Southern District of Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Des Moines man was sentenced on November 20, 2025, to 21 and a half years in federal prison for conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, interference with commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and felon in possession of a firearm.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Jeremiah Kenneth McGregor, 23, robbed four Des Moines area Git-N-Go convenience store locations while armed with a firearm on October 5, 2024, October 7, 2024, October 10, 2024, and October 12, 2024, and attempted to rob a fifth Git-N-Go on October 6, 2024. In each robbery, McGregor entered the Git-N-Go, brandished and threatened a Git-N-Go employee with a firearm, and demanded cash.  On October 13, 2024, McGregor, who was in possession of a loaded firearm, ran from the officers during a traffic stop and was subsequently arrested. 

After completing his term of imprisonment, McGregor will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. McGregor was also ordered to pay $1,346 in restitution. The district court also ordered this federal sentence to run consecutive to a December 2024 state sentence imposed after a parole revocation.

McGregor’s co-defendant, Donault Seandrea Logan, 23, of Des Moines, is scheduled to be sentenced on January 6, 2026.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Des Moines Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

DES MOINES, Iowa – On October 15, 2025, a federal grand jury in Des Moines charged a Des Moines man with computer fraud.

The Indictment alleges that Ezekiel Dean Potter, 34, after being terminated by his employer in April 2023, accessed or attempted to access to the employer’s computer systems without the employer’s authorization. When he gained access, Potter reset usernames and passwords for the employer’s accounts and deleted or revoked access to employer’s accounts. The Indictment alleges Potter engaged in this conduct for over a year and a half—from May 14, 2023, until at least January 16, 2025. Potter’s actions caused widespread disruption to the employer’s operations and resulted in tens of thousands of dollars in losses to the employer.

Trial is scheduled for June 1, 2026. If convicted, Potter could be sentenced up to 10 years in federal prison.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Lubben is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Prairie City man was sentenced on November 18, 2025, to 180 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography and 24 months in federal prison for revocation of his supervised release.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Anthony Charles VanMeter, 55, was on federal supervised release for a conviction of possession of child pornography. In October 2024, law enforcement visited another individual under federal supervision and located VanMeter. VanMeter admitted two cell phones at the residence belonged to him. One of the cell phones was later found to child sexual abuse material, including more than 75 photographs and 250 videos.

At sentencing, the Court also found VanMeter violated the terms of his federal supervised release for his 2016 conviction for possession of child pornography in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. VanMeter received an 84-month sentence in 2016, was released from prison in 2022, and his supervised release was revoked in October 2022, November 2023, and September 2024.

After completing his term of imprisonment, VanMeter will be required to serve a 10-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Vanmeter was also ordered to pay $24,000 in restitution.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Rodolfo Tellez Gutierrez, Jr., 23, threw a gun out of the window of a vehicle during a traffic stop. Review of Gutierrez’s phone revealed messages with the purchaser of the recovered firearm.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Gutierrez will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Scott County Sherriff’s Office.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Two Quad Cities men were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a racketeering conspiracy, which engaged in a years-long pattern of violence, including murder, attempted murder, and drug trafficking.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at trials and sentencings, the racketeering conspiracy involved Fifth Street gang members. The Fifth Street Gang is also known as the “Arsenal Courts Posse,” “Zone Fifth,” “Fifth Street Mafia,” “Rock Town Money Getters (RTMG),” and “Money Team.” The Fifth Street gang operated as a criminal enterprise responsible for numerous acts of violence, including murder and attempted murder in the Davenport and Rock Island area. The criminal enterprise was connected to dozens of shooting investigations and at least seven homicides over the course of two decades.

SENTENCES

Rasheem Damonte Bogan, 34, was sentenced on October 9, 2025, to 27 years in federal prison for racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of ammunition charges, followed by three years of supervised release. On June 1, 2020, Bogan and seven co-defendants went to Necker’s Jewelers to commit a burglary. While there, the group encountered a man they mistakenly believed to be a rival gang member. Bogan and others fired 33 rounds from four firearms, seriously injuring the victim.

Kylea Dapri Cartwright, Jr., 29, was sentenced on November 6, 2025, to 30 years in federal prison for racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of ammunition charges, followed by three years of supervised release. Cartwright was also ordered to pay $29,732.23 in restitution. Following a six-day jury trial, Cartwright was found guilty of racketeering conspiracy and possessing ammunition as a felon. Evidence at trial demonstrated that on July 5, 2020, Cartwright fired four rounds from a .40 caliber pistol toward a man on West Third Street in Davenport, resulting in the victim’s death. Cartwright used the same pistol that another Fifth Street Gang member had fired during the Necker’s Jewelers shooting a month earlier.

ADDITIONAL DEFENDANTS

In total, 14 defendants, including Bogan and Cartwright, were convicted of federal crimes related to the Fifth Street Gang’s criminal conduct between April 2006 and February 2024. The 12 co-defendants were sentenced as follows:

• Don Christopher White, Jr. was sentenced to 480 months’ imprisonment;
• Raheem Jacques Houston was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment;
• Deaguise Ramont Hall was sentenced to 400 months’ imprisonment;
• Brandon Deshane Branigan was sentenced to 226 months’ imprisonment;
• Michael Linn Cross was sentenced to 216 months’ imprisonment;
• Devell Carl Lewis was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment;
• LaShawn D. James Hensley was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment;
• Simmeon Terrell Hall was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment;
• Ricky Lee Childs, Jr. was sentenced to 160 months’ imprisonment;
• Timothy Justin Beaver was sentenced to 235 months’ imprisonment;
• Devante Atwell French was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment; and
• Cortez Deangelo Cooper, Jr. was sentenced to 162 months’ imprisonment.

STATEMENTS

“This was a thorough and relentless investigation. Our officers stayed committed, and prosecutors were steadfast in seeking justice,” said Davenport Police Chief Jeffery Bladel. “Gun violence will never be tolerated in our community. These dangerous individuals showed no regard for human life and are now being held accountable. I’m incredibly thankful for our investigators, officers, and partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office whose dedication has made our city safer. The message is clear: if you commit violent acts, you will be held accountable.”

“This case represents years of tireless investigative work and close collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies to dismantle one of the most violent criminal organizations operating in the Quad Cities,” said United States Attorney David C. Waterman for the Southern District of Iowa. “The sentences imposed send an unequivocal message: those who bring violence, guns, and drugs into our communities will be held fully accountable under federal law. And let me be clear—anyone who threatens or attempts to harm our law enforcement partners will face the full force of the federal government. Our office will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the men and women who safeguard our communities every day, working together to restore safety, stability, and peace to our neighborhoods.”

* * *

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport and Rock Island Police Departments, with assistance from the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Department of Criminal Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Drug Enforcement Administration.

DES MOINES, Iowa – A federal grand jury in Des Moines returned an 11 count indictment on October 16, 2025, charging a Des Moines man with wire fraud.

As alleged in the Indictment, Martin James Tirrell, 65, ran a scheme to defraud multiple individuals between February 2024 and January 2025. Tirrell’s scheme involved obtaining money from individuals that he claimed would be used to buy tickets to high-demand sports and concert events and resold at a profit. Instead, Tirrell used a majority of the funds for gambling and personal expenses, repaying loans, and paying other investors for earlier payments. In total, investors provided Tirrell several million dollars and the victim investors sustained a combined loss exceeding $1.5 million.

Tirrell was on federal supervised release for a 2019 mail fraud conviction. Tirrell was released from his 41-month prison sentence in January 2023.

Tirrell made his initial court appearance on October 20, 2025, before a United States Magistrate Judge of the United State District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. Trial was set for December 1, 2025. Tirrell will remain detained in federal custody pending further proceedings.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

DES MOINES, Iowa – The former Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent, and citizen of Guyana made his initial appearance before a United States Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa today on a criminal complaint charging him with being an illegal alien in possession of firearms.

According to allegations in the criminal complaint, Ian Andre Roberts, 54, possessed four firearms on September 26, 2025, being an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States. Roberts will remain detained in federal custody pending further proceedings.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

"A copy of the criminal complaint may be located here: Ian Andre Roberts Criminal Complaint - 4:25-mj-630."

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – Four Georgia men were sentenced for their role in a nationwide fraud conspiracy.

According to public court documents, between March 2022 and April 2024, Russell Tafron Weatherspoon, 26, Karl Andre Dieudonne, 23, Demonte Tequis Brazil, 32, and Gregory Lamar Scorza, 25, ran a multi-state fraud scam. The scammers led victims in several states across the United States, including Iowa, to believe that an arrest warrant had been issued for them for failing to appear in court. The scammers used names of local law enforcement officers and used an application that spoofed law enforcement phone numbers. The victims were told they would be arrested if a cash bond was not posted. The victims were directed to a bond company or other location to meet and pay a bond for failing to appear as an expert witness pursuant to a subpoena. The scam involved the use of legal terminology, purported court proceedings, and threats of arrest to authenticate the scam.

Weatherspoon led and organized these activities from a Georgia state prison. A drone was used to fly over the prison and drop cell phones into the yard that were then utilized by inmates to make the scam calls. Weatherspoon was in prison following his 2020 convictions for aggravated assault and violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.

Weatherspoon was sentenced on April 9, 2025, to 130 months in federal prison. Dieudonne was sentenced on May 13, 2025, to 36 months in federal prison. Brazil was sentenced on May 13, 2025, to 51 months in federal prison. Scorza was sentenced September 9, 2025, to 72 months in federal prison. One additional man has been charged in the conspiracy but has not yet been arrested.

After completing their terms of imprisonment, each defendant will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Victim restitution was also ordered.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Council Bluffs Police Department, Iowa City Police Department, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations, Iowa State Patrol, Omaha Police Department, and Eppley Airport Police.

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Marshalltown man was sentenced on September 12, 2025, to 17 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to public court documents, in October 2024, Matthew Allen Sumpter, 39, was found in possession of nearly a pound of methamphetamine, a scale, cash, and a loaded handgun. Based on the investigation, Sumpter was responsible for distributing multiple pounds of methamphetamine in the Marshalltown area. Sumpter has multiple prior felony convictions, including prohibited person in possession of a firearm, harassment, domestic abuse assault by strangulation, and multiple eluding convictions.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Sumpter will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced on September 15, 2025, to 180 months in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor and failure to register as a sex offender.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Gerald Brian Hoard, 52, was on federal supervised release due a 2022 conviction for attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor. In July 2024, Hoard sent pictures and arranged to meet up with a person who Hoard believed was a 14-year-old male. Hoard made plans to meet the minor at a Davenport movie theatre, and said he wanted to engage in sexual acts with the minor. After Hoard arrived at the movie theatre, law enforcement approached Hoard. Hoard admitted that he planned to meet a 14-year-old and that they had discussed sex acts. Hoard’s cell phones were examined, which revealed evidence of internet identifiers, including Facebook and Grindr accounts, which Hoard failed to register as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Hoard will be required to serve a ten-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

Hoard’s supervised release for his prior federal conviction was revoked and the Court sentenced Hoard to 12 months imprisonment, concurrent to the 180-month sentence.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and Scott County Sheriff’s Office.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Burlington man was sentenced on September 16, 2025, to 288 months (24 years) in federal prison for possessing a distribution quantity of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm as a prohibited person.

According to public court documents, Chad Jacob Runnells, 49, sold and received methamphetamine during several controlled purchases to law enforcement. In September 2024, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at Runnells’ residence and adjacent stash house and found about 3.5 pounds of methamphetamine, a loaded firearm, and more than $10,000. Based on evidence obtained during the investigation, Runnells was responsible for distributing more than 65 pounds of methamphetamine. Runnells was prohibited from possessing firearms, including based on a 2021 conviction for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver as a habitual offender in the Iowa District Court for Des Moines County, and a 2013 conviction for domestic abuse assault impeding airflow in the Iowa District Court for Warren County.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Runnells will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Burlington Police Department, West Burlington Police Department, Des Moines County Sheriff's Office, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Henry County Sheriff's Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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 gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Muscatine man was sentenced to 58 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon.

According to public court documents, in May 2024, Robert Owen Knapp, III, 33, fled on foot armed with a pistol, following an attempted traffic stop. Knapp was apprehended and had a pistol in his hand. At the time, Knapp was on federal supervised release due to a 2017 conviction for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Knapp will be required to serve a four-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

Knapp’s supervised release for his prior federal conviction was revoked and the Court sentenced Knapp to a nine-month term of imprisonment, consecutive to the 58-month sentence.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Iowa City man was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition.

According to public court documents, in May 2024, Alfred Washington, Jr., 46, possessed ammunition as a felon. A receipt for shooting accessories was found during the search warrant at Washington’s Iowa City residence and videos showing Washington at a gun range were found on Washington’s phone. Washington is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because he is felon, including a 2018 conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon and domestic abuser in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Washington will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department.

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 gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Iowa City man was sentenced on September 15, 2025, to 168 months in federal prison for Receipt of Child Pornography.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, during a 2023 investigation, an account, later determined to be associated with Jeffrey Alan Guentert, 57, downloaded files containing child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement seized 87 electronic devices during a search of Guentert’s Iowa City residence and place of employment. Guentert was a city employee. A forensic examination of the seized electronic devices showed that Guentert used at least 44 of the devices to receive, view, and possess images and videos containing child sexual abuse material, including more than 5000 images and 1500 videos, between 2019 and 2023.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Guentert will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Guentert was also ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Johnson County Joint Forensic Analysis Cyber Team and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. 

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for possessing child pornography.

According to public court documents, David Anthony Tumea, 44, resided at a residential reentry center as a term of his federal supervised release resulting from a 2014 conviction for possessing an unregistered firearm and possessing ammunition as a felon. Residential Reentry Center staff located four flash drives inside Tumea’s hat when he entered the facility, which led to searches of Tumea’s vehicle and room where additional storage devices and a cell phone located. A total of 27 devices were seized from Tumea and multiple devices were found to contain child sexual abuse material.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Tumea will be required to serve a ten-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Tumea was also ordered to pay $35,000 in restitution.

Tumea’s supervised release for his prior federal conviction was revoked and the Court sentenced Tumea to 18 months imprisonment, consecutive to the 87-month sentence.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Scott County Sheriff's Office.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

DES MOINES, Iowa – An Oskaloosa man was sentenced on September 10, 2025, to 18 years in federal prison for the sexual exploitation of a child.

According to public court documents, Matthew Scott Beal, 42, produced child pornography of a minor child. Beal also used the internet to distribute four videos of child pornography to an undercover law enforcement account operated by the Homeland Security’s Newark Child Exploitation Task Force. Later, law enforcement seized Beal’s phone during a search of his home in Oskaloosa. Beal’s phone contained over 100 images and videos of child pornography, including prepubescent children engaged in sex acts with adults.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Beal will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Beal was also ordered to pay $15,938.50 in restitution to multiple victims.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations Newark Child Exploitation Group, the Oskaloosa Police Department, and the Iowa Department of Public Safety Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

DES MOINES, Iowa – On September 11, 2025, federal search warrants were executed at the following locations in the Des Moines metropolitan area:

• 800th block of SW Ordnance Road, Ankeny;
• 1400th block of Arlington Avenue, Des Moines;
• 1200th block of Wall Avenue, Des Moines;
• 2500th block of East 23rd Street, Des Moines;
• 1300th block East Sheridan Avenue, Des Moines;
• 900th block of Emma Avenue, Des Moines;
• 100th block of East 28th Street, Des Moines;
• 1600th block of Army Post Road, Des Moines;
• 2200th block of Lyon Street, Des Moines;
• 2900th block of Dubuque Avenue, Des Moines; and
• 3000th block of Gateway Drive, Carlisle.

The searches at these locations were an official law enforcement action involving officers, agents, investigators, and analysts from Des Moines Police Department, FBI Des Moines Resident Agency of the Omaha Field Office, Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force (MINE), Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement East (MINE East), Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force, Metro Special Tactics and Response (STAR), FBI Omaha Field Office, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement (DNE), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), FBI Omaha SWAT, FBI Kansas City SWAT, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Patrol SWAT, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, Story County Sheriff’s Office, Clive Police Department, West Des Moines Police Department, Altoona Police Department, Carlisle Police Department, Knoxville Police Department, Ankeny Police Department, Marshall County’s Sheriff’s Office, Urbandale Police Department, Windsor Heights Police Department, Newton Police Department, Pleasant Hill Police Department, Suburban Emergency Response Team (SERT), and Cedar Rapids Police Department.

DES MOINES, Iowa – An Adel man was sentenced on Friday, September 5, 2025, to 108 months in federal prison for transportation of child pornography.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a CyberTip that an account, later determined to be associated with Douglas Harsh, 55, received files containing child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement seized electronic devices during a search of Harsh’s Adel residence. The investigation showed that Harsh was a member of an online chat group whose members shared images and videos of child pornography including content of prepubescent children.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Harsh will be required to serve a seven-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Harsh was also ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children, and the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. For information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Nevada woman was sentenced on September 3, 2025, to three years of probation for trafficking counterfeit Louis Vuitton merchandise.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Traci Linn Hubbard, 57, in March 2023, sold counterfeit Louis Vuitton merchandise out of her store, Unique Boutique, in Nevada, Iowa. On March 23, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Unique Boutique and over 100 counterfeit Louis Vuitton items were seized.

Hubbard was also ordered to pay $13,800.41 in restitution to Louis Vuitton North America, Inc.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Clinton man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for receipt of child pornography and attempted production of child pornography.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received CyberTips that an account, later determined to be associated with Eric Jensen Salter, 37, received files containing child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement seized electronic devices during a search of Salter’s Clinton residence. The investigation showed that Salter’s email account was used to seek out, receive, view, and possess child pornography, including content of prepubescent children. The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office further received records from Salter’s email account that revealed an email exchange with a sixteen-year-old female between May and October 2018. Salter attempted to use, persuade, induce, or entice the minor female to engage in sexually explicit conduct, with the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct, by requesting her to send sexually explicit images of herself to him.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Salter will be required to serve a ten-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Salter was also ordered to pay $8,000 in restitution.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Clinton County Sheriff's Office, Davenport Police Department, and the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. For information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.

DES MOINES, Iowa – Three of the leaders of a nationwide bank fraud and money laundering conspiracy were sentenced to a combined 421 months in federal prison.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Thaddeus Jerome Lee, Latroy L. Currie, and Johnnie Lee Thomas, were the founders and leaders of bank fraud and money-laundering conspiracies that operated from California to Connecticut, and numerous states in between, including Iowa. Over the course of approximately two and a half years, they attempted to deposit at least $15 million in stolen checks at various financial institutions throughout the country. They successfully obtained at least $2.9 million in fraudulent proceeds.

Lee and Thomas lived in Arizona, and Currie lived in Indiana. They recruited dozens of individuals to commit acts of bank fraud and money laundering as part of the scheme. They obtained tens of millions of dollars’ worth of stolen checks; created many fake business entities to facilitate the fraud and laundering; and supervised many co-conspirators who went into banks and credit unions in several states, opened fraudulent checking accounts, and deposited the stolen checks. Lee, Thomas, and Currie laundered the proceeds of the stolen checks by withdrawing the funds from the fraudulently obtained accounts and sharing the proceeds with their co-conspirators. Lee was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment, Currie to 135 months’ imprisonment, and Thomas to 135 months’ imprisonment. After completing their terms of imprisonment, all three will be required to serve terms of supervised release—Lee and Currie will serve five-year terms, and Thomas will serve a three-year term. There is no parole in the federal system.

Eleven more co-conspirators have been sentenced on similar charges for their roles in the conspiracy. Tiarra Lenae Jones, was sentenced to a 96 month prison term, followed by a five-year term of supervised release; Stephen Rashad Haley, was sentenced to a 384 month prison term, followed by a five-year term of supervised release; Lovely Hall was sentenced to a 60 month prison term, followed by a three-year term of supervised release; Kila Wright was sentenced to a 54 month prison term, followed by a three-year term of supervised release; Kira Ashleigh Johnson, was sentenced to a 42 month prison term, followed by a three-year term of supervised release; John Ivory Winston, Jr. was sentenced to a 30 month prison term, followed by a three-year term of supervised release; Reanna R. Haymon was sentenced to a 12 months-and-one-day prison term, followed by a three-year term of supervised release; Shapara Monee Hunter, was sentenced to a 8 month prison term, followed by a two-year term of supervised release; Mario Ricardo Smith was sentenced to a 6 month prison term, followed by a three-year term of supervised release; Jazlinn Tapp, was sentenced to a 4 month prison term, followed by a three-year term of supervised release; and Somore Renee Hill, was sentenced to a 12 months-and-one-day prison term, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Four more co-conspirators, Malik K. Marshal, Toni Lynette Renfroe, Carnell A. Thomas, Jr., and Erin R. Smith, are awaiting sentencing.  

“A combined total of 421 months in prison for the leaders of this check fraud scheme should send a message about the seriousness of the crime,” said Special Agent in Charge William Steenson of IRS Criminal Investigation’s St. Louis Field Office. “Stealing checks, money laundering, and bank fraud…these are not victimless crimes. The sentences imposed are the result of IRS-CI’s commitment to identifying and investigating check fraud and working with other federal agencies to ensure the guilty are held accountable.”

The FBI stated “These defendants orchestrated a sophisticated illegal scheme to defraud businesses and our banking systems. This kind of criminal activity erodes public trust and undermines our nation’s economic security. The FBI will continue to work with our partners to aggressively investigate and hold accountable criminals who use deception and dishonesty to steal money from innocent victims and businesses. Financial fraud is not a victimless crime.”

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case with assistance from the Postal Inspection Service; Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; Homeland Security Investigations; and Secret Service, as well as with assistance from numerous state and local agencies.

Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph Lubben, Kristin Herrera, and Kyle Essley (former) prosecuted the case.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Waterloo man was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for Attempted Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illicit Sexual Activities.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, in October 2023, Gabriel Keith Usher, 47, began messaging over the internet with an undercover officer posing as a 15-year-old minor. Within days, Usher professed his love for the minor and suggested sexual acts they could engage in. When Usher arrived at a designated location to meet with the minor, law enforcement seized his cell phone. In October 2024, Usher was sentenced in Black Hawk County, Iowa to 5 years in state prison on unrelated state charges of enticing a minor under age 16, and sexual exploitation of a minor.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Usher will be required to serve a ten-year term of supervised release. Usher was also ordered to register. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa. This case was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. For information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Des Moines man and reported member of the Black P Stones criminal street gang was sentenced on August 27, 2025, to 262 months in federal prison for his participation in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

According to public court documents, in the spring of 2024, law enforcement learned that Kevin Stanley Harris, Jr., 44, was a high-level fentanyl dealer operating in Des Moines. Following a seven-month investigation, law enforcement confirmed that Harris traveled to and from Chicago, Illinois, to obtain large quantities of fentanyl for redistribution in Des Moines and had multiple co-conspirators working with and for him to distribute fentanyl on a daily or near daily basis. Harris was arrested on December 18, 2024, the same day thirteen federal search warrants were executed, which resulted in the seizure of approximately 610 grams of heroin/fentanyl mixture, approximately 135 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 260 grams of marijuana, as well as 19 firearms and more than $13,000 in U.S. currency amongst the residences. Harris was sentenced under the United States Sentencing Guidelines as a career offender and has an extensive criminal history that includes possession of weapons and multiple drug-related convictions, including a prior federal conviction out of the Northern District of Iowa, as well as convictions involving cocaine and THC.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Harris will be required to serve an eight-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Des Moines Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and United States Postal Inspection Service.

Des Moines Police Department Chief Michael McTaggart said the following of the investigation and sentence: “The Des Moines Police Department is grateful for the strong partnership with our federal agencies, whose collaboration has been essential in our ongoing efforts to protect our community from the devastating effects of the illegal distribution of fentanyl. Justice for families impacted, and the prevention of tragedies yet to happen, comes from the joint efforts of the men and women who work together to intervene in the trafficking of this deadly drug.”

“Through our joint enforcement efforts, we’ve dismantled a criminal organization that posed a direct threat to the safety and stability of various communities,” said Bryan Musgrove, Inspector in Charge of the Denver Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “This sentencing is a result of a coordinated effort of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to keep heroin and other drugs out of our communities.”

“Fentanyl is an exceptionally destructive drug that wreaks havoc on our communities. We will continue partnering aggressively with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in Iowa. The sentencing of Kevin Stanley Harris, Jr., is one important step in our continuing fight to keep fentanyl out of our neighborhoods” said FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel.

Harris’s co-defendants are scheduled to be sentenced as follows: Adonis Devora, 44, of Des Moines, on September 22, 2025; Devonte Hassell, 29, of Houston, Texas, on September 30, 2025; Ricky Ellis, 30, of Des Moines, on October 1, 2025; Ryan Redmond, 31, of Chicago, Illinois, on October 20, 2025; and Terrell Harris, 41, of Chicago, Illinois, on December 2, 2025.

Fentanyl is the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. Fentanyl deaths for youth ages 15 to 24 more than doubled between 2018 and 2022. Counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills often resemble pharmaceutical pills, but contain potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. Visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website to learn more about One Pill Can Kill.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Iowa City man was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, in January 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the home of Janard Fitzgerald Goins, 34, and found methamphetamine, crack, and marijuana, $5,877 dollars, and a Glock 17 9mm handgun. Goins’ phone contained several photographs showing his possession of the Glock 17 handgun, along with other evidence of drug trafficking. Goins has a prior felony conviction from Illinois.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Goins will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by Iowa City Police Department.

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 gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Des Moines woman was sentenced on August 28, 2025, to 192 months in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.

According to public court documents, on January 6, 2024, the Des Moines Police Department responded to the overdose death of a Des Moines man. Ashley Lynn Andrews, 38, was identified as the dealer of the fentanyl that killed the man. Thereafter, law enforcement conducted several controlled buys of fentanyl from Andrews. On April 12, 2024, Andrews was found slumped over the wheel of her vehicle at a gas station in possession of 36 grams of fentanyl, a distribution quantity.

After completing her term of imprisonment, Andrews will be required to serve a four-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Andrews was also ordered to pay $20,150 in restitution.

In March 2025, co-defendant Earl Sandeleo Galtney, 44, of Cedar Rapids, was sentenced to 142 months in federal prison, and co-defendant Shannon D. Robertson, 44, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced to 125 months in federal prison.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Des Moines Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Central Iowa Gang Task Force.

Fentanyl has become the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. Counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills often resemble pharmaceutical pills, but contain potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. In 2023, accidental overdose was the number one cause of death in 37 states for residents under 40 years old. https://stateline.org/2023/09/05/death-rates-for-people-under-40-have-skyrocketed-blame-fentanyl/. In Iowa, opioid-related deaths reached a record high 258 in 2021, up 64% compared with 2019, and decreased 8% in 2022. https://hhs.iowa.gov/media/11935/download.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Iowa City man was sentenced to 132 months in federal prison for Receipt of Child Pornography.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Heath Ashley Harmon, 49, received, uploaded, and distributed files containing child sexual abuse material. During an online investigation into the BitTorrent network, law enforcement discovered Harmon was distributing child pornography content over the internet from August 2023 through January 2024. During a search warrant at Harmon's Iowa City residence, law enforcement seized several electronic devices. A forensic examination showed Harmon stored child pornography on seven devices, including a laptop, two phones, SD cards, and other storage devices.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Harmon will be required to serve an eight-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Harmon was also ordered to pay $35,000 in restitution.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa. This case was investigated by Johnson County Joint Forensic Analysis Cyber Team.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. 

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Chicago man was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for Escape from Custody.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Terrance Martice Miller, 38, absented himself from a Residential Reentry Center (RRC) where he was ordered to reside after a supervised release violation. Miller left the facility and did not return. In May 2024, while on escape status from the RRC, Miller strangled an adult female victim until she could not breathe. Following a criminal charge due to the assault, Miller called the victim over 80 times attempting to her get her to drop the criminal charges.   

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Council Bluffs man was sentenced July 24, 2025, to 180 months in federal prison for receipt of child pornography and possession of a firearm as felon.

According to public court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a CyberTip that an account, later determined to be associated with David Michael Morse, 55, received and uploaded an image containing child sexual abuse material. During a search of Morse’s Council Bluffs residence, law enforcement seized Morse’s electronics, including a cellular phone, and firearms. A forensic examination of Morse’s phone showed that Morse used the device to receive images and videos containing child sexual abuse material.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Morse will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release.  There is no parole in the federal system. Morse was also ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa Department of Public Safety – Cyber Crime Bureau; Council Bluffs Police Department; Iowa State Patrol; the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Child Exploitation Task Force; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Task Force.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Council Bluffs man was sentenced on August 21, 2025, to 42 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm as a felon.

According to public court documents, on October 28, 2024, Ronald Lee Behee, Jr., 51, a convicted felon and drug user, took a loaded pistol to work at Tyson’s Foods. After receiving a tip, law enforcement located a loaded Ruger, LCP, .380 caliber, pistol, with an obliterated and unreadable serial number in Behee’s locker. Behee was also found in possession of approximately 8 grams of methamphetamine and 4.4 grams of marijuana. Behee’s criminal history includes theft-related, controlled substance and domestic violence convictions.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Behee will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Behee was also ordered to forfeit the firearm and pay a $100 special assessment.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Council Bluffs Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case.

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Federal Bureau of Investigation is seeking to identify any potential victims of former gymnastics coach, Sean Michael Gardner.  If you and/or your minor dependent(s) were victimized or you know of someone victimized by Sean Michael Gardner, you may contact the FBI by following the link below:

https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/seeking-victim-information/seeking-victim-information-in-sean-michael-gardner-investigation

According to allegations in the criminal complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, between December 2017 and April 2018, Sean Michael Gardner, now 38, placed a hidden camera in a bathroom at a gymnastics studio in Purvis, Mississippi, where he was then working as a gymnastics coach.  Gardner created multiple videos depicting numerous minors in stages of undress in that bathroom including close-up views of their anuses and genitals.  Gardner moved from Mississippi to Iowa in 2018 to coach at a gym in West Des Moines, Iowa.  West Des Moines Police searched Gardner’s apartment in late May 2025.  Forensic examination of electronic devices seized from Gardner’s West Des Moines apartment uncovered the hidden camera recordings taken in the Mississippi gym bathroom.

Gardner will remain detained in federal custody pending further proceedings in the Southern District of Mississippi.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation-Child Exploitation Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation-Jackson, Mississippi Division, Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Criminal Investigation-Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and West Des Moines Police Department are investigating this case.  

DES MOINES, Iowa – An Earling, Iowa, man was sentenced on August 15, 2025, to four months in federal prison for wire fraud.

According to public court documents, from September 2021 to October 2022, Mitch William Gross, 34, defrauded his employer, Ruan Transportation Corporation, by using business-related credit cards for personal purchases, including prepaid gift cards, Pokemon cards, and gaming items. Gross submitted falsified receipts and mischaracterized fraudulent charges on his expense reports so that the purchases appeared as legitimate business expenses. His fraudulent purchases totaled over $140,000.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Gross will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Gross was also ordered to pay $146,590.15 in restitution.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Des Moines Police Department. 

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Marshalltown woman was sentenced to six months in prison on August 14, 2025, for diverting controlled substances for her own use and falsely noting the administration of controlled substances in patient records.

According to public court documents, Amanda Nicole Manatt, 37, was employed as a registered nurse in the emergency room at Unity Point Marshalltown Hospital, Marshalltown, Iowa, where in 2023 she diverted controlled substances (fentanyl, hydromorphone, and morphine). She obtained controlled substances in patients’ names, documented them as administered to the patients, and then took them for her own use. In December 2023, Manatt’s employment ended at Unity Point Marshalltown Hospital. In January 2024, Manatt obtained employment as a nurse at the emergency room at Mary Greely Medical Center, where she again obtained controlled substances (hydromorphone) in patients’ names, recorded them as administered to the patients, and then took them for her own use until her employment ended in April 2024.

Court records reflect that in some cases patients experienced pain due to Manatt’s taking the controlled substances prescribed for them. In other cases, Manatt took controlled substances from patients in excess of what they needed. Manatt’s false statements in the medical records resulted in billing health care benefit programs for controlled substances not actually administered.

After completing her term of imprisonment, Manatt will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Manatt was also ordered to pay $5,258.20 in restitution, a $5,500 fine, and a $300 special assessment.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), the Tama County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa Insurance Fraud Bureau investigated this case.

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Honduran citizen was sentenced on August 8, 2025, to 18 months in federal prison for illegally returning to the United States after being deported.

According to public court documents, Mario Fernando Padilla Barahona, 28, had previously been deported from the United States once in 2020. In September 2024, law enforcement encountered Padilla Barahona when he was arrested for operating while intoxicated after he drove on the wrong side of the road, lost control of his vehicle, and crashed into a utility pole. Prior to his 2020 removal, Padilla Barahona was convicted of online solicitation of a minor in the Texas District Court for Montgomery County.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Padilla Barahona will be required to serve a two-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
 

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A San Antonio, Texas man was sentenced August 7, 2025, to 24 months in federal prison for interstate transmission of threats.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Stephen Brody Crain, 30, sent threats by various means for approximately eight months to two Iowa victims and their family members. One victim sent more than $4000 to Crain. Crain also made false abuse reports to the Iowa Department of Human Services and sent pizza to the victim’s residences. Even after Crain was arrested, he sent letters to one of the victims and the victim’s family members.

Crain was previously convicted of stalking in Texas District Court for Smith County. As part of that offense, Crain similarly sent threatening messages, sent pizza, and called child services to falsely report abuse. Crain was paroled in November 2023, just two months before the threats to the Iowa victims began.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Crain will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Crain was also ordered to pay $4,117 in restitution.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Coralville man was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute 40 Grams or More of a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Crime.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Jacky Michael Mabikulu, 35, possessed a loaded handgun and 397 fentanyl pills designed to look like prescription medication. In 2022 and 2024, Mabikulu was convicted in the Iowa District Court for Johnson County for possessing firearms as a felon.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Mabikulu will be required to serve a four-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Johnson County Drug Task Force, which was comprised of and/or assisted by members of the Iowa City Police Department, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement (DNE), University of Iowa Police Department, Coralville Police Department, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Liberty Police Department.

Counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills often resemble pharmaceutical pills, but contain potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. Just two milligrams of fentanyl is considered a potentially fatal dose. Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat the United States has ever faced, killing 48,422 Americans in 2024. Visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website to learn more about One Pill Can Kill.

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 gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – An Omaha man was sentenced on August 6, 2025, to 72 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. 

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Rafael Rashad Adams, 41, in September of 2024, was found by Council Bluffs’ police officers passed out in the driver’s seat of a vehicle with front-end damage near South Expressway and 30th Avenue in Council Bluffs. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 31.5 grams of marijuana, scales, drug packaging material, and a stolen, loaded nine-millimeter pistol and a loaded 15-round magazine. Adams’ criminal history includes convictions for drug possession and distribution, unlawful possession of a firearm, and driving under the influence.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Adams will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Council Bluffs Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

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 gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

Des Moines, Iowa – A Fairfield man was sentenced on July 28, 2025, to four years of probation for stealing thousands of prescription pills from a pharmacy that he owned and operated.

According to public court documents, Bryan Paul Vander Linden, 43, admitted that from June 2022 to at least November 2023, he obtained prescription pills from Summit Pharmacy of Iowa for his own use. To obtain the pills, Vander Linden would order and not report the pills in the pharmacy’s inventory, take from the pharmacy stock, or take pills from the controlled substance collection bin. In total, Vander Linden obtained more than 3,500 oxycodone and hydrocodone pills, Schedule II controlled substances, and more than 400 carisoprodol pills, a Schedule IV muscle relaxant.

Vander Linden was ordered to pay a $9,500 fine.

“Pharmacists are entrusted with the handling of controlled substances and ensuring that laws are followed in their handling,” DEA Omaha Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Rafael Mattei said. “This Iowa pharmacist broke that trust by diverting controlled substances for his own use. I commend the DEA Diversion Investigators whose work uncovered the diversion of controlled substances in this case and who work diligently to ensure that pharmacies follow the law and maintain a safe and secure environment.”

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa and Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Two Muscatine men were sentenced on July 22, 2025, to federal prison for drug and gun crimes, related to an officer involved shooting in Muscatine on May 29, 2024.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, on May 29, 2024, Juan Aldo Beltran Delgado, 34, and Isidro Barajas, Jr., 30, drove to a residence in Muscatine, Iowa, to await the delivery of a package they expected to contain more than 4.5 pounds of methamphetamine. Law enforcement observed Beltran Delgado and Barajas pick up the package from the residence and attempted to stop their vehicle. Beltran Delgado was driving the vehicle and drove over 100 miles per hour through Muscatine, drove through multiple red lights, attempting to evade law enforcement. Ultimately, Beltran Delgado crashed into two other vehicles near Highway 61 and Cedar Street. After crashing, both Beltran Delgado and Barajas fled from the car on foot carrying firearms. Officers arrived in the area and Beltran Delgado shot at officers. Officers were able to take both Beltran and Delgado and Barajas into custody.

Beltran Delgado was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release, following his plea to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and carrying and discharging a firearm during an in relation to his drug trafficking. Barajas was sentenced to 32 years in federal prison, followed by a ten-year term of supervised release, following his plea to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, carrying and displaying a firearm during an in relation to his drug trafficking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Department of Public Safety, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Muscatine Police Department, Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, Muscatine County Drug Task Force, Johnson County Drug Taskforce, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

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 gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Two Keokuk men were sentenced to federal prison for Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at trial, between at least April and July 2024, Ronald Dickey Mason, 75, and Ronald Kieth Mason, 43, father and son, conspired to sell large amounts of methamphetamine in Keokuk, Burlington, Riverside, Des Moines, and Cedar Rapids. In July 2024, law enforcement located 28 pounds of methamphetamine in the trunk and a pistol in the center console of Ronald Dickey Mason’s car.

In February of 2025 Ronald Kieth Mason plead guilty as charged and Ronald Dickey Mason plead guilty to conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In March 2025, a jury convicted Ronald Dickey Mason of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. On July 22, 2025, the Court sentenced him to 22 years in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release.

Ronald Keith Mason was sentenced on June 25, 2025, to 20 years in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by Lee County Narcotics Task Force, the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Keokuk Police Department.

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Des Moines man was sentenced on July 17, 2025, to 220 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, in the fall of 2024, Sean Michael O’Boyle, 34, was selling and receiving distribution-quantities of fentanyl. On September 30, 2024, law enforcement approached O’Boyle’s car, and he fled. O’Boyle hit a police vehicle, crashed into a tree, and then continued to run on foot. During the foot pursuit, O’Boyle threw a stolen, loaded firearm into a yard. In the car O’Boyle drove, police found a distribution quantity of fentanyl and another firearm.

At the sentencing hearing, O’Boyle was found responsible for 315 grams of fentanyl and found to have recklessly created a substantial risk of injury during his flight from law enforcement. After completing his term of imprisonment, O’Boyle will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Fentanyl has become the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. Fentanyl deaths for youth ages 15 to 24 more than doubled between 2018 and 2022. Counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills often resemble pharmaceutical pills, but contain potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. Visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website to learn more about One Pill Can Kill

DES MOINES, Iowa – Two Des Moines men were sentenced on July 11, 2025, to federal prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, in the summer of 2023, Ajang Malou Wour, 43, began trafficking fentanyl pills, shortly after he was discharged from a term of federal supervised release.  By September 2024, Wour began bringing trafficking fentanyl powder. Within an 18-month period, Wour obtained and distributed over 60,000 fentanyl pills and 40 ounces of fentanyl powder. Omar Mohamed Nurani, 22, received fentanyl pills from Wour frequently and sold the pills to other distributors and customers.

In June 2024, Wour sold Nurani fentanyl pills, which Nurani then to a customer. The victim used the pills, overdosed, and died. After the victim’s death, Wour and Nurani continued to sell fentanyl pills and fentanyl powder. Nurani obtained and distributed over 2,000 fentanyl pills and eight ounces of fentanyl powder.

Wour was sentenced to 144 months in prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. Nurani was sentenced to 120 months in prison, followed by a four-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Des Moines Police Department, with assistance from the Ankeny Police Department and the Mid-Iowa Drug Enforcement Task Force.

Fentanyl has become the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. Fentanyl deaths for youth ages 15 to 24 more than doubled between 2018 and 2022. Counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills often resemble pharmaceutical pills, but contain potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. Visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website to learn more about One Pill Can Kill.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Iowa City man was sentenced on June 26, 2025, to 120 in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, O’Sean Dentale Horton, 29, possessed two loaded pistols, a distribution quantity of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia in December 2020, within two backpacks found at Horton’s sister’s residence. In May 2023, Horton was witnessed on surveillance video shooting at another person multiple times in an apartment complex parking lot in Coralville and left behind .40 caliber shell casings. Horton was on probation in the Iowa District Court for Johnson County for failure to affix a drug tax stamp at the time he committed these offenses.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Horton will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department, University of Iowa Police Department, Johnson County Drug Task Force, Johnson County Special Emergency Response Team, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

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 gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Blue Grass man was sentenced on June 26, 2025, to 216 months in federal prison for producing child pornography.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received CyberTips that an account, later determined to be associated with Christian Brew Allen, 58, received, uploaded, and distributed files containing child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement seized electronic devices during a search of Allen’s Blue Grass residence. A forensic examination of the seized electronic devices showed that Allen used the devices to receive, upload, and distribute more than 2000 images and 175 videos containing child sexual abuse material. The investigation revealed that Allen produced and saved several videos of a minor victim.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Allen will be required to serve an eight-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Allen was also ordered to pay $97,000 in restitution.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by Scott County Sheriff’s Office.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Oxford man was sentenced on June 25, 2025, to 156 months in federal prison for Attempted Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illicit Sexual Activities and Receipt of Child Pornography.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Eric Gene Rundle, 44, communicated with an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing as a fifteen-year-old girl. Rundle made plans to meet with the fifteen-year-old to engage in sex acts and was arrested at the meeting location. Rundle had a cell phone with him which was searched. Rundle used the device to receive, view, and possess images and videos containing child sexual abuse material.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Rundle will be required to serve a seven-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Polk County man was sentenced on June 11, 2025, to 48 months in federal prison for the possession of child pornography.

According to public court documents, law enforcement seized electronic devices belonging to Andrew Charles Nygaard, 45, when law enforcement searched his Granger residence in September 2022.  A forensic examination of Nygaard’s devices showed that Nygaard knowingly and intentionally downloaded files containing child sexual abuse material from the internet from at least September 2018 through June 2022.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Nygaard will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Nygaard was also ordered to pay $25,000 in restitution.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Criminal Investigation-Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Child Exploitation Task Force and Granger Police Department.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Burlington man was sentenced yesterday to 17 years in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine.

According to public court documents, Larry Leroy Knotts, Jr., 61, sold approximately 125 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential source between November and December 2023. At the time of the controlled purchases, Knotts was on federal supervised release for a conviction from the Central District of Illinois for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Knotts will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force (SEINT) and the Burlington Police Department.

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Colona, Illinois woman was sentenced today for diverting prescription drugs from nursing and senior living facilities where she was employed as an administrator.

According to public court documents, Cassandra Marie Strube, 40, obtained prescription pills from at least five healthcare facilities between at least September 2021 and November 2022. Strube obtained fentanyl patches, hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone by stealing them from the facility’s narcotics emergency kits and locked medication carts and rooms.

Strube received a three-year term of probation. Strube was also ordered to pay $1,975.61 in restitution, a fine of $5000, and a $200 special assessment.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (DIAL/MFCU) investigated this case.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

According to public court documents, Jason Douglas Ringold, 26, while on parole through the State of Iowa, was responsible for the distribution of more than ten pounds of methamphetamine and illegally possessing and selling firearms. Ringold conspired to distribute methamphetamine in the Quad Cities with co-conspirators, Rosston Tate, 40, and Kyle Ogden Antle, 23, both Quad Cities residents.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Ringold will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

In December 2024, Tate received a 20-year sentence, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. In March 2025, Antle also received a 20-year prison sentence and a five-year term of supervised release.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department, Iowa Department of Public Safety—Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Rock Island Police Department, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, and Bettendorf Police Department.

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 gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

National Police Week Honors the Service and Sacrifice of Law Enforcement

In honor of National Police Week 2025 scheduled for May 11 to May 17, United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal for the Southern District of Iowa recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and local law enforcement. U.S. Attorney Westphal said “This week we take time to pause and express our gratitude and thanks to the unwavering commitment, courage and sacrifice of law enforcement officers in protecting and serving our communities in Iowa. Not only for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, but those who bravely set out to public serve each day. Every hour of every day, federal, state and local law enforcement officers place the safety of our communities above their own, and their dedication to this duty is one of the main reasons Iowa is such a safe place to live. We stand together in honoring the brave men and women who have died in the line of duty, and supporting the survivors, their families, and fellow officers here in Iowa and across the nation.”

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 147 federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement officers died in the line of duty in 2024.

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.