Southern District of Iowa

DAVENPORT, IA - On December 14, 2016, Michael D’Shon Aguilar, age 23, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to one year and one day in prison for three counts of making False Statements During the Purchase of a Firearm, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.  Aguilar was ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release following his imprisonment.

On July 25, 2016, Aguilar pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted that on three occasions, he made false statements regarding his current residence when filling out the mandatory Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ form when purchasing the guns.  Two of the three guns ended up in the possession of prior felons.

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

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Media Contact for this release is Rachel Scherle at 515-473-9300, or Rachel.Scherle@usdoj.gov

DAVENPORT, IA - On December 13, 2016, Kaylo O’Neal Roelandt, age 22, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to three years in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.  Roelandt was ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release following his imprisonment.

On August 1, 2016, Roelandt pleaded guilty to the charge and admitted he had previously been convicted of a drug felony in 2012, and then possessed a firearm on December 16, 2014. 

This investigation was conducted 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.

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Media Contact for this release is Rachel Scherle at 515-473-9300, or Rachel.Scherle@usdoj.gov

DAVENPORT, IA - On December 13, 2016, Eric Nathan Hans, age 46, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 292 months in prison for Production of Child Pornography, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.  Hans also will be required to serve a ten-year term of supervised release following his imprisonment.

On June 13, 2016, Hans pleaded guilty to this charge and admitted that in December 2010, he used his cellular phone to produce child pornography by taking multiple pictures of a 12-year-old child.  Additionally, Hans had downloaded child pornography onto his computer in June of 2014. 

The investigation was conducted by the Davenport Police Department and the Child Protection Response Center.  This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

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Media Contact for this release is Rachel Scherle at 515-473-9300, or Rachel.Scherle@usdoj.gov

DAVENPORT, IA - On December 14, 2016, Antonio Deshawn Thomas, age 38, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 188 months in prison on the charge of Conspiracy to Distribute Crack Cocaine and to 120 months for the charge of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, announced United States Attorney Kevin VanderSchel.  The two sentences will run concurrently with one another.  Thomas was ordered to serve four years of supervised release following his imprisonment and to pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund. 

On July 25, 2016, Thomas pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted that between September 1, 2015, and November 7, 2015, he was part of a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in the Quad Cities area, and that on November 6, 2015, he was in possession of a firearm.  The charges were the result of an investigation by the Davenport Police Department, which resulted in the execution of search warrants at two Davenport residences.  At one residence, officers found approximately 40 grams of crack cocaine, 32 grams of powder cocaine and a .38 caliber handgun.  At the other, officers found approximately 56 grams of crack cocaine.  Thomas was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to multiple prior felony convictions from Rock Island County, Illinois. 

This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department 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.

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 Media Contact for this release is Rachel Scherle at 515-473-9300, or Rachel.Scherle@usdoj.gov

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - On December 13, 2016, Jonathan S. Featherstone, a 23 year-old resident of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey, to 33 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.   

Featherstone entered a guilty plea on July 14, 2016, to the charge of Felon in Possession of a Firearm as a result of his possession of a Walter P38 9mm pistol.  Featherstone was contacted on February 17, 2016, by Council Bluffs Police Department officers following a traffic stop, where it was discovered Featherstone had a loaded 9mm pistol in his backpack. Featherstone had been convicted of a prior felony offense in July of 2015.

This 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. 

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 Media Contact for this release is Rachel Scherle at 515-473-9300, or Rachel.Scherle@usdoj.gov

DAVENPORT, IA - On December 12, 2016, Herman Terrill Baylor, age 28, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 102 months in prison on the charge of Felon in Possessionof a Firearm, announced United States Attorney Kevin VanderSchel.  Baylor was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following the period of imprisonment and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund. 

On August 12, 2016, Baylor pleaded guilty to this charge and admitted that he took possession of two shotguns in exchange for crack cocaine in December of 2016.   The charge resulted from an investigation that was initiated when a concerned citizen alerted the Davenport Police Department that Baylor had stashed the shotguns in the basement of a residence in Davenport.  Baylor was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a December 26, 2007, conviction in the Scott County, Iowa District Court for the offense of Possession of Crack Cocaine with the Intent to Deliver.

This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department 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.

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Media Contact for this release is Rachel Scherle at 515-473-9300, or Rachel.Scherle@usdoj.gov

DAVENPORT, IA – On December 12, 2016, Brandon Marquis Kelly, 31, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 96 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.  Kelly was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund.

Kelly pleaded guilty to Felon in Possession of a Firearm on July 22, 2016.  There was no plea agreement in the case.  According to court documents, Kelly possessed a loaded Hi-Point .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol at an apartment complex in Davenport, Iowa, on December 18, 2015.  Kelly discharged the firearm, causing a bullet to enter the apartment unit directly below the unit Kelly occupied, damaging both the upstairs and downstairs unit.  Kelly has one prior felony conviction for Delivery of a Controlled Substance, cocaine, in 2010 in Rock Island County, Illinois.  He also has prior convictions for Battery, Domestic Abuse Assault without Intent Causing Injury, Domestic Abuse Assault, and Domestic Abuse Assault – second offense. 

This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department’s Tactical Operations Bureau 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.

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Media Contact for this release is Rachel Scherle at 515-473-9300, or Rachel.Scherle@usdoj.gov

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - On December 12, 2016, Manuel Espinozaheather Jean Reekr, a 33 year-old resident of Pico Rivera, California, was sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge James E. Gritzner to 240 months of imprisonment for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine, and to 120 months of imprisonment for being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm, to run concurrently.  Espinoza was also sentenced to five years of supervised release to follow the term of imprisonment. 

Jose Luis Tizoc, a 23 year-old resident of San Diego, California, was also sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge James E. Gritzner to 300 months of imprisonment for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine, and to five years of supervised release to follow the term of imprisonment, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.

A jury convicted these defendants at trial on June 27, 2016, finding the defendants guilty on all counts charged, being Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Prohibited Persons in Possession of a Firearm.  This case was the result of a large-scale investigation by law enforcement of methamphetamine trafficking that occurred in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area for approximately one year. 

Beginning at least as early as November of 2014, and continuing through September of 2015, the defendants conspired with multiple other individuals to distribute at least 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Southern District of Iowa or elsewhere.                                                                              

Other defendants who pled guilty for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine and have been sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge James E. Gritzner, include the following:

• Salvador Nunez Trejo, 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release;
• Jessica Moreno, 35 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release;
• Jaime Castillo Gomez, 168 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release;
• Kristopher Hatch, 151 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release;
• Jane Song, 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release;
• Grant M. Carman, 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release; and,
• Greg M. Price, 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.    

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Greater Omaha Safe Streets Task Force and the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force.  This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.  

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 Media Contact for this release is Rachel Scherle at 515-473-9300, or Rachel.Scherle@usdoj.gov 

DAVENPORT, IA - On December 12, 2016, Aaron Lamonte Miles, age 47, of West Burlington, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 48 months in prison for failure to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.  Miles also will be required to serve a ten-year term of supervised release following his release from imprisonment.

On June 27, 2016, Miles pleaded guilty to this charge and admitted that he had previously been convicted of three sex offenses and was required to register as a sex offender per the laws of the state in which he resides, which was most recently Iowa.  Miles failed to comply with the sex offender registry from August 24, 2015, through November 3, 2015.  During that time period, Miles traveled to Ohio without notifying either Iowa or Ohio sex offender registry officials.

The investigation was conducted by the United States Marshals Service.  This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

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 Media Contact is Rachel J. Scherle at 515-473-9300 or at Rachel.Scherle@usdoj.gov  

DES MOINES, IA – On November 21, 2016, Lony Tap Gatwas, 47, of Ames, Iowa, was charged in an 18-count indictment with preparing and presenting false tax returns, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.

According to the indictment, from on or about February 2011, through at least March 2013, Gatwas operated a tax preparation business in Des Moines and prepared and filed federal personal income tax returns on behalf of taxpayers. Gatwas devised a scheme to defraud by claiming dependents on taxpayers’ returns when he knew the dependents did not meet IRS requirements, such as living with the taxpayers for a certain length of time out of the year, and being supported financially by the taxpayer. Gatwas charged taxpayers an additional fee for each dependent he put on their return.

Gatwas has a trial date of January 30, 2017, before United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger, at the Des Moines Federal Courthouse. Preparing and presenting a false tax return is punishable by a maximum of three years imprisonment and a maximum $100,000 fine. The crime of wire fraud has a maximum prison term of 20 years, and up to a $250,000 fine. Gatwas faces a minimum prison term of two years and up to a $250,000 fine for the crime of aggravated identity theft.

An indictment is only an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DES MOINES, IA - On December 5, 2016, James Perin, age 66, and Mardeen Perin, age 62, of West Des Moines, Iowa, appeared before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Celeste F. Bremer and pleaded guilty to tax fraud charges arising out of their operation of Sully's Pub in 2013, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. The Perins admitted to failing to report cash earned through the business that was then deposited into personal bank accounts without being reported on either business or personal tax returns.

Mardeen Perin pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false return, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(2). James Perin pleaded guilty to making and subscribing a false return, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1).

Both defendants face potential maximum penalties under the statute of up to three years of imprisonment and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

Sentencings are presently scheduled for April 12, 2016, before Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey.

The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – Criminal Investigation. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - On December 2, 2016, Mandy Lea Whipple, formerly Mandy Lea Johnson, a 34 year-old resident of Page County, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose, to 18 months in prison followed by five years of Supervised Release for Mortgage Fraud, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.

Whipple entered a guilty plea on June 9, 2016, to Mortgage Fraud for falsifying mortgage loan papers to purchase a house in Fremont County, Iowa. The investigation began with a report of delinquent payments on the purchased Fremont County residence, leading to the discovery that Whipple had falsely obtained a Veteran Administration’s loan to purchase the home, using the name and identifiers of a military veteran that employed her.

As part of the sentence, the Court ordered Whipple to make restitution to the Veteran’s Administration in the amount of $41,675.00; to J.G. Wentworth Mortgage Home Lending, LLC, in the amount of $28,904.27; and to Discover Financial Services in the amount of $5,780.04.

The investigation was conducted by the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Fremont County Attorney’s Office, Department of Veteran Affairs-Office of Inspector General, and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Davenport, IA- On December 1, 2016, Andrew Thomas Zinngrabe, 37, of Bettendorf, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger to 120 months in prison for receiving and distributing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Zinngrabe was ordered to serve ten years of supervised release following his release from prison.

On July 26, 2016, Zinngrabe pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted he received and distributed child pornography in the Southern District of Iowa between April 1 and April 6, 2015. The charges were the result of a peer-to-peer file sharing investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Investigators downloaded a file supplied by Zinngrabe that contained over 100 images of child pornography. A search of Zinngrabe’s computer revealed he possessed 1,680 pictures and six videos containing child pornography.

This investigation was conducted by the Scott County Sheriff’s Department, Bettendorf Police Department, Davenport Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Indictment alleges defendants participated in string of Git-N-Go robberies and used robbery proceeds to purchase and distribute controlled substances

DES MOINES, IA - On November 22, 2016, United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel announced the return of an indictment stemming from an eight month investigation into a series of robberies occurring at businesses in Des Moines, Iowa. The indictment charges Alexander Ray Hamilton with Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery; Conspiracy to Distribute Dilaudid; fifteen counts of Interference with Commerce by Robbery; two counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance; Attempted Interference with Interstate Commerce by Robbery; Bank Robbery; and Use of a Communication Facility to Facilitate Distribution of Dilaudid.

Sarah Victoria Coe is charged with Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery; Interference of Commerce by Robbery; and Bank Robbery.

Shelly Shannon Avery is charged with Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery; and two counts of Interference of Commerce by Robbery.

Chris Brian Avery is charged with Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery; Use of a Communication Facility to Facilitate Distribution of Dilaudid; and Interference with Commerce by Robbery.

Luke Martin, Jr. is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Dilaudid and two counts of Distribution of Dilaudid.

The Indictment alleges Defendants Hamilton, Coe, Shelly Avery, and Chris Avery conspired from as early as March 21, 2016, to April 20, 2016, to interfere with commerce by robbery and to commit bank robbery. One or more of the defendants would identify locations to rob, which included various locations of Git-N-Go, Kum & Go, Hy-Vee, and U.S. Bank in Des Moines. As part of the conspiracy, one or more defendants would obtain transportation to and from the robbery, surveil the robbery locations, and ultimately commit the robbery. Defendant Hamilton used some of the proceeds of the robberies to purchase and distribute controlled substances.

An indictment is only an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The joint investigation was conducted by the Des Moines Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Council Bluffs, Iowa – On November 22, 2016, federal search warrants were executed at the following locations in Iowa and Nebraska:

• Two warrants executed on Tenth Avenue, Council Bluffs.

• Avenue B, Council Bluffs.

• South 19th Street, Council Bluffs.

• North 15th Street, Omaha.

• North 93rd Street, Omaha.

• Rees Street, Omaha.

• South 39th Street, Omaha.

• North 111th Plaza, Omaha.

• South 48th Street, Omaha.

The searches at these locations were official law enforcement actions involving agents and investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Task Force. No other information or comments will be released until documents have been filed with the court as part of the public record.

Council Bluffs, IA- On November 17, 2016, Kenneth J. Heavlow, Jr., a 34 year-old Douglas County, Nebraska resident, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey, to 24 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for failing to register as a sex offender, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.

Heavlow entered a guilty plea on August 11, 2016, to Failure to Register with the Sex Offender Registry in Iowa. Heavlow was required to register as a sex offender in the State of Iowa as a result of a 2008 conviction for attempted child enticement in Sarpy County, Nebraska. An investigation revealed Heavlow moved from a residence in Omaha, Nebraska and was residing in Council Bluffs, Iowa, under a false name, to avoid registering in Iowa.

The investigation was conducted by the United States Marshal Service and the case prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Council Bluffs, IA- On November 17, 2016, Steven Robert Hill, a 33 year-old former Missouri Valley resident, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey, to 54 months in prison to be followed by fifteen years of supervised release for possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.

Hill entered a guilty plea to the charge on June 9, 2016. The investigation began with a report of a domestic assault involving Hill as a victim. During the investigation, law enforcement learned Hill was in possession of child pornography. A search of Hill’s residence located data storage devices that contained child pornography images. Shortly after law enforcement obtained the images, Hill moved to the State of Washington.

This investigation was conducted by the Missouri Valley Police Department, the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force -- Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DES MOINES, IA – On November 15, 2016, Linda Lee Clark, 68, of Corydon, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger to 78 months in prison for embezzlement by a credit union employee, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Clark was ordered to serve five years of supervised release following her imprisonment and to pay $2,494,809.33 in restitution.

On July 15, 2016, Clark pled guilty to a United States Attorney’s Information charging her with embezzlement by a credit union employee. Clark admitted to embezzling approximately $2,494,809 of funds from the SCICAP Credit Union in Chariton, Iowa, from the time she began working there as a bookkeeper in 1978 until she resigned in August 2015. Clark redirected account holders’ deposits into her own personal account and the accounts of her children; and initiated unauthorized withdrawals of funds from member accounts into her own personal account and the accounts of her children. Clark concealed the embezzlement by maintaining two sets of accounting records on the Credit Union’s data processing system. As a result of Clark’s embezzlement, the Credit Union became insolvent and was forced into liquidation.

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

DAVENPORT, IA – On November 14, 2016, Leonard Deshawn Boyd, 24, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 18 months in prison for making a false statement during purchase of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Boyd was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term, and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

Boyd pleaded guilty to making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm on June 20, 2016. The investigation revealed on November 21, 2015, Boyd purchased a Ruger 9 mm pistol from a pawn shop in Davenport. When filling out the required ATF form (Form 4473) he listed a false address.

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 as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.

DAVENPORT, IA – On November 14, 2016, Damarcus Laron Liddell, 29, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 18 months in prison for failure to disclose information to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and false statements to the SSA, each count to run concurrently, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Liddell was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term, and pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

Liddell pleaded guilty to failure to disclose information and making false statements to the SSA on June 27, 2016. During the investigation, it was discovered Liddell applied for disability benefits and was sent to be evaluated by two doctors. At the doctor appointments, Liddell exhibited outrageous behavior suggesting he was unable to understand simple commands and was non-verbal. The agents uncovered documents to support the position that Liddell was feigning a mental illness and had falsely represented to the doctors his physical and mental condition. Additionally, when filling out the SSA forms, Liddell falsely stated he did not have any specialized training, omitting the fact he attended LA James School of Cosmetology.

This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa

DAVENPORT, IA – On November 14, 2016, Algerron Lee Goldsmith, 26, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 18 months in prison for three counts of making false statements during purchase of firearms, to run concurrently, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Goldsmith was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term, pay $300 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, and pay $1,998 in restitution to the State of Iowa.

Goldsmith pleaded guilty to three counts of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm on June 29, 2016. According to the plea agreement, on February 21, 2015, Goldsmith bought a HI Point 380 caliber pistol; on May 2, 2015, Goldsmith bought a HI Point 9 mm pistol; and on June 19, 2015, Goldsmith bought a HI Point 45 caliber pistol. At each purchase, Goldsmith listed a false address on the 4473 Form, which is a document required by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to be filled out at the time of purchase.

During the investigation into the false statements on the 4473 Forms, a fraudulent Social Security document was found at Goldsmith’s residence. This document was used to obtain rent rebate monies in 2014 and 2015 in the amount of $1,998. Goldsmith agreed to pay back the amount reimbursed to him based on the fraudulent document he submitted.

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 as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.

DAVENPORT, IA- On November 9, 2016, Brandy Kay Reschly, age 35, of Washington, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 50 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Reschly was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following her term of imprisonment and to pay $100 to the Crime Victims Fund.

On June 3, 2016, Reschly pleaded guilty and admitted she participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine beginning as early as May 2015 and continuing through November 2015. This charge was a result of an investigation conducted by law enforcement of methamphetamine trafficking that occurred in Washington, Johnson, Muscatine, and Blackhawk counties in Iowa and Phoenix, Arizona.

This matter was investigated by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, the Johnson County Drug Task Force, the Washington 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.

DAVENPORT, IA – On November 9, 2016, Kevin Dwane Carpenter, 51, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 240 months in prison for enticement of a minor, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Carpenter was ordered to serve fifteen years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund.

Carpenter pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor on May 10, 2016. According to the plea agreement, in July 2014, an agent with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations responded to a Craigslist advertisement posted by Carpenter entitled, "Looking for young boy." The agent responded to the advertisement purporting to be a 15-year-old male and Carpenter initiated conversations about performing sexual acts. On August 28, 2014, Carpenter arranged to meet the "child" at a location in Mount Pleasant. At the meet location, agents confronted Carpenter and he admitted he was there to meet a 15-year-old boy with plans to go back to his residence to engage in sexual acts. A forensic examination of Carpenter’s electronic devices showed Carpenter had been communicating with other minors.

This matter was investigated by the Burlington Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative.

Council Bluffs, IA- On October 20, 2016,Michael Charles Garreans, a 55 year-old resident of Harlan, Iowa was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose, to 60 months in prison for possession of child pornography announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Garreans’ term of imprisonment is to be followed by seven years of supervised release.

On June 9, 2016, Garreans entered a guilty plea to a federal indictment, charging Garreans with possessing child pornography on or about July 18, 2014. The charge was the result of an investigation into the posting of a video, which contained images of two unclothed minor girls, on a web site being monitored by law enforcement. Law enforcement followed up with a search warrant of Garreans’ residence and located a computer that contained hundreds of images of child pornography.

The investigation was conducted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Harlan, Iowa Police Department and the United States Marshal’s Service. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Des Moines, IA – On October 21, 2016, Dorothy L. Dillinger, 61, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge James E. Gritzner to 60 months in prison for mail fraud and malicious use of fire, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Dillinger was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following her prison term and to pay $200 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund. A determination regarding restitution will be made at a separate hearing, which date has not yet been scheduled.

Dillinger pled guilty to these offenses on May 24, 2016. As part of her plea, Dillinger admitted to engaging in a scheme to defraud the City of Casey, Iowa, from around 2009 until August 2014, while serving as the City Clerk. As part of that scheme, Dillinger admitted that she used the City’s credit card and City funds to purchase items for personal use without the knowledge or approval of the City Council. Dillinger used the United States Postal Service to mail City checks to pay the resulting credit card statements. Dillinger also admitted to making unauthorized payments to herself for personal expenses without City Council approval or knowledge. Dillinger failed to disclose these expenditures to both the City Council, as well as in minutes from City Council meetings. Dillinger also admitted to maliciously destroying the City of Casey Community Building, which was used in activities affecting interstate commerce, by means of fire. The city building was destroyed by fire from the late night of August 19th into the morning of August 20th in 2014.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Iowa Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal Division, and the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, IA- On October 21, 2016, Lloyd Cortez Horne, age 28, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 60 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Horne was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund.

On March 15, 2016, Horne was stopped by the Davenport Police Department for an outstanding warrant. As a result of that stop, officers found and seized a loaded Ruger 9mm handgun. Horne had prior felony convictions in 2008 and 2009.

This matter was investigated by the 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, IA- On October 20, 2016, Vincent Salvitory Brocato, age 35, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger to fourteen months imprisonment after pleading guilty to escape, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Brocato was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund.

In December 2015, Brocato was transferred to the Davenport Residential Re-Entry Center to serve the remainder of a federal sentence from a conviction for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. On April 6, 2016, Brocato was advised that he was placed on restriction after violating the Residential Re-Entry Center rules. Without authorization, Brocato left and did not return. A federal complaint was filed and an arrest warrant obtained for escape. On April 13, 2016, a Davenport Police Department officer made contact with a subject in VanderVeer Park, identified him as Brocato and placed him under arrest.

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

DAVENPORT, IA- On October 21, 2016, James Henry McGinity, age 67, of Burlington, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 160 months in prison for distributing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. McGinity also will be required to serve a ten-year term of supervised release following his imprisonment. Chief Judge Jarvey also ordered that a computer, a camera, and digital storage media be forfeited. No fine was imposed.

On May 26, 2016, McGinity pled guilty to distribution of child pornography, the first count of a two-count Indictment. McGinity was also charged with possessing child pornography on December 16, 2015. As part of a written plea agreement, McGinity admitted that he distributed child pornography through the internet on August 11, 2013, and that on December 16, 2016, he possessed child pornography. The second charge, possession of child pornography, was dismissed at the sentencing hearing.

The investigation was conducted by the Iowa Department of Public Safety, the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, and the Davenport Police Department. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DES MOINES, IA – – On October 19, 2016, Richard Lee Hauser, M.D., 66, of North Liberty, Iowa, appeared before the Honorable Stephanie M. Rose, and pleaded guilty to two counts of health care fraud, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.

According to the plea agreement, from about October 2008 until about August 2013, Dr. Hauser, a psychiatrist licensed to practice in Iowa, oversaw and personally provided services at a clinic in Grinnell, Iowa. The clinic operated under the name Prevention Systems, Inc. and did business as The Hauser Clinic. Beginning by at least November 8, 2011, and continuing to at least on or about December 31, 2012, Dr. Hauser devised, participated in and intended to devise a scheme to obtain, by means of materially false and fraudulent representations, money and property owned by and under the custody and control of the State of Iowa Medicaid program and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa, in connection with the delivery of and payment for health care benefits and services. As part of this scheme, Dr. Hauser would "up code"—that is, submit and cause to be submitted claims to both Iowa Medicaid and Wellmark misrepresenting the service Hauser provided to certain patients by "coding" for a more expensive service, which was not, in fact, performed, for the purpose of increasing the amount of reimbursement The Hauser Clinic would receive from Iowa Medicaid and Wellmark.

Dr. Hauser is scheduled to be sentenced before The Honorable Stephanie M. Rose, United States District Court Judge, on February 16, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., at the Federal Courthouse in Des Moines. Health care fraud is a felony offense that is punishable by a maximum of ten years of imprisonment and a maximum $250,000 fine.

This matter was investigated by the State of Iowa Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DES MOINES, IA – On October 6, 2016, Andrea G. Baker, 50, of Eklhart, Iowa, appeared before the Honorable Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger and was sentenced to 27 months of imprisonment for mail fraud, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Baker was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following her term of imprisonment and was ordered to pay $1,656,583.11 in restitution.

Baker pled guilty to one count of mail fraud on June 2, 2016. From around July 2000 until August 2014, Baker served as treasurer for the Ames Chi Omega Alumnae Association ("Chi Omega"). Over the course of fourteen years, she utilized her position as treasurer to engage in a scheme to use funds from Chi Omega for her personal benefit. This included mailing checks from Chi Omega’s account to pay for personal credit card expenses, depositing Chi Omega funds into personal bank accounts, and obtaining United States currency from Chi Omega’s account for her personal use. To conceal her misconduct, Baker made materially false entries and material omissions in Chi Omega’s financial records. Over the course of the fourteen-year period, Baker fraudulently received $1,656,583.11 in funds from Chi Omega.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the cooperation of the Ames Chi Omega Alumnae Association. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DES MOINES, IA – On October 5, 2016, Mo Hailong, also known as Robert Mo, 46, appeared before the Honorable Stephanie M. Rose and was sentenced to 36 months imprisonment for conspiracy to steal trade secrets, announced Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin and United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Mo Hailong was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and was ordered to pay restitution in an amount to be determined at a later date. In addition, the Court ordered the forfeiture of two farms, in Iowa and Illinois, that were purchased and utilized by Mo Hailong and others during the course of the conspiracy.

During the course of the conspiracy, Mo Hailong was employed as the Director of International Business of the Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group Company, commonly referred to as DBN. DBN is a Chinese conglomerate with a corn seed subsidiary company, Kings Nower Seed. Mo Hailong is a Chinese national who became a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

According to the plea agreement entered on January 27, 2016, Mo Hailong admitted to participating in a long-term conspiracy to steal trade secrets from DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto. Mo Hailong participated in the theft of inbred corn seeds from fields in the Southern District of Iowa and elsewhere for the purpose of transporting the seeds to DBN in China. The stolen inbred, or parent, seeds were the valuable trade secrets of DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto.

The investigation was initiated when DuPont Pioneer security staff detected suspicious activity and alerted the Federal Bureau of Investigation. DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto were fully cooperative throughout the investigation.

"Mo Hailong stole valuable proprietary information in the form of seed corn from DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto in an effort to transport such trade secrets to China. Theft of trade secrets is a serious federal crime, as it harms victim companies that have invested millions of dollars and years of work toward the development of propriety technology. The theft of agricultural trade secrets, and other intellectual property, poses a grave threat to our national economic security," said United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. "The Justice Department and federal law enforcement partners are committed to prosecuting those who in engage in conduct such as Mo Hailong."

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa and the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, with assistance from the Department’s Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section.

Mo Hailong, a/k/a Robert Mo, 46, a Chinese national, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for conspiracy to steal trade secrets. Mo Hailong was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and was ordered to pay restitution in an amount to be determined at a later date. In addition, the Court ordered the forfeiture of two farms in Iowa and Illinois that were purchased and utilized by Mo Hailong and others during the course of the conspiracy. Mo Hailong is a Chinese national who became a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin and U.S. Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. The sentence was issued by U.S. District Judge Stephanie M. Rose.

During the course of the conspiracy, Mo Hailong was employed as the Director of International Business of the Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group Company, commonly referred to as DBN. DBN is a Chinese conglomerate with a corn seed subsidiary company, Kings Nower Seed.

According to the plea agreement entered on January 27, Mo Hailong admitted to participating in a long-term conspiracy to steal trade secrets from DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto. Mo Hailong participated in the theft of inbred corn seeds from fields in the Southern District of Iowa and elsewhere for the purpose of transporting the seeds to DBN in China. The stolen inbred, or parent, seeds were the valuable trade secrets of DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto.

The investigation was initiated when DuPont Pioneer security staff detected suspicious activity and alerted the FBI. DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto were fully cooperative throughout the investigation.

“Mo Hailong stole valuable proprietary information in the form of seed corn from DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto in an effort to transport such trade secrets to China. Theft of trade secrets is a serious federal crime, as it harms victim companies that have invested millions of dollars and years of work toward the development of propriety technology. The theft of agricultural trade secrets, and other intellectual property, poses a grave threat to our national economic security,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. “The Justice Department and federal law enforcement partners are committed to prosecuting those who in engage in conduct such as Mo Hailong.” 

This matter was investigated by the FBI. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa and the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, with assistance from the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.

Council Bluffs, IA- United States Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa, Kevin E. VanderSchel, announced on September 23, 2016, Omar Rosales-Ixta, a 39 year-old resident of Carter Lake, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James E. Gritzner to 168 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Rosales-Ixta’s term of imprisonment is to be followed by five years of supervised release. Rosales-Ixta entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine on May 26, 2016.

Rosales-Ixta’s co-defendant, Michael Leroy Poore, a 34 year-old resident of Logan, Iowa, was sentenced by Senior Judge James E. Gritzner to 78 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine to be followed by four years of supervised release. Poore entered a guilty plea to the charge on April 29, 2016.

The pleas of guilty and sentencings were the result of an investigation into methamphetamine distribution by the defendants between July and November of 2015. During that time, the defendants distributed over two kilograms of methamphetamine, which was obtained in Omaha and transported to Pottawattamie County where it was sold.

Co-defendant Broc Todd Waltermeyer is scheduled for sentencing on November 2, 2016.

The investigation was conducted by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Omaha 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, IA – On September 19, 2016, Michael Dekota McRae, 28, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to eighteen (18) months imprisonment for conveying false information concerning a biological weapon, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. McRae was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,747.50 and a $100.00 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

McRae, a former legislative clerk to Iowa State Representative Ako Abdul-Samad, admitted to writing a threatening letter addressed to Representative Abdul-Samad. The letter contained racial slurs and threats to kill both McRae and Representative Abdul-Samad. McRae subsequently inserted the letter, along with a white powdery substance, into an envelope which he placed into a legislative mail receptacle.

On April 3, 2012, McRae opened the threatening letter on the chamber floor during an active session of the Iowa Legislature. When McRae opened the letter the white powder, which McRae included to simulate a biological agent or toxin, was released and came into contact with McRae and Representative Abdul-Samad. McRae admitted to perpetrating the hoax to create fear in others.

When McRae committed the crime, legislation proposing to expand existing Iowa law allowing individuals to defend themselves in their home, business or place of employment, commonly referred to as "stand your ground," was pending before the Iowa Legislature. In the days leading up to the hoax, McRae and others participated in a rally on the steps of the Capitol to protest the proposed legislation, and that rally was mentioned in the threatening letter written by McRae.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Iowa State Patrol, the Des Moines Police Department, Des Moines Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team, and the Iowa National Guard 71st Civil Support Team. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, IA – On September 15, 2016, Xavier Elfonsto Buckner, 27, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 96 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Buckner was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund.

Buckner was found guilty of felon in possession of a firearm after a three day jury trial ending on May 11, 2016.

At trial, evidence was presented that on August 3, 2015, there was a shooting in the 700 block of West 14th Street, Davenport, Iowa. Witnesses identified Buckner as the shooter. Officers collected spent casings from the scene and a warrant was issued for Buckner’s arrest. On August 11, 2015, officers in the area of 700 West 14th Street saw Buckner in the passenger seat of a vehicle and attempted to stop the vehicle. The vehicle fled from officers, exceeding the speed limit by 25 miles per hour in residential neighborhoods and disobeying many traffic devices. The chase ended when multiple police cars blocked in the vehicle. A stolen, loaded .380 caliber handgun was found on the back passenger floorboard and identified as belonging to Buckner.

A DCI criminalist compared the four casings collected from the scene on August 3, 2015, to the weapon found in the vehicle on August 11, 2015, and concluded that the casings were fired from that weapon.

Buckner has prior felony convictions for reckless use of a firearm in 2006 and third degree burglary in 2008.

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 as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.

DES MOINES, IA – On September 8, 2016, Timothy Ryan Zollman, 31, of Van Wert, Iowa, was sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge Robert W. Pratt to 120 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for committing two counts of production of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.

According to evidence presented at sentencing, Zollman sexually assaulted and exploited ten prepubescent girls and video recorded the assaults. Zollman’s sentence was enhanced because he committed these crimes while he was listed on the Iowa Sex Offender Registry for a prior conviction.

"The evidence in this case showed Timothy Zollman is a dangerous predator," said United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. "He was brought to justice because one of his victims, a young girl, was brave enough to report his criminal actions. The significant term of incarceration Zollman will serve is appropriate and necessary to protect the public and other potential victims."

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, United States Marshals Service, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Decatur County Sheriff’s Department, Decatur County Attorney’s Office, Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department, Creston Police Department, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation.

The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the United States Department of Justice’s "Project Safe 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.

DAVENPORT, IA – On August 30, 2016, Donna and Randall Hanson of Solon, Iowa, were sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to four (4) years of probation for false statements made to the Social Security Administration, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Restitution will be determined and ordered at a later date.

On May 26, 2016, Donna and Randall Hanson pleaded guilty to making false statements. Donna Hanson pleaded guilty to an additional count of failure to disclose information to the Social Security Administration. According to the plea agreement, Donna received Social Security Disability Income benefits since January 2000. In 2005, 2010, and on April 4, 2014, when Social Security Administration did a review of her benefits, Donna reported she was not married to Randall. Randall also submitted a signed statement on April 4, 2014, indicating he was not married to Donna. However, Donna and Randall told the Veterans Administration (VA) in 2003 they were married, which impacted the amount of benefits Randall received. On August 13, 2004, the VA issued a ruling that determined Randall and Donna had been married since October 1999. Because of the false statements to Social Security Administration, Donna was overpaid by $24,695.95.

This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, IA – On August 29, 2016, Alfred Latrell Jackson, 26, Jason Rahaman Dawson, 45, and Curtis Lee Kemp, 49, all of Iowa City, Iowa, were sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose for their role in a heroin distribution ring in Iowa City, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.

Dawson’s sentence follows his February 24, 2016, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Dawson was sentenced to 144 months in prison and ordered to serve four (4) years of supervised release following his prison term.

Kemp and Jackson’s sentences follow April 12, 2016, jury verdicts that found Jackson guilty of conspiracy to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin, and Kemp guilty of conspiracy to distribute heroin and three counts of distribution of heroin. Jackson was sentenced to 188 months in prison and ordered to serve four (4) years of supervised release following his prison term. Kemp was sentenced to 84 months in prison and three (3) years of supervised release to follow his prison terms.

According to Dawson’s plea agreement and trial testimony, from December 2013 to approximately May 7, 2015, Alfred Jackson gave Jason Dawson large sums of heroin to sell in the Iowa City area. Dawson then gave most of the proceeds back to Jackson, owing Jackson up to $14,000 at a time. Dawson had approximately twenty heroin customers and used others to distribute heroin on his behalf, including Curtis Kemp. Between February 2015 and May 2015, both Kemp and Dawson sold heroin to an undercover officer on three separate occasions. This drug conspiracy involved more than 3,300 grams of heroin.

This matter was investigated by the Johnson County Drug Task Force, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Muscatine County Drug Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration and Iowa City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, IA – On August 29, 2016, Adam Randal Shouse, 31, of Muscatine, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 72 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Shouse was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund.

Shouse pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm on October 27, 2015. According to the plea agreement, on February 23, 2015, officers were notified of a burglary in Bennett, Cedar County, Iowa, where a safe containing approximately fifteen firearms was stolen. The safe was taken to a residence in Moscow, Iowa, where it was cut open and the guns were divided among the participants, including Shouse.

On March 3, 2015, officers conducted a search warrant at Shouse’s residence located in Muscatine, Iowa. Officers located five stolen firearms in the residence. Shouse has a felony conviction for Possession with Intent to Deliver in 2003.

This matter was investigated by the Muscatine Police Department, Muscatine County Sheriff’s Department, Muscatine Drug Task Force, Wilton Police Department, Cedar County Sheriff’s Department, Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Scott County Sheriff’s Department, Whiteside County Sheriff’s 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 as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.

DAVENPORT, IA – On August 29, 2016, Shawn Michael Wegmann, 39, of Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 150 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, and failure to appear, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Wegmann was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term, to pay $300 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund, and to pay victim restitution of $2,811.00.

Wegmann pleaded guilty on March 11, 2016, to three counts of felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possession of a stolen firearm, and failure to appear. According to the plea agreement, Wegmann was involved in three burglaries where numerous guns and other valuable property were taken. Specifically, around January 2015, Wegmann burglarized a house in Long Grove, Iowa, wherein approximately twelve guns were stolen along with a bass boat. Wegmann sold five of the stolen firearms from this burglary to a retailer in Davenport, Iowa, receiving payment for those firearms, and sold another gun to an acquaintance in Muscatine, Iowa.

Then on February 17, 2015, Wegmann burglarized a residence in Morrison, Illinois, and took approximately eleven firearms. Wegmann sold several of the stolen firearms to a person in Muscatine County. And then on February 23, 2015, Wegmann burglarized a residence in Bennett, Iowa, and took a large safe containing approximately fifteen guns. Wegmann and others pried open the safe and the guns were distributed among the participants. Wegmann then helped push the safe into a river to avoid detection.

Prior to November 2014, Wegmann was convicted of at least two felony convictions, which include: Burglary in the Third degree in 1996 (Clinton County, Iowa) and Operating While Intoxicated in 2013 (Clinton County, Indiana).

On July 21, 2015, Wegmann was indicted on three counts for felon in possession of a firearm (Counts 1, 3, 5) and three counts of possession of a stolen firearm (Counts 2, 4, 6). On August 26, 2015, Wegmann was released from the custody of the United States Marshal Service (USMS) with conditions that included GPS monitoring and allowed Wegmann to reside in Kirklin, Indiana.

On October 26, 2015, Wegmann was scheduled to plead to the charges. On October 23, 2015, tamper alerts came in regarding Wegmann’s GPS ankle monitoring device. The GPS device was found cut, taped and zip-tied to the undercarriage of a van in Lafayette, Indiana. A warrant was obtained for Wegmann for a violation of Pre-Trial Release. On October 31, 2015, Wegmann was apprehended in Cuba and detained by Cuban customs officials. On December 8, 2015, Wegmann was expelled from Cuba, arrested by the USMS, and sent back to the SDIA.

This matter was investigated by the Muscatine Police Department, Muscatine County Sheriff’s Department, Muscatine Drug Task Force, Wilton Police Department, Cedar County Sheriff’s Department, Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Scott County Sheriff’s Department, Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department, United States Marshal Service, 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 as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.

DAVENPORT, IA – On August 29, 2016, Franklin Alberto Mendez Alvarado, 31, of Honduras, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 30 months in prison for unlawful entry after deportation, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Mendez Alvarado was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and to pay $100 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund. Mendez Alvarado will be turned over to Homeland Security and deported upon completion of his term of imprisonment.

Mendez Alvarado pleaded guilty to unlawful entry after deportation on May 17, 2016. Mendez Alvarado had previously been deported from the United States to Honduras on December 23, 2014, and re-entered the United States without prior approval.

Previously, on April 4, 2014, Mendez Alvarado pled guilty to Illegal Alien in Possession of a Firearm and Visa Fraud in the Western District of Missouri, and was sentenced on October 16, 2014, to time served and placed on supervised release for three years. Mendez Alvarado was deported to Honduras on December 23, 2014. On August 29, 2016, Mendez Alvarado admitted to violating his prior term of supervised release for returning to the United States and was sentenced to six months imprisonment. This term of imprisonment was ordered to be served consecutively to the 30 months imposed on the above case.

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative.

DAVENPORT, IA - On August 30, 2016, Eddie Jarell Byas, age 29, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to 15 years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty as a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Byas was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay $100 towards the Crime Victims’ Fund. At sentencing, Byas was eligible for an enhanced sentence based on the district court’s finding he was an Armed Career Criminal as the result of two prior felony convictions for serious drug offenses and one prior conviction for a violent felony.

On September 16, 2015, officers with the Davenport Police Department conducted a search of Byas’ residence on West 14th Street in Davenport. Officers found and seized approximately 34.2 grams of marijuana, two digital scales, and a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm semiautomatic handgun. Byas pled guilty on January 22, 2016.

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

DAVENPORT, IA- On August 30, 2016, Robert Ellsworth Brooks, Jr., age 70, of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to five years’ probation and a $5,000 fine, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Brooks pled guilty under the Stolen Valor Act to purchasing medals without proper authorization. Brooks was also ordered to forfeit the unauthorized medals and pay a $25 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

Brooks has served in both the United States Army and the United States Navy. From approximately November 1962 to September 1966, Brooks served in the Navy. From approximately May 1967 until September 1970, Brooks served in the Army. This time in the Army included deployment and service in Vietnam in the helicopter program. From approximately September 1970 until September 1974, he served in the Army Reserve. From approximately September 1974 until January 31, 1986, Brooks served in the Navy and was discharged under "other than honorable conditions." After his discharge from the Army, Brook’s DD-214 dated September 10, 1970, listed the following Awards and Decorations (A & D): National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Aviator Badge, Parachute Badge, 30/S Service Bars, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal (14th award with "V" device).

Sometime between 1971-1974, and during his service in the Army Reserves, Brooks engaged in a conversation with others and as a result compiled a list of Awards and Decorations he thought he deserved, but had not validly been awarded. He knowingly provided this list to another and this information was falsely added to his official military file.

After Brooks began his service in the Navy in 1974, through a series of administrative interactions between the Army and Navy, the Navy obtained a copy of Army records, including a Form 66, which had been populated with this falsely added information under the Awards & Decorations. The Navy relied on this form as legitimate and believed Brooks was entitled to the incorrectly listed Awards & Decorations. When Brooks was discharged from the Navy on January 31, 1986, his DD-214 included the false Awards & Decorations. Throughout the years, the only document that was checked when suspicion arose about the earned Awards & Decorations was the fraudulent DD-214.

On January 31, 1986, Brooks was discharged from the Navy. As part of his plea in federal court, Brooks admitted that the DD-214 dated January 31, 1986, included false Awards & Decorations. Most significantly, Brooks’ DD-214 falsely reported that he had received a Silver Star Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, a Purple Heart with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, and a Combat Infantry Badge. Brooks also admitted that his records falsely included the following: Distinguished Flying Cross with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Airmen Medal with a 57, an Oak Leaf Cluster and "V," Army Commendation Medal with "V," Navy Good Conduct, Navy Pistol Expert, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with star, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign w/ Bar, Republic of Vietnam Honor 1st Class, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Presidential Unit Citation, (Army) Presidential Unit Citation, (Army) Meritorious Unit Citation, (Army) Valorous Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Combat Action Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Republic of Vietnam Air Service, Vietnam Air Cross Gallantry w/ Silver Wings, Army Overseas Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army NCO Proficiency Development, Naval Parachutist Badge, Naval Aviator Badge, Navy Aircrew Member Wings, Army Parachutist Badge, Republic of Vietnam Parachutist Badge, and Pathfinder Badge.

Brooks knew he had not been legitimately authorized to receive these Awards and Decorations. Brooks admitted that he knowingly and intentionally purchased unauthorized Awards & Decorations, including, but not limited to a Silver Star with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, a Purple Heart with 4 Oak Leaf clusters, and a Combat Infantryman Badge.

Brooks has repeatedly and falsely affirmed, in public and private settings, that he was properly entitled to and received the additional Awards & Decorations improperly added to his DD-214. Brooks has failed to correct this erroneous information. On several occasions when others have questioned his service record, Brooks has referred to the 1986 DD-214, knowing that it contained false information. At his sentencing hearing, the district court noted that Brooks’ public claims that he was a prisoner of war (POW) after he and his crew were shot down during the Vietnam War were not credible. The district court also noted that a story published in Chicken Soup for the Veteran’s Soul, based on information provided by Brooks and describing Brooks flying through enemy fire to save a group of Marines, one of which turned out to be a family member, also was apparently not true.

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

Council Bluffs, IA - On August 18, 2016, Tyler Jon Cross, a 25 year old resident of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced by United States Senior District Court Judge Robert Pratt, to 120 months in prison for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Judge Pratt also ordered Johnson to serve a term of 5 years of supervised release upon release from prison, and to pay a $100 special assessment.

The conviction resulted from an investigation conducted by the Iowa State Patrol which began on June 20, 2015 when Iowa State Patrol Troopers attempted to stop two motorcycles that were not displaying registration. A pursuit occurred along Interstate 80, with Cross operating his motorcycle in excess of 100 mph and driving into oncoming traffic. The pursuit ended after Cross left the interstate and traveled along two-lane roads in rural Pottawattamie and Shelby Counties, with Cross eventually losing control of his motorcycle leading to his arrest. In a backpack carried by Cross was discovered over one-half pound of methamphetamine and a loaded nine-millimeter handgun.

The case was investigated by the Iowa State Patrol, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa Division of Narcotic Enforcement, and was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Council Bluffs, IA - On August 18, 2016, Jason Gregory Johnson, a 22-year old resident of Overland Park, Kansas, was sentenced by United States Senior District Court Judge Robert Pratt, to 63 months in prison for transporting a person with the intent to engage in prostitution announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Judge Pratt also ordered Johnson to serve a term of 10 years of supervised release upon release from prison, and to pay a $100 special assessment.

The conviction resulted from an investigation that began on January 27, 2016, when the Omaha, Nebraska, Police Department was notified of a minor female being in the Omaha area committing acts of prostitution. On January 28, 2016, Omaha police along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation made contact with the female and learned that she had engaged in acts of prostitution in Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa. Johnson was identified as the person who was providing transportation to the minor between the three states in exchange for a portion of the profits earned by the minor.

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

DES MOINES, IA – On July 27, 2016, Aaron Lawrence Storm, 35, of Ankeny, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to a total of 12 years in federal prison and 15 years of supervised release. Storm had previously pleaded guilty to the offense of possession of child pornography, as well as the offense of attempted kidnapping which was based on threats the defendant made that were directed toward the family of the prosecutor handling his child pornography case.

The child pornography case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Ankeny Police Department, and was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

The attempted kidnapping case was investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service, and was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA- On August 3, 2016, Jaime Castillo Gomez, 39, of Mexico City, Mexico, was sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge James E. Gritzner to 168 months in prison announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Castillo Gomez was also ordered to a five year term of supervised release, to follow his imprisonment.

On February 26, 2016, Castillo Gomez pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, which was the result of an investigation by law enforcement of methamphetamine trafficking that occurred in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area for over a one-year time period. Beginning at least as early as November of 2014, and continuing through September of 2015, Castillo Gomez conspired with multiple other individuals to distribute at least 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Southern District of Iowa and elsewhere.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Greater Omaha Safe Streets Task Force and the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA- On July 28, 2016, Steven B. Davis, a 58 year-old resident of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger to 180 months in prison, and 3 years of supervised release to follow the term of imprisonment, for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel.

On April 13, 2016, a jury in the Southern District of Iowa found Davis guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The charge against Davis was the result of an investigation by law enforcement of methamphetamine trafficking that took place between Omaha, Nebraska, and Audubon County, Iowa. The evidence at trial showed that from as early as June of 2014, continuing through August of 2014, Davis conspired with others to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine in the Southern District of Iowa.

The investigation was conducted by the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

DAVENPORT, IA – On July 22, 2016, Robert W. Webster, 66, of Davenport, Iowa, after three days of trial, pleaded guilty before Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to three counts of an Indictment charging one count of conspiracy to commit bribery involving governments receiving federal funds in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 666(a)(2) & (b) and 371 and two counts of bribery concerning governments receiving federal funds in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(1)(B), announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Webster, the former City Electrician for the City of Bettendorf, Iowa, admitted that from 2004 or earlier, until around July of 2010, he conspired with persons at Brown Traffic Products, Inc. (BTP) of Davenport to accept all-expenses-paid trips including airfare, lodging, meals, drinks, and entertainment intending to be rewarded or influenced in connection with business transactions with the City of Bettendorf.

Webster admitted in March of 2009, he accepted $2,700 from an employee of BTP in the form of a check issued to Webster’s wife and deposited into her credit union account. The March 2009 payment was accepted by Webster with the intent that he rewarded and influenced in connection with business transactions, past and future, between BTP and the City of Bettendorf. He further admitted that in September of 2009, he accepted payment for golf at the Kokopelli golf course in Gilbert, Arizona, from an employee of BTP as a reward or as influence for transactions with the City of Bettendorf.

For the bribery charges, on each of the two counts, Webster faces a potential statutory sentence of up to ten years (10) years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of up to two (2) years of supervised release to follow any term of imprisonment. For the conspiracy charge, Webster faces a potential statutory sentence of up to five years (5) years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of up to one (1) year of supervised release to follow any term of imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled before Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey on December 14, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Davenport, Iowa.

Other persons who have pled guilty in this investigation are Robert L. Budd, Jr., Daniel O. Fuchs, and David Schiltz, all former employees of Brown Traffic Products, Inc.

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

DAVENPORT, IA – – On July 13, 2016, Monte A. Cox, 56, of Bettendorf, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to three months in federal prison for filing a false tax return announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Cox was also ordered to serve one year of supervised release following his prison term, pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, and to cooperate with the Internal Revenue Service in the determination, assessment, and payment of any tax liability that Cox may have for calendar years 2007 through 2010.

Cox pled guilty on October 5, 2015. According to the plea agreement, Cox knowingly underreported income on his personal tax returns for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. During this period Cox resided in Bettendorf, Iowa, and earned income as a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promoter and fighter manager. He operated his business under the name Ultimate Productions, Inc. For each of these years, Cox knew that he had received income from his MMA-related activities and ownership of Ultimate Productions, Inc. that exceeded the income he reported on his tax returns. Cox underreported his income by an estimated $255,036 for 2007, $295,854 for 2008, $405,778 for 2009, and $152,509 for 2010. As a result, Cox owed the government an additional $370,478 in taxes for 2007-2010 beyond what he claimed in his false returns.

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