from a concerned parent who had received messages through Facebook from Newport and thought Newport was communicating with her thirteen year old daughter. The mother gave the Facebook information to the Council Bluffs Police and an undercover officer continued to communicate with Newport. Newport asked who he believed to be the minor girl to meet him at the Council Bluffs Library and offered her $200 to have sex. Council Bluffs Police Officers met Newport at the arranged meeting place and arrested him. Newport had his phone, a pocket knife, airsoft gun with light mount, and a fraudulent FBI investigator card. Newport admitted he went to the library to meet a 13 year old girl for sex. Newport pleaded guilty to this charge in March 2019.

This case was investigated by the Council Bluffs 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 Tuesday, July 16, 2019, Cameron Felder, age 41, and Nathaniel Thomas, age 37, were sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Felder was sentenced to 70 months in prison and Thomas was sentenced to 150 months imprisonment. They will each serve a term of supervised release of four years when released from prison.

In August 2018, the Iowa State Patrol conducted a traffic stop of Felder and Thomas’ vehicle for speeding on I-29 in Fremont County. As the trooper approached the vehicle, the occupants were uncooperative and required numerous commands to shut the car doors and turn the car off.

The trooper immediately detected the odor of burnt marijuana. Thomas handed the trooper a baggie of marijuana out the passenger window. A search was performed on the vehicle and officers located over 200 grams of methamphetamine in pill form.

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

DES MOINES, Iowa – Jona Shitaleni Paulus, age 33, of Ames, was charged by a grand jury on July 18, 2019, with one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The Indictment alleges Paulus knowingly received and possessed child pornography on his cell phone in April of 2019.

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

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security with assistance from the Iowa State University Police Department. This matter is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Child Initiative.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on July 16, 2019, Swann Michelle Thomas, age 37, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Thomas was sentenced to 100 months in prison to be followed by a term of supervised release of four years.

On September 5, 2018, a Council Bluffs police officer on patrol saw Thomas in a vehicle and knew she had an active warrant for a parole violation. The officer approached the car and observed a Crown Royal bag on the driver’s side of the vehicle that contained a pipe and approximately 21.5 grams of methamphetamine.

This case 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.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on July 16, 2019, Devin Lee Graham, age 25, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey for Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm. Graham was sentenced to ten years in prison to be followed by a term of supervised release of three years.

On September 13, 2018, Devin Graham was a passenger in a vehicle stopped for traffic violations. The officer smelled marijuana and performed a search of the vehicle. Officers located a backpack containing a small amount of controlled substances, drug paraphernalia and a loaded firearm. Graham admitted the backpack belonged to him. Graham is prohibited from possessing firearms as he has two prior felony convictions for possession with intent to deliver marijuana in Pottawattamie County, Iowa District Court.

This case was investigated by the Council Bluffs Police Department 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.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice 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, IA- On Monday, July 15, 2019, Nadine Nzuega Robinson, age 39, from Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger to 120 months in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with a scheme to obtain federal tax refunds by fraud using the identification information of dozens of University of Iowa employees, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.

Robinson was the owner/operator of a check cashing business in Doralville, Georgia. The bank account of this business was used by Robinson to launder hundreds of money orders purchased with the proceeds of the fraudulently obtained tax refunds. More than $450,000 in tax refunds of University of Iowa employees was obtained fraudulently through this scheme and more than $5,000,000 in fraudulently obtained funds passed through the account during March and April of 2015. In June of 2015, Robinson purchased a residence in Atlanta with the proceeds of the fraud. Robinson was ordered to forfeit the residence. Robinson was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following the period of imprisonment and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund.

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