Southern District of Iowa

DAVENPORT, Iowa-- On July 12, 2018, Anthony Dwayne Clay, age 42, of Davenport, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to 84 months in prison following his guilty plea to felon in possession of a firearm, according to United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Clay was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund. Additionally, the firearm was forfeited.

On July 20, 2017, Davenport Police officers responded to a reported disturbance at a residence. As part of this investigation, Clay was found in unlawful possession of a Ruger .380 caliber firearm and ammunition. Prior to July 20, 2017, Clay had four prior felony convictions.

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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime

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

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On July 9, 2018, United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger, sentenced Jack Lee Coleman, age 65, of Wapello, Iowa, to 360 months in prison for production of child pornography announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Coleman was ordered to serve five years of supervised release following his imprisonment, pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, and comply with the sex offender registry requirements upon release.

On February 2, 2018, Coleman pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography. The investigation began in 2016 when a minor victim disclosed being sexually abused by Coleman. During the investigation, a computer belonging to Coleman was seized and examined. That computer contained nude images of five minor children produced by a hidden camera placed in the bathroom by Coleman. The computer also contained child pornography images of another minor child.

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

DES MOINES, Iowa – On July 10, 2018, Victor Van Cleave, age 30, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to 30 months in prison for tampering with consumer products, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Van Cleave was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term.

According to the plea agreement entered on February 26, 2018, between September 7, 2016 and October 2, 2016, Van Cleave was employed as a pharmacy technician at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. During that time, Van Cleave had access to fentanyl—a Schedule II controlled substance—that was stored at the hospital for administration to hospital patients. Van Cleave tampered with the hospital’s fentanyl and fentanyl vials during the course of his employment. Specifically, Van Cleave inserted a syringe into multiple fentanyl vials, removed the fentanyl with that syringe, and injected the fentanyl into himself. Using a different syringe, Van Cleave then replaced the fentanyl he had removed from the vials with a different fluid. Van Cleave then placed the tampered vials back into storage at the hospital.

This investigation was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

David Marken Aikoriegie sentenced to 96 months for stealing firearms from area gun retailers

DES MOINES, Iowa – On June 27, 2018, David Marken Aikoriegie, age 23, of Des Moines, appeared before United States District Court Senior Judge Robert W. Pratt and was sentenced to 96 months in prison for three counts of stealing a firearm from a federal firearm licensee and unlawful sale of a stolen firearm, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Aikoriegie was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term.

According to court documents, Aikoriegie admitted he stole three firearms from JLM Gun Shoppe in Urbandale on November 16, 2017; ten firearms from Rangemasters in Clive on December 2, 2017; and eleven firearms from Rangemasters on December 14, 2017. He also admitted to selling one of those stolen firearms to another person on December 16, 2017.

This investigation was conducted by the Clive Police Department; United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Des Moines Police Department; and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

Larry Lazell Bolden admitted to distributing heroin involved in overdose deaths

DAVENPORT, IA – On Wednesday, June 27, 2018, Larry Lazell Bolden, age 50, of Davenport, appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Stephen B. Jackson, Jr. and pleaded guilty to Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.

According to the plea agreement, Bolden admitted to distributing heroin to a confidential informant beginning in December 2016. Bolden also admitted to distributing heroin in January 2017 to an individual at a hotel in Davenport. That individual supplied the heroin to a friend, who died shortly after ingesting the substance. Lab results confirmed the substance contained fentanyl. Bolden admitted several days after the overdose death, he distributed heroin to an another individual at the same hotel. That person died shortly after ingesting the substance.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 23, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. before United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose. Bolden faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of twenty years, a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and a maximum fine of $2,000,000.

This matter was investigated by the Davenport, Rock Island, and Moline Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - On June 20, 2018, Deandre Eugene Cooper, age 35, and Charles Jesse Beuterbaugh, age 30, were sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James E. Gritzner for Possession of Contraband by a Federal Prisoner announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Cooper was sentenced to 100 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Beuterbaugh was sentenced to serve eight months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Their sentences were each ordered to be served consecutively with sentences they previously received in other matters prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Iowa and the District of Nebraska.

Cooper and Beuterbaugh, along with other co-defendants, while incarcerated at the Pottawattamie County Jail, distributed K-2, a synthetic cannabinoid. On May 17, 2017, staff seized the substance from co-defendant Ivan Cervantes’ cell with the use of a drug detecting dog. Lab reports confirmed the substance found hidden in Cervantes’ cell was a synthetic cannabinoid. Further investigation revealed Cooper and Beuterbaugh had distributed K-2 to other inmates.

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

DES MOINES, Iowa-- On June 21, 2018, Timothy Ray Kain, age 30, of Des Moines, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to 210 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Kain was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow his prison term.

Kain pleaded guilty to the charges on February 6, 2018, and admitted to conspiring with others to distribute in excess of five kilograms of pure methamphetamine and he possessed a firearm during his drug trafficking activities.

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

Amalia Pandis sentenced for role in drug-related overdoses

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – On June 20, 2018, Amalia Pandis, age 24, of Carter Lake, was sentenced to 15 years in prison and five years of supervised release by United States District Court Senior Judge James E. Gritzner for Conspiracy to Distribute a Fentanyl Analogue that caused death or serious bodily injury, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.

Pandis was part of a drug trafficking organization responsible for receiving and distributing fentanyl analogues obtained from a source in China to individuals in Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska. The investigation began on June 28, 2015, when law enforcement officers were called to a Carter Lake residence regarding an unresponsive male. Law enforcement found the body of a 20-year old deceased male at the home. Law enforcement also discovered a second male had been transported to a local hospital, and placed on life support, from the same location prior to law enforcement’s arrival.

Subsequent investigation revealed Pandis’ co-defendant Charles Beuterbaugh provided acetyl fentanyl to both victims, which was determined to be the cause of death and the reason for the hospitalization. Beuterbaugh had obtained the acetyl fentanyl from Pandis. She obtained the acetyl fentanyl through an organization that began distributing fentanyl, or an analogue of fentanyl, in November of 2014 and continued to distribute into April of 2016.

All members involved in the distribution of the acetyl fentanyl entered guilty pleas. On August 23, 2017, Senior Judge Gritzner sentenced Michael David Redmond, Jr. to 120 months in prison. On October 26, 2017, Dustin C. Sullivan was sentenced to 162 months inprisonment and Cody Jay Lanus was sentenced to 144 months. Charles J. Beuterbaugh was sentenced November 7, 2017, to 240 months in prison, and Walter J. O’Donohue was sentenced February 28, 2018 to 180 months imprisonment.

This investigation was conducted by the Carter Lake Police Department, Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, Council Bluffs Police Department, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Omaha Police Department, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotic Enforcement, United States Postal Inspection Service and United States Drug Enforcement Administration-Nebraska. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, IA – On Tuesday, June 12, 2018, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Alexander Ruben Alvarado, age 21, of Iowa City, to 36 months in prison for unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Alvarado was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

On February 7, 2018, Alvarado pleaded guilty to the charge, which arose from an investigation conducted by the Iowa City Police Department. Alvarado admitted between July 4, 2017, and July 11, 2017, he was responsible for shooting at random vehicles and apartment complexes in the Iowa City area. The shooting was done from Alvarado’s second story apartment complex. Damage occurred to several vehicles in the area, as well as two residences. On July 11, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Alvarado’s residence. There, three firearms, one of which was stolen, over 30 rounds of ammunition, over 20 grams of marijuana, and dozens of miscellaneous pills, including OxyContin and Xanax were located.

This matter was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department, the Johnson County Drug Task Force and the United States 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, Iowa - On June 11, 2018, Shawn Michael Manning, age 45, of Davenport, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 63 months in prison for conspiracy to manufacture marijuana announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Manning was ordered to serve four years of supervised release following his prison sentence and to pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

On February 6, 2018, Manning pleaded guilty to the offense and admitted beginning on or about November 1, 2016, and continuing through December 26, 2016, he and other individuals reached an agreement to manufacture marijuana in a warehouse located in the 900 block of South Rolff Street in Davenport. The charge was the result of an investigation which began when Davenport Police received a tip that Manning and others were operating a marijuana grow operation at that warehouse location. On December 29, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant and discovered a portion of the warehouse had been walled off. Officers discovered in excess of 500 marijuana plants, marijuana derivative products and materials to assist in the manufacture and packaging for sale of the marijuana.

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

DES MOINES, Iowa – On March 28, 2018, a federal grand jury returned an Indictment charging seven defendants with sex trafficking announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Six defendants were arrested and appeared in federal court in Des Moines. The remaining defendant was arrested on June 8, 2018, in Texas. Trial is scheduled for October 15, 2018, before United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey.

According to the Indictment, in the Spring and Summer of 2017, the defendants trafficked three adult victims. Darren Coleman, Sarina Williams, Mark Carter, and Stephen Cobb are alleged to have conspired with one another, and actually engaged in, sex trafficking of a victim by force, fraud, and coercion. Coleman and Cobb are further alleged to have used a firearm in the course of trafficking the victim. Coleman and Sarina Williams are charged with additional offenses relating to the travel of the victim across state lines for the purposes of prostitution.

Mark Carter, Julyen Singleton, Ronzell Williams, and Breanna Brown are charged in the same Indictment with conspiring with one another to traffic, and to have actually trafficked, a separate victim by force, fraud, and coercion. Mark Carter is also charged with sex trafficking a third victim by force, fraud and coercion, and for using a firearm in the course of these offenses.

Each defendant is subject to a fifteen-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment for sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, up to life imprisonment. Conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking has no mandatory minimum prison sentence and has a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

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

Human trafficking is defined as a crime involving the exploitation of youth under the age of 18 for commercial sex; the exploitation of adults for commercial sex through the use of force, fraud, or coercion; and the exploitation of any individual for compelled labor. Human trafficking does not require the transportation of individuals across state lines, or that someone is physically restrained. Signs that a person is being trafficked can include working excessively long hours, unexplained gifts, physical injury, substance abuse issues, running away from home, isolation from others, or having a person in their life controlling them or monitoring them closely. Anyone who suspects human trafficking is occurring, be it a minor engaging in paid sex acts, or anyone being coerced into prostitution or labor, is urged to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

This case was investigated by the Des Moines Police Department, Vice and Narcotics Control Section. Analytical support has been provided by the Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, Department of Public Safety, as well as the Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center. The Polk County Attorney’s Office also assisted with this prosecution. The case 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 that on Monday, June 4, 2018, 42 year-old Raymond Stark was sentenced by Chief District Court Judge John A. Jarvey for the charge of Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Stark previously pleaded guilty plea to this charge on January 16, 2018. Stark was sentenced to 27 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, with the federal prison sentence to run consecutively to the sentence Stark is serving for charges in the Iowa District Court in Pottawattamie County.

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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

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

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa-- On May 11, 2018, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Michael Collins, age 49, of McClelland, to one year and one day of imprisonment for tax evasion, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Collins was ordered to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the amount of $70,274.14 and pay a fine of $34,770. Collins will serve a three year term of supervised release following his prison term.

Collins pleaded guilty to tax evasion on December 21, 2017. According to documents and information provided to the Court, Collins was part-owner of a real-estate development firm that earned significant income in 2006. As a result of his ownership in the company, Collins received approximately $289,000 in income that year, but did not report it on his individual income tax return. In 2008, the IRS contacted Collins regarding the unreported income and Collins filed an amended return reporting the income and reflecting a tax due of more than $100,000. However, Collins did not pay the tax liability.

From 2006 through the present, Collins also operated an excavating and trucking company that generated more than $5.5 million in gross receipts. To evade payment of his outstanding tax liability, Collins registered the business as well as its bank accounts in the name of nominees, used nominee entities to conceal over $5 million in gross receipts from the business, filed fraudulent corporate tax returns that listed nominees as the owners of the business and paid his personal expenses using the business’ unreported income. Collins also filed fraudulent documents with the IRS claiming to have no gross business receipts for the company and falsely told IRS employees that his only source of income was unemployment benefits. He admitted to causing a tax loss of more than $250,000.

This case was prosecuted by Department of Justice, Tax Division Trial Attorneys Matthew Hoffman and Lee Langston and was investigated by Special Agents of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.

DAVENPORT, Iowa-- On May 21, 2018, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Detavion Marques Levi, age 21, of Davenport, to 37 months in prison for a drug user in possession of a firearm charge, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Levi was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund. Additionally, Levi was ordered to forfeit the two firearms involved in the offense.

On May 2, 2017, Davenport Police officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Levi was the front passenger. Levi fled, but was eventually apprehended by police after a short foot pursuit. Officers found a Rohm RG10 .22 caliber revolver containing one spent casing and an ISSC M22 handgun with a laser sight, loaded with ten rounds, under the front passenger seat of the vehicle. Officers also recovered a bag belonging to Levi that contained marijuana, a digital scale, 32 .22 caliber rounds, alprazolam and ecstasy. At the time Levi possessed the two firearms, he was a drug user.

This matter was investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Davenport Police Department. 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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

DES MOINES, Iowa-- On May 18, 2018, Solomon Seth Currie, age 32, of Des Moines, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger to 352 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Currie was ordered to serve ten years of supervised release to follow his prison term.

Currie pleaded guilty to the charges on December 28, 2017. Currie admitted he was in possession of 2,149 grams of pure methamphetamine, a stolen Glock 27 .40 handgun, and $18,030 in cash during the execution of a search warrant at his Des Moines residence. Currie further admitted having a prior felony conviction for a controlled substance offense.

This investigation was conducted by the Des Moines Police Department and Mid 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 – On May 17, 2018, Glen S. Davis, age 48, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to one year and one day in prison for interstate communication of a threat, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Following his prison term, Davis will serve three years of supervised release.

Davis pleaded guilty for sending emails that contained threats to injure another person. Davis sent the threatening e-mails to an individual who ordered the repossession of a vehicle leased by Davis, due to non-payment.

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

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – On May 11, 2018, Robert W. Bennett, age 51, of Council Bluffs, appeared before United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose and was sentenced to 121 months in prison for receipt of child pornography announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Bennett was ordered to serve five years of supervised release to follow his prison term.

Bennett pleaded guilty to the charge on January 2, 2018. The plea was the result of an investigation that began with a tip received by the Council Bluffs Police Department from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Bennett’s cloud storage system contained child pornography. A search warrant served on Bennett’s residence located a computer, cell phones, tablets and numerous storage devices that contained images of child pornography.

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

On May 9, 2018, Special Agents and Deportation Officers with the United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, with the assistance of local law enforcement. This was an official law enforcement action and there is no threat to the public.

No other information or comments will be released unless and until documents have been filed with the court as part of the public record.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On May 8, 2018, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Breanna Nicole Thompson, age 23, of Davenport, to 37 months in prison for a felon in possession of a firearm charge, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Thompson was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following her prison term and to pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund. Thompson agreed to forfeit the firearm.

On September 25, 2017, Thompson was in a vehicle with five other individuals in the 700 block of West 63rd in Davenport when she shot multiple rounds from a .380 caliber firearm toward an apartment. Shortly after, Thompson fired additional shots in the area of 6300 block of Appomattox Road. Following the shots fired, police began to pursue the vehicle. As Thompson and the others fled from police, Thompson fired multiple rounds from the sunroof. As officers stopped the vehicle several of the occupants ran, including Thompson. A Ruger LCP .380 caliber semi-automatic firearm was located in the car.

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

DAVENPORT, Iowa - On May 3, 2018, following a three-day jury trial, Bruce Zachary Pugh, age 26, Darren Lamont Warren, age 22, and Desharrlequez Malike Vesey, age 23, were each found guilty of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Additionally, Warren and Vesey were convicted of possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute.

Evidence was presented at trial that the Defendants occupied a rented Jeep Compass at a gas station in the 1000 block of West River Drive in Davenport. While at that location, the rear seat occupant, Pugh, waived a black pistol at another man. The Davenport Police were alerted as to the threat and the Jeep was stopped by officers. The driver, Warren, and the front passenger, Vesey, fled and Pugh was arrested while attempting to exit the vehicle.

Davenport Police Officers recovered crack cocaine; a box of plastic sandwich bags; two digital scales, cash; and a loaded black Hi-Point 9mm pistol from the vehicle. Evidence at trial showed in the minutes preceding the threat, the Defendants were engaged in conduct consistent with the distribution of crack cocaine.

The Defendants’ sentencings are scheduled for September 12, 2018, before United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey.

The Davenport Police Department and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this matter. 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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

DES MOINES, Iowa – Catholic Health Initiatives—Health at Home d/b/a Mercy Respiratory Care and Med Supply (CHI-MRC), a supplier of durable medical equipment in Des Moines, has agreed to pay $189,061.90 to the United States to resolve allegations it overbilled the State of Iowa’s Medicaid program for purchases of durable medical equipment.

The settlement resolves claims that, from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2015, CHI-MRC improperly billed Medicaid for durable medical equipment purchases by continuing to charge for the equipment after receiving full payment for the equipment’s purchase price.

“Our office will aggressively pursue overpayment by Medicaid to providers, including providers of durable medical equipment, to ensure providers comply with state and federal regulations and taxpayers do not pay the bill for excessive expenses,” said Marc Krickbaum, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa. “This recovery sends the message to health care providers there will be consequences if they fail to comply with state and federal regulations. We also note and appreciate the provider’s cooperation throughout the investigation.”

This investigation was initiated by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa with the assistance of the State of Iowa’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

DAVENPORT, IA – On Monday, April 30, 2018, Daniel Lee Stone, age 48, of Solon, Iowa, appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Stephen B. Jackson, Jr., and pleaded guilty to cyberstalking announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.

According to the plea agreement, Stone admitted to texting a minor female over 170 times from on or about October 31, 2016, through November 3, 2016. Stone purported to be someone else in the text messages and offered her cash and other “goodies” to become his sugar baby. He also sent numerous texts indicating he was watching the female, was outside her home, and described, with accuracy, items or places within the female’s residence. The minor female made repeated requests for Stone to leave her alone.

Stone’s sentencing is scheduled for September 12, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. before United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey. Stone faces a prison term of up to five years and a maximum fine of $250,000.

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

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - On April 25, 2018, Alan Calderon Reyes, 23, of Sioux City, Iowa, appeared before United States District Court Senior Judge James E. Gritzner and was sentenced to 151 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.

On April 10, 2017, following a high-speed car chase with law enforcement in Washington County, Nebraska, Reyes crossed the Iowa state line into Pottawattamie County, where Pottawattamie County deputies continued to pursue Reyes. Reyes lost control of his vehicle, drove into a ditch, and attempted to flee from deputies on foot. Reyes was eventually apprehended and a large quantity of methamphetamine was seized from his vehicle.

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

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - On April 25, 2018, Christopher Leroy Jordan, age 30, and his spouse, Randi Marie Jordan, age 26, both from Sidney, Iowa, were sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James E. Gritzner for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Christopher Jordan was sentenced to 168 months of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release to follow his prison term. Randi Jordan was sentenced to 42 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.

In early November 2016, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation of Christopher and Randi Jordan for the distribution of methamphetamine. A search warrant was executed on January 31, 2017, at the Jordan’s house, resulting in the seizure of methamphetamine, marijuana plants, and related evidence, as well as the arrests of both defendants.

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

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – On April 25, 2018, Ivan Antonio Cervantes, age 32, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James E. Gritzner for possession of contraband by a federal prisoner, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Cervantes was ordered to serve 18 months in prison and two years of supervised release to follow his prison term. This sentence is to be served consecutively to a prior 70 month sentence for a felony drug offense prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Cervantes and others distributed a synthetic cannabinoid while incarcerated at the Pottawattamie County Jail. On May 17, 2017, jail staff seized a substance from Cervantes’ cell with the use of a drug-detecting dog. Lab reports confirmed the substance found hidden in Cervantes’ cell tested positive for a synthetic cannabinoid. Further investigation revealed another individual brought the substance to the jail, then distributed the substance to other inmates.

This case was investigated by 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 April 24, 2018, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Scott Randell Whitehead, age 54, and others with defrauding Vermeer Corporation of Pella, Iowa, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. According to the indictment, Whitehead was Vermeer’s maintenance manager. Whitehead is alleged to have approved $3.6 million in invoices for products from two chemical companies, which were never received by Vermeer. Whitehead is also alleged to have received kickbacks from the two chemical companies. The two chemical companies are All Industrial Chemical of Hallendale Beach, Florida, and National Chemical Company of Davie, Florida. Whitehead is charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.

Also charged are Natalia A. Sheps, age 38; Boris Vaysman, age 63; and Ana Hallon Gallego, age 57. Sheps and Vaysman are alleged to control All Industrial Chemical, which is alleged to have received more than $3.1 million from Vermeer; they are charged with conspiracy and money laundering offenses, based on checks written from Sheps and Vaysman. Gallego is alleged to control National Chemical Company, which is alleged to have received more than $500,000 from Vermeer; she is charged with conspiracy and money laundering, based on the transfer of funds between National Chemical Company’s bank accounts.

All four defendants are scheduled to appear in United States District Court in Des Moines on May 15, 2018. At that time, a trial date and other deadlines will be scheduled. The public is reminded that an Indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless they are proven guilty.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation—Des Moines Resident Agency. The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DES MOINES, Iowa – On Friday, April 20, 2018, United States District Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Brian M. Madison, of West Des Moines to 18 months in prison for bank embezzlement, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Madison was ordered to pay $259,000 in restitution, serve five years of supervised release following his prison term, and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

Madison stole $259,000 from his employer, TruBank. The fraud was detected as a result of a cash audit at the bank due to a corporate merger. Madison embezzled $259,000 between September 2011 and March 2016 by moving cash from the teller drawer he used, into an unmonitored teller drawer. Madison modified cash count sheets to intentionally omit the unmonitored teller drawer, so those conducting routine cash counts would not have known to look for the money.

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

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On April 16, 2018, Trevor J. Graves, age 20, a former University of Iowa student, appeared in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Stephen B. Jackson, Jr., and pleaded guilty to transmission of a command to damage a protected computer, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Graves’ sentencing is scheduled for August 23, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. before United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey.

According to the plea agreement, Graves admitted from March 7, 2015 to November 15, 2016, the University of Iowa, Iowa Courses Online (ICON) computer network was a protected computer and he knowingly and intentionally caused the transmission of a command to the University of Iowa computer network that caused damage and impairment to the integrity or availability of certain data, program, system or information.

Specifically, Graves placed a key logger on University of Iowa computers and fraudulently obtained professors user names and passwords. Graves accessed the ICON system and without authorization changed course grades for himself and five other students. The University of Iowa information technology (IT) costs associated with their internal investigation, response to the discovery of the network breach, and remedial steps taken to update the University of Iowa IT security was approximately $67,900.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, University of Iowa Department of Public Safety, and University of Iowa, Information Services Technology. This case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of Iowa.

DES MOINES, IA – On April 13, 2018, United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger sentenced Seth James Stockwell, age 35, of Princeton, Missouri, to 242 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Stockwell was ordered to serve seven years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

On December 13, 2017, Stockwell pleaded guilty to the charge that arose from an investigation by the Des Moines Police Department. On July 18, 2017, Stockwell was in possession of more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, which he intended to distribute to other individuals.

This matter was investigated by the Des Moines Police Department and Iowa Department of Public Safety, DCI Criminalistics Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On April 9, 2018, United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger, sentenced Taren Coupland, age 32, of Galesburg, Illinois, to 200 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Coupland was ordered to serve five years of supervised release following her term of imprisonment and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

On December 22, 2017, Coupland pleaded guilty to the charge that arose from a joint investigation by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force and the Davenport Police Department Tactical Operations Bureau. Coupland was involved in a methamphetamine conspiracy from May 1, 2017, through August 3, 2017, and during that time, she was responsible for distributing over 5,600 grams of ice methamphetamine.

This matter was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, Davenport Police Department Tactical Operations Bureau, and Iowa Department of Public Safety, DCI Criminalistics Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On April 9, 2018, United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger sentenced Jason David Chaney, age 31, of Galesburg, Illinois, to 240 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Chaney was ordered to serve five years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

On December 22, 2017, Chaney pleaded guilty to the charge that arose from a joint investigation by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force and the Davenport Police Department Tactical Operations Bureau. Chaney was involved in a methamphetamine conspiracy from May 1, 2017, through August 3, 2017, and during that time he was responsible for distributing over 6,800 grams of ice methamphetamine.

This matter was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, Davenport Police Department Tactical Operations Bureau, and Iowa Department of Public Safety, DCI Criminalistics Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On April 5, 2018, a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Iowa charged Matthew James Howard with threats against a federal judge and mailing a threatening communication, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. This case is being prosecuted by Southern District of Iowa Assistant United States Attorney Melisa Zaehringer, who has been designated as a Special Assistant United States Attorney General, based on the recusal of the Northern District of Iowa United States Attorney’s Office.

While incarcerated at the Anamosa State Penitentiary, the Indictment alleges that on or about November 30, 2017, Howard wrote and mailed a letter through the United States Postal Service that threatened to kill Judge Linda R. Reade, a United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of Iowa. If convicted, Howard could face up to ten years imprisonment for each of the charged counts.

This matter is being investigated by the United States Marshals Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

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

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On April 5, 2018, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Michael William Elliott, Jr., age 46, of Muscatine, to 135 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Elliott was ordered to serve five years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

On November 17, 2017, Elliott pleaded guilty to the charge that arose from an investigation by the Muscatine County Drug Task Force. Elliott was involved in a methamphetamine conspiracy from July 2016 through April 12, 2017. During that time, Elliott was responsible for distributing over 1,100 grams of methamphetamine and he possessed a dangerous weapon.

This matter was investigated by the Muscatine County Drug Task Force and the Iowa Department of Public Safety, DCI Criminalistics Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On April 5, 2018, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Darion Daquan Gardner, age 22, of Davenport, to 80 months in prison for a felon in possession of a firearm charge, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Gardner was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment, pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, and forfeit the firearm he possessed. He was also sentenced to an additional 15 months in prison for violating the terms of his supervised release. That term of supervision was imposed on November 19, 2015, when he was sentenced in the Southern District of Iowa to 30 months in prison for Fugitive in Possession of a Firearm.

On November 9, 2017, Gardner pleaded guilty to the charge. On March 3, 2017, Davenport police officers attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Gardner, who was known to have a warrant for violating the terms of his federal supervised release. Gardner fled from officers in the vehicle and then ran from the vehicle once it was disabled. A stolen, loaded handgun was found in the vehicle.

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

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa-- On March 28, 2018, Mark Edward May, age 32, of Missouri Valley, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 14 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and distribution of oxycodone and hydrocodone announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. May was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term.

May pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and five counts of distribution of a controlled substance on November 16, 2017. May orchestrated the distribution of hydrocodone and oxycodone on multiple occasions to an undercover law enforcement agent from numerous individuals, including co-defendants Chiann May Jones, Jeremiah D. Jones, and Clara Ann Milks. May and his co-defendants made false medical claims to local physicians to obtain the pills.

This investigation was conducted by the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA- On March 22, 2018, David Joseph Jay, III, age 36, of Glenwood, Iowa, appeared before United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey and was sentenced to 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Jay was ordered to serve ten years of supervised release to follow his prison term.

This investigation began with a citizen complaint regarding possible drug trafficking at a residence in Glenwood. Following subsequent investigation, a search warrant was executed at Jay’s residence. Methamphetamine, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), along with prescription pills and marijuana were discovered.

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

DAVENPORT, Iowa-- On March 22, 2018, Timothy George Brandon Svejda, age 33, of Davenport, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to three years of probation, after pleading guilty to theft of government funds from the United States Army National Guard Recruiting Assistance Program (G-RAP), announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Svejda was ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution.

In 2005, the United States Army National Guard created the G-RAP to assist in meeting recruitment goals. This program allowed National Guard soldiers to become independent contractors, referred to as Recruiting Assistants, and in return for compensation, recruit potential soldiers for enlistment. Depending on the enlistee’s grade and military occupational specialty, Recruiting Assistants could receive from $2,000 to $7,500 per new enlistee. This program was funded by the United States Government.

In 2006, Svejda was honorably discharged from the United States Army. From 2006 to 2011, Svejda was authorized to act as a Recruiting Assistant. Between December 2010 and July 2011, Svejda used the G-RAP to knowingly and intentionally apply for and claim fraudulent benefits for the recruitment of five potential soldiers and received $9,000 of funds belonging to the United States Government. At the time he applied for and received these benefits, Svejda knew he was not entitled to these funds.

This investigation was conducted by the United States Army, Criminal Investigation Command, Rock Island Fraud Resident Agency. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – On March 21, 2018, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Olajuwan Hakeem Culbreath, age 22, of Davenport, to 51 months in prison for a felon in possession of a firearm charge, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Culbreath was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment, pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, and forfeit the firearm he possessed.

On October 13, 2017, Culbreath pleaded guilty to the charge that arose from an investigation by the Davenport Police Department. On June 6, 2017, law enforcement officers made contact with Culbreath and observed a firearm sticking out of Culbreath’s pants. The weapon was a stolen, loaded Taurus 9-millimeter pistol. Culbreath has prior felony convictions and was not allowed to possess a firearm.

This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the United States 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 Tuesday, March 20, 2018, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Davion Burge, age 22, of Davenport, to 84 months in prison for a felon in possession of a firearm charge, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Burge was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his imprisonment and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

On September 14, 2016, Burge possessed a Walthar .22 caliber rifle, Model M-4, as he walked near West High School in Davenport, Iowa. When approached by law enforcement Burge ran and hid in a nearby apartment complex. Due to Burge’s location, the school was placed on lockdown for approximately one hour. When apprehended, Burge additionally was in possession of a Taurus, 9-millimeter pistol, Model PT 24/7, as well as ammunition for the Walthar rifle and Taurus pistol. Burge admitted he broke into a residence earlier that day and stole the firearms and ammunition. Burge was prohibited from possessing firearms as he has two prior felony burglary convictions and a felony conviction for escape.

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

Council Bluffs, IA- United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced that on March 13, 2018, 35-year-old Sean Cullen of Council Bluffs, Iowa was sentenced to 2 years in prison and ordered to serve three years of Supervised Release at the conclusion of his imprisonment, by Senior District Court Judge Robert Pratt for Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

On September 23, 2017, Cullen was admitted into the emergency room at Jennie Edmondson hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg claiming someone had shot him. After an investigation it was determined that Cullen shot himself with a firearm during a domestic dispute. Cullen then threw the loaded handgun into a neighbor’s yard before driving himself to the hospital for treatment. Officers observed a trail of blood on the outside of the residence that led to the fence of the property. The neighbor located the gun and reported it to Council Bluffs Police Department the next day. The firearm was determined to be a six shot, .22 caliber revolver, with one spent round in the cylinder. Cullen was convicted in 2007 of a felony for theft.

The investigation was conducted by the Council Bluffs Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Council Bluffs, IA- United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced that on March 13, 2018, 33 year old Jesus Everardo Medina of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced to 37 months in prison, and ordered to serve three years of Supervised Release at the conclusion of his imprisonment, by Senior District Court Judge Robert Pratt for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.

The investigation began with law enforcement with the Council Bluffs Police Department responding to a gunshot being heard in the 1400 block of Avenue B shortly after midnight on June 5, 2017. Upon arriving in the area, officers located nine millimeter shell casings and were told by a witness that the party responsible, Jesus Medina, had left the area in a gold colored two door car. This vehicle was located by law enforcement a short distance from the 1400 block of Avenue B, with Medina in the back seat. A nine millimeter Jennings semi-automatic handgun was found in the seat pocket in front of Medina. Medina was convicted of a felony offense in 2009 making it unlawful for him to possess a firearm.

The investigation was conducted 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.

DES MOINES, Iowa —A longtime developer of low-income housing in Iowa, Jeffrey W. VOORHEES, has been charged with creating a false pass-through company in order to artificially inflate a loan to rehabilitate a housing development located in various towns and cities in Iowa, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.

According to the indictment, VOORHEES, acting through his own consulting company and a not-for-profit entity, purchased and rehabilitated seven properties which together formed what was referred to as Candleridge VII. The properties were purchased with a United States Department of Agriculture direct loan, and were rehabilitated with a private bank loan that was guaranteed by USDA in the event of default. Brian L. PITTMAN, the general contractor on the development, is also charged in the scheme with VOORHEES. Together, PITTMAN and VOORHEES are alleged to have artificially inflated construction costs and created a pass-through company, Rural Construction Services, in order to obtain approximately $359,000 in artificially inflated loan proceeds. VOORHEES is also alleged to have artificially inflated other costs in the loan to obtain an additional approximately $318,000 in loan proceeds. The loan proceeds were to be repaid using USDA-subsidized tenant rents.

The purpose of these USDA loan programs is to support the development of rental units for low- and moderate-income individuals and families in rural areas and towns. USDA regulates how the loan proceeds can be spent, and also imposes requirements on the borrowers to disclose any identity of interest relationships. The indictment alleges that VOORHEES knew these regulations but did not follow them in order to unlawfully profit from the USDA loan programs.

VOORHEES and PITTMAN are together charged with five counts of wire fraud affecting a financial institution. Each of those counts is punishable by up to 30 years in prison. The indictment also charges VOORHEES with three felony counts relating to allegedly moving the profits of RCS into bank accounts in his wife’s name, each count of which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

The public is reminded that an indictment is 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.

This investigation was conducted by the USDA-Office of Inspector General, and the case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DES MOINES, Iowa – On March 8, 2018, Dale Alan Grau, age 52, of Des Moines, Iowa, appeared before United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose and was sentenced to 120 months in prison following his plea of guilty to enticement and attempted enticement of a minor to engage in elicit sexual activities announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Grau was ordered to serve a ten-year period of supervised release to follow his prison term.

According to the plea agreement, Grau admitted between the dates of February 20 and 23, 2017, he attempted to persuade and entice a 14 year-old boy, using the Internet, to engage in sexual activity with him.

This investigation was conducted by the Marion County Attorney’s Office, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Knoxville Police Department, Pella Police Department, Pleasantville Police Department, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Indianola Police Department, Mid Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Marshals Service.

The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nation-wide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children.

Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the 24-hour Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) also operates a Cyber Tip line at www.cybertipline.com that allows parents and children to report child pornography and other incidents of sexual exploitation of children by submitting an online form.

DES MOINES, Iowa – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa recently obtained several convictions against defendants committing offenses against minor children, as part of the United States Department of Justice Project Safe Childhood Initiative, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.

On March 1, 2018, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Gabriel Espinoza, age 23, of Marshalltown, to 25 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a minor. Upon his release from imprisonment, Espinoza will serve 25 years of supervised release.

The investigation into Espinoza’s crime started in March 2017, when law enforcement in Bucks County, Pennsylvania learned a 10-year-old female had been sexually exploited via social media by Espinoza, a registered sex offender. Within days, Espinoza was located and arrested by the Iowa ICAC Task Force. After additional investigation, law enforcement learned Espinoza had also victimized a minor female in Minnesota. This matter was investigated by the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), Bucks County (PA) District Attorney’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Marshalltown Police Department, Ankeny Police Department, and Iowa Division of Intelligence.

On December 8, 2017, United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger sentenced Gaspar Jose Francisco, age 27, of Osceola, to 14 years imprisonment for enticement and attempted enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activities. Upon his release from imprisonment, Francisco will serve five years of supervised release.

This investigation was initiated by a report to the Osceola Police Department that alleged possible sexual abuse of a minor child by an adult who lived nearby. Further investigation revealed Francisco used social media to entice a 13-year-old female to engage in illegal sexual activity with him. This matter was investigated by the Iowa ICAC, Osceola Police Department, United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, and Iowa Attorney General’s Office.

On November 17, 2017, United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger sentenced Jordan Adolfo Turner, age 25, of Muscatine, to 20 years imprisonment for receipt of child pornography. Upon his release from imprisonment, Turner will serve 10 years of supervised release. This investigation was initiated by a tip from an Iowa man to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which alleged a 13-year-old boy was being sexually exploited via social media by an adult male. Further investigation by Iowa ICAC revealed Turner solicited and received nude images and/or videos from seven other minors that resided in Iowa. This matter was investigated by the Iowa ICAC, FBI (Minneapolis Field Office and Omaha Field Office), and Muscatine Police Department.

These cases were prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nation-wide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children.

Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the 24-hour Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) also operates a Cyber Tip line at www.cybertipline.com that allows parents and children to report child pornography and other incidents of sexual exploitation of children by submitting an online form.

Walter J. O’Donohue, III, sentenced for role in drug-related overdoses

Council Bluffs, IA – On February 27, 2018, Walter J. O’Donohue, III, age 35, of Omaha, Neb., was sentenced to 15 years in prison, fined $50,000, and ordered to serve five years of supervised release following his prison term by United States District Court Senior Judge James Gritzner for Conspiracy to Distribute a Fentanyl Analogue that caused death or serious bodily injury, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.

O’Donohue was part of a drug trafficking organization responsible for receiving and distributing fentanyl analogues obtained from a source in China to individuals in Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska. The investigation began on June 28, 2015, when law enforcement officers were called to a Carter Lake, Iowa, residence regarding an unresponsive male. Law enforcement found the body of a 20-year old deceased male at the home. Law enforcement also discovered a second male had been transported to a local hospital, and placed on life support, from the same location prior to law enforcement’s arrival.

Subsequent investigation revealed co-defendant Charles Beuterbaugh provided acetyl fentanyl to both victims, which was determined to be the cause of death and the reason for the hospitalization. Beuterbaugh had obtained the acetyl fentanyl through an organization that began distributing fentanyl, or an analogue of fentanyl, in November of 2014 and continued to distribute into April of 2016. Further investigation into the overdose death revealed O’Donohue was responsible for the importation of the acetyl fentanyl ultimately distributed by co-defendant Beuterbaugh.

All members involved in the distribution of the acetyl fentanyl have entered guilty pleas. On October 26, 2017, Senior Judge Gritzner sentenced O’Donohue’s co-defendants, Dustin C. Sullivan, age 27, of Council Bluffs, to 162 months and Cody Lanus, age 31 of Omaha, Neb., to a term of imprisonment of 144 months. Michael David Redmond, Jr., who joined the conspiracy in December of 2015, was previously sentenced by Senior Judge Gritzner to 120 months in prison. Amalia N. Pandis is pending sentencing at a future date.

This investigation was conducted by the Carter Lake Police Department, Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, Council Bluffs Police Department, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Omaha Police Department, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotic Enforcement, United States Postal Inspection Service and United States Drug Enforcement Administration-Nebraska. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DES MOINES, Iowa – A former pharmacy technician pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to tampering with fentanyl by using a syringe to replace the painkiller with another solution.

According to the plea agreement, between September 7, 2016 and October 2, 2016, Victor Van Cleave was employed as a pharmacy technician at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. During that time, Van Cleave had access to fentanyl - a Schedule II controlled substance - that was stored at the hospital for administration to hospital patients. While employed as described above, Van Cleave tampered with the hospital’s fentanyl and fentanyl vials. In particular, Van Cleave inserted a syringe into multiple fentanyl vials, removed the fentanyl with that syringe, and injected the fentanyl into himself. Using a different syringe, Van Cleave then replaced the fentanyl he had removed from the vials with a different fluid. Van Cleave then placed the tampered vials back into storage at the hospital.

The guilty plea was announced by Marc Krickbaum, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa. The case was investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley D. Price.

Van Cleave, 29, is scheduled to be sentenced before Chief United States District Judge John A. Jarvey on July 10, 2018, at 1:30 pm.

DAVENPORT, Iowa-- On February 23, 2018, United States Chief District Court Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Darrell Anthony Rice to 22 months in prison as the result of his plea of guilty to escape from a federal facility, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Rice, age 24, of Davenport, Iowa, was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay $100 to the Crime Victim’s Fund.

In 2012, Rice was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment as the result of a federal arson conviction. Pursuant to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons agreement, in December of 2016 Rice was transferred to the Davenport Residential Re-Entry Center to serve the remainder of his federal sentence. His discharge date was June 1, 2017. Rice was required to wear a GPS device inside the facility. On February 6, 2107, Rice left the Davenport facility without authorization, removed his GPS device and escaped. He was found on April 19, 2017, in Davenport after being arrested on state drug charges.

This investigation was conducted by the United States Marshals Service, Seventh Judicial District Department of Correctional Services, and Davenport Police Department. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa-- On February 23, 2018, United States Chief District Court Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Chelsea Ross Meier, III, to 90 months in prison as the result of his plea of guilty to possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Meier, age 35, of Davenport, Iowa, was also ordered to serve four years of supervised release and pay $100 to the Crime Victim’s Fund.

On April 10, 2017, Meier was found in the parking lot of the Davenport-Rhythm City Casino in possession of 11.4 grams of ice methamphetamine. Meier later admitted that from November 2016 to April 2017, he purchased approximately one ounce of methamphetamine a week and distributed this methamphetamine to others.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and Scott County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

David Marken Aikoriegie admitted to stealing firearms from area gun retailers

Des Moines, Iowa – On February 22, 2018, David Marken Aikoriegie, of Des Moines, appeared in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Celeste F. Bremer and pleaded guilty to charges related to a series of gun store burglaries in the Des Moines area, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.

Aikoriegie pleaded guilty to three counts of stealing a firearm from a federal firearm licensee and one count of unlawful possession, receipt, and sale of a stolen firearm. Aikoriegie admitted he stole three firearms from JLM Gun Shoppe in Urbandale on November 16, 2017; ten firearms from Rangemasters in Clive on December 2, 2017; and eleven firearms from Rangemasters on December 14, 2017. He also admitted to selling one of those stolen firearms to another person on December 16, 2017. A sentencing date has not been scheduled at this time.

This investigation was conducted by the Clive Police Department; United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Des Moines Police Department; and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, Iowa - On February 14, 2018, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Joel Allen Corder, age 45, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, to 180 months in prison for receiving and possessing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Corder was ordered to serve five years of supervised release following his imprisonment, to pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, and to comply with the sex offender registry requirements upon release.

On August 18, 2017, Corder pleaded guilty to the charges. The investigation began in October 2016, when an internet company notified the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that “twistedmind31,” a name used by Corder, attempted to send four images child pornography to another person.

On December 20, 2016, officers met with Corder to discuss the child pornography investigation. Corder’s cellular phone was seized and subsequently examined. The examiner recovered 638 images containing child pornography. In addition to the child pornography, the examiner found a series of KIK chats containing sexual content between Corder and an 11-year- old female who lived in Texas. In an interview, Corder admitted in 2016 he began receiving and possessing child pornography. Corder admitted he communicated with an 11-year-old female through KIK messenger and asked her to send nude photographs of herself on more than one occasion. The victim sent pictures of her exposed genitalia as requested, which he then stored on his cellular phone.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and NCMEC. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the United States Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Child” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nationwide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children.

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