Southern District of Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa –Two Delaware men were sentenced on September 25, 2026, to a combined 189 months in federal prison for their roles in an international cyber intrusion scheme.

According to public documents and evidence presented at sentencing, for nearly two years, Chijioke Timothy Odimegwu, 25, and Harafat Mogaji, 26, both of whom were members of the United States Air Force at the time, attacked business victims across the United States with email “spamming” and phishing campaigns to steal usernames and passwords for victims’ employee email accounts. They and their co-conspirators then used these stolen credentials, along with “spoofed” email addresses mimicking emails associated with the victim or its business partners, to communicate with their victims and redirect payments to and from the victims’ trusted business partners to accounts controlled by the defendants’ co-conspirators.

Working with co-conspirators both in the United States and abroad, Odimegwu and Mogaji fraudulently diverted a more than $1.68 million wire sent by a victim in Iowa City, Iowa, to a bank account in Chicago controlled by the conspiracy. They also diverted a more than $720,000 wire sent by a victim in Ohio to a bank account controlled by the conspiracy. These are in addition to many other attempts Odimegwu and Mogaji made to divert wire transfers made by businesses in Iowa and across the country.

As part of their spamming and phishing campaigns, Odimegwu and Mogaji also harvested financial information from victims, such as financial account numbers and information, personal identification numbers, and credit and debit card numbers, including credit card information for a victim non-profit located in Pella, Iowa. They also purchased similar stolen information from their co-conspirators. They would then use the stolen information to make and attempt financial transactions without their victims’ knowledge or authorization. They exchanged this information with one another and attempted to make purchases using that information stolen from other victims across the country.

Odimegwu was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 111 months and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $366,617.59. Mogaji was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 78 months and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $995,680.45. Both were taken into custody following sentencing. After completing their prison terms, Odimegwu and Mogaji will each serve a three-year term on supervised release.

“When cyber intrusion schemes target businesses and nonprofits in our communities, we will aggressively surge resources to protect the American people and their life savings,” said Eugene Kowel, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Omaha Field Office. “Criminals from all backgrounds attack our digital systems. They strike targets from corporate networks to personal smart phones. No one and no device is immune from the threat. This case demonstrates that we will hold accountable cybercriminals who target our communities. It also serves as a reminder that every organization and every individual should take steps to protect their devices and systems and learn how to recognize and avoid scams. FBI Omaha will continue working with our local, state, and federal partners in the fight to dismantle and disrupt cyber enabled schemes.”

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case with assistance from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Lubben prosecuted the case.

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A St. Louis, Missouri man was sentenced on September 22, 2026, to 10 years in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor and possessing child pornography.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, on August 5, 2025, Bryan Nicholas Williams, 40, began messaging an undercover officer posing as a 13-year-old female about sex acts and requesting photos. Williams arranged to meet in Iowa City less than a week later and he was arrested. Williams's phone was seized and a forensic search revealed Willams used the device to receive, view, and possess images and videos containing child sexual abuse material.

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

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Iowa City Police Department investigated the case.

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.

Dave Shumpert III, 30, of Des Moines, Iowa, was sentenced today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa to life in prison after being found guilty by a jury on June 11 of charges related to sex trafficking, distribution of a controlled substance, and obstruction. 

“This sentence reflects the violent and reprehensible acts of coercion this defendant used to exploit the victims for his own personal profit,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Human traffickers use people like disposable products for an illegal business and violate them in endless ways when doing so. We recognize the courage of the survivors who faced their abuser at trial, and today’s sentence ensures that Dave Shumpert will not victimize anyone else ever again.”

“When the jury returned its guilty verdict in June, I pledged that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa would aggressively prosecute human traffickers who exploit vulnerable victims through violence, coercion, and drug addiction,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Waterman for the Southern District of Iowa. “Today’s life sentence delivers on that commitment. The defendant preyed on three vulnerable young women, profited from their exploitation — even while incarcerated — and attempted to intimidate and threaten a government witness. I commend the extraordinary courage of the victims who testified against him and thank our partners at the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Des Moines Police Department for their outstanding work in bringing him to justice. This sentence sends an unmistakable message: those who prey on the most vulnerable members of our communities will be held accountable.”

“The evidence developed through this investigation helped show the court how Shumpert exploited vulnerable women, profited from their abuse and attempted to obstruct justice even after his arrest,” said Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) St. Paul. “HSI is proud of the investigative work that led to today’s sentence and delivered a measure of justice for the victims. HSI will continue to relentlessly pursue human traffickers who exploit vulnerable people through violence, coercion and fear.”

According to court documents, Shumpert, aided by his co-defendant, Haley Morrison, 30, also of Des Moines, coerced three women to perform commercial sex acts using a combination of physical force, threats of force, a coercive debt scheme, withholding of drugs, and other threats of harm. Shumpert and Morrison targeted vulnerable young homeless women struggling with drug addiction, provided them with shelter and drugs, and then used violence and other coercive means to compel the women to engage in commercial sex. Shumpert and Morrison advertised the women online, set the prices for the commercial sex acts, communicated with the sex buyers, rented hotel rooms, and kept most of the proceeds of the commercial sex acts. Electronic communication evidence between Shumpert and Morrison demonstrated that Shumpert directed Morrison on how to manage and control the victims. One of the victims testified about the physical violence Morrison employed, such as hitting a victim with closed fists and dragging her by the hair. The victims explained their fear of homelessness, drug withdrawal, and of being indebted to Shumpert.  

Shumpert kept up his coercive scheme even after being arrested, placing thousands of calls to Morrison to discuss his criminal commercial sex business, and even received over $32,000 on his commissary accounts from the victims’ commercial sex proceeds. While incarcerated, Shumpert sought to intimidate and threaten a government witness by having someone outside of the jail post threatening messages on his social media accounts.  

Morrison previously pled guilty to sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion on Nov. 25, 2025, and was sentenced on Aug. 3 to 174 months in prison.

The jury convicted Shumpert of three counts of sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, obstruction of a sex trafficking prosecution, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance to a person under 21, conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, and interstate travel in aid of racketeering. 

HSI is investigating the case with assistance from the Des Moines Police Department.

Trial Attorney Slava Kuperstein of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Jennings for the Southern District of Iowa are prosecuting the case.

Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Three men were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a cocaine and marijuana conspiracy. One man was also sentenced for his possession of a firearm as a felon and in furtherance of the drug conspiracy.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, between November 2021 to March 2025, three men engaged in distribution of cocaine base and marijuana across the Quad Cities area.

• On June 10, 2026, Davon Ryan Orr, 26, of Rock Island, was sentenced to a 70-month prison term, followed by a four-year term of supervised release. Orr pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a mixture containing cocaine base and marijuana.
• On July 8, 2026, Tyrelle Alexander Richardson, 34, of Rock Island, was sentenced to a 13-year prison term, followed by a four-year term of supervised release. Richarson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a mixture containing cocaine base and marijuana.
• On September 10, 2026, Dumonta Eric Terrell, 33, of Maquoketa, was sentenced to a 15-year prison term, followed by an eight-year term of supervised release. Terrell pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a mixture containing cocaine base and marijuana, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm.

There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Davenport Police Department investigated the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

DES MOINES, Iowa – Two New York men who are Chinese Nationals have pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and money laundering.

As alleged in the Indictment, 19 Defendants were charged with charges involving the theft of used cooking oil, which can be refined into biodiesel fuel and re-sold. Defendants drove trucks to restaurants and stole and attempted to steal used cooking oil from oil collection tanks located at restaurants throughout Iowa, Tennessee, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, Alabama, Illinois, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kentucky. Defendants then collected the stolen used cooking oil to warehouses throughout the United States including:

• Nevada and Ankeny, Iowa;
• Lewisburg, Tennessee;
• Dora, Alabama; and
• Tipp City, Ohio;
• Decatur, Illinois

Defendants subsequently sold the stolen used cooking oil, which was transported across state lines, and proceeds were laundered.

On September 9, 2026, Tianzhu Chen, 33, of Flushing, New York, and a Chinese National, pleaded guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy and Money Laundering and Yong Chen, 33, of Brooklyn, New York and a Chinese National, pleaded guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy. Sentencing is set for January 29, 2027. Each offense carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

Trial for the remainder of the defendants is scheduled to begin on April 12, 2027.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Central Iowa Gang Task Force of the FBI Des Moines Resident Agency of the Omaha Field Office is investigating this case, with assistance from the: Polk County Sheriff’s Office; Story County Sheriff’s Office; Des Moines Police Department; West Des Moines Police Department; Iowa Department of Public Safety; Iowa Department of Transportation; Tennessee Bureau of Investigations; Gahanna, Ohio Police Department; Cullman, Alabama Police Department; Springfield, Illinois, Police Department; 18th Judicial District Drug Task Force in Tennessee; FBI Dayton Resident Agency of the Cincinnati Field Office; FBI Lexington Resident Agency of the Springfield Field Office; FBI Oklahoma City Field Office; FBI New York City Field Office; FBI Birmingham Field Office; FBI Amarillo Resident Agency of the Dallas Field Office; FBI Language Services; and the Environmental Protection Agency.

DES MOINES, Iowa – An Ames man was sentenced on September 11, 2026, to 27 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Luke Stephen Crouse, 35, met a minor in an online chatroom and coerced that minor over a period of months into sending him sexually explicit photos and videos. Crouse also sent the minor sexually explicit photos and videos of himself. Crouse has two prior child exploitation convictions for nearly identical conduct in online chatrooms with persons he believed to be minors who were undercover agents posing as 14-year-old girls.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Crouse will be required to serve a 10‑year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

In April 2025, Crouse was convicted of six counts of attempted indecent liberties with child under age 15, one count of production of child pornography, and two counts of proposing a sex act via a communication system to a minor less than age 15, in the Virgina Circuit Court for Rockbridge County, which was ordered to be served consecutively to the federal sentence.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Criminal Investigation-Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Child Exploitation Task Force investigated the case.

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.

DES MOINES, Iowa – Ten individuals from Des Moines were sentenced to federal prison following their pleas to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, between March 2025 and September 11, 2025, the charged defendants obtained and distributed methamphetamine within Des Moines and elsewhere. The more than six-month investigation included controlled purchases of methamphetamine and concluded with the execution of more than 50 search warrants on September 11, 2025.

The defendants involved in this conspiracy include:

• Cole Anthony Langford, 42, sentenced to a 30-year prison term, followed by a 10-year term of supervised release;
• Kenneth Donald Stockman, 44, sentenced to a 12-year prison term, followed by a 10-year term of supervised release;
• Joshua Andrew Rankin, 38, sentenced to a 200-month prison term, followed by a 10-year term of supervised release;
• James “Jimmy” Stephen Waters Jr., 61, sentenced to a 78‑month prison term, followed by a four-year term of supervised release;
• Todd Allen Miller Jr., 32, sentenced to a 20-year prison term, followed by a 10-year term of supervised release;
• Samantha Sue Baldridge, 34, sentenced to a six-year prison term, followed by a four-year term of supervised release;
• Simon Anaya Sanchez, 50, sentenced to a 190-month prison term, followed by a six-year term of supervised release;
• Jason Lee Baxter-Blakely, 38, sentenced to a 100-month prison term, followed by a three-year term of supervised release;
• Jessica Renae Gleason, 43, sentenced to a 25-year prison term, followed by a 10-year term of supervised release; and
• Sara Ann Bowers, 40, of Des Moines, sentenced to a 10-year prison term, followed by a 5-year term of supervised release.

There is no parole in the federal system.

At the time they conspired to distribute methamphetamine:

• Langford was on absconder status for state eluding and drug trafficking offenses, following his parole from state custody after serving less than one year of his sentences.
• Rankin was on absconder status for two state drug trafficking offenses.
• Miller was on parole for three state drug trafficking offenses.
• Sanchez had a prior federal drug conviction from the Southern District of Iowa and had been discharged from supervised release in 2021.
• Gleason was on parole for a state drug trafficking offense.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Des Moines Police Department, and Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of Narcotics Enforcement, with assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, Marshalltown Police Department, Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, Tri-County Drug Task Force, and dozens of others.

DES MOINES, Iowa – Two men were sentenced to federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, the Des Moines Police Department began investigating Corser Scott Paine, 29, of Des Moines, and Eric Tyrone White, 31, of Detroit, following the overdose death of a Des Moines man in April 2025. During a search of Paine’s apartment five days after the overdose death, law enforcement found hundreds of grams of fentanyl powder mixed with Xylazine (a veterinary sedative), BTMPS (an industrial chemical), and methamphetamine, as well as fentanyl test strips, scales, baggies, gloves, and a blender that had been used to mix the drugs. At least nine cellphones were seized and searched, which allowed law enforcement to connect Paine to the overdose victim and demonstrated that White served as Paine’s drug source of supply.

On July 7, 2026, Paine was sentenced to 126-months’ imprisonment, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. On September 3, 2026, White was sentenced to 195-months’ imprisonment, followed by a five-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. The Des Moines Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Control Unit investigated the case.

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Des Moines man was sentenced on September 3, 2026 to 15 years in federal prison for receiving and possessing child pornography.

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 Jacob Adam Toler, 31, uploaded and distributed files containing child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement seized a cell phone and a laptop during a search of Toler’s Des Moines residence. A forensic examination of the seized electronic devices showed that Toler used them to receive and possess more than 125 videos containing child sexual abuse material.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Toler will be required to serve a 10‑year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Toler was also ordered to pay $48,500 in restitution.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Criminal Investigation-Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Child Exploitation Task Force investigated the case.

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 – Three Iowa men were sentenced to federal prison for methamphetamine and firearms-related offenses.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, three men engaged in distribution of methamphetamine across the Quad Cities area. The men were responsible for providing approximately 25 pounds of methamphetamine for distribution in the Quad Cities.

On March 17, 2026, Jacob Daniel Sheley, 27, of Clinton, also known as “Chili,” was sentenced to a 25-year prison term, followed by a ten-year term of supervised release. Sheley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. During a February 2025 search warrant at Sheley’s Clinton residence, law enforcement found methamphetamine, cocaine, a loaded firearm, and more than $6000 in drug proceeds. In 2020, Sheley was convicted of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine in the Iowa District Court for Clinton County.

On June 16, 2026, Jacob Daniel Timmsen, 35, of Durant, was sentenced to 284 months, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. Timmsen pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking, and possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing fentanyl. 

On September 1, 2026, Cody Scott Sheese, 27, of Davenport, also known as “Cody Tuttle” and “Nugget,” was sentenced to a 20-year prison term, followed by a ten-year term of supervised release. Sheese pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Sheese was on supervised release at the time of this offense. Sheese’s supervised release was revoked and was sentenced to 33 months imprisonment to run consecutive to the 20-year prison term.

There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Bettendorf Police Department, Clinton Police Department, Muscatine County Drug Task Force, Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office, Muscatine Police Department, Davenport Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tabacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles:

• rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders;
• strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and
• accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies.

These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Burlington, Iowa man was sentenced on September 1, 2026, to 78 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, between August 2025, and November 2025, Stone Thomas Graham, 26, possessed at least three firearms. Graham is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition as a result of a conviction stemming from an incident in November 2019, during which he discharged at firearm at other people, including police officers. Graham was granted parole for the state offense in May 2024 and discharged from that parole in August 2025, days before he possessed firearms. One of the firearms Graham possessed in 2025 was the same pump-action shotgun he possessed in November 2019.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Graham 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. The Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force investigated the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles:

• rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders;
• strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and
• accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies.

These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

Council Bluffs, Iowa – A Mexican national and former California resident was sentenced on August 27, 2026, to 13 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Jose Alfredo Moreno Hernandez, 35, conspired with other individuals to distribute methamphetamine. From December 2020 to the fall of 2025, Moreno Hernandez mailed packages containing a total of more than 35 pounds (16 kilograms) of methamphetamine to locations in Iowa and Florida. Moreno Hernandez received packages containing drug proceeds at his Delano, California residence and distributed the proceeds to other co-conspirators.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Moreno Hernandez will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. An immigration detainer is in place.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Investigation Service, Internal Revenue Service, Homeland Security Investigation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force, and Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement – West investigated the case.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced on September 1, 2026, to 78 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and possession of a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking.

According to public court documents, Darnell Jermaine Garrett, 40, armed the home he sold cocaine base and marijuana out of with two loaded firearms. In August 2025, Garrett pistol whipped a person at his home who he believed was stealing from him.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Garrett will be required to serve a five-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. The Scott County Sheriff's Office investigated the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles:

• rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders;
• strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and
• accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies.

These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

DES MOINES, DAVENPORT, COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Colfax woman was sentenced on August 25, 2026, to 18 months in federal prison for stealing over $426,000 from Children and Families of Iowa over nearly a seven-year period.

According to public court documents and information presented at sentencing, Jodi Dyan Spargur-Tate, 55, was employed by Children and Families of Iowa (CFI) between 2015 and 2022 as a Program Director overseeing CFI’s youth, adult, and dislocated worker programs. During her time as Program Director, Spargur-Tate submitted hundreds of false and fraudulent reimbursement requests, including falsified invoices and receipts. She also diverted over one hundred payments from CFI to herself and her family members to pay their cell phone bills and housing costs, among other things.

In addition to the 18-month term of imprisonment, Spargur-Tate was ordered to pay $426,837.11 in restitution. After completing her prison term, Spargur-Tate will serve a three-year term of supervised release.

“Spargur-Tate stole Department of Labor funds intended to help Americans secure meaningful employment, instead using the money for personal gain,” said Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). “Spargur-Tate’s selfish actions undermined the integrity of federally funded programs designed to support individuals facing significant barriers to work. This sentencing is a reminder to those who believe DOL grants are opportunities for personal enrichment. My office will continue partnering with our law enforcement colleagues to relentlessly pursue and hold accountable anyone who attempts to siphon money from programs meant to serve Americans in need.”

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The United States Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General and the Des Moines Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Lubben prosecuted the case.

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Burlington, Iowa man was sentenced on August 26, 2026, to 35 years in federal prison for two counts of attempted enticement of a minor and offense by a registered sex offender.

According to public court documents and evidence presented, in June 2025, Jermaine Robert Hill, 39, began chatting on Facebook Messenger with two undercover officers who posed as 14-year-old girls. During the chats, Hill explicitly described various sex acts he wished to engage in with them and sent explicit photographs and videos of himself. A few hours later, Hill arranged to meet them at a park in Burlington to engage in sex acts and was arrested. Hill was required to register as a sex offender at the time of this offense due to a 2015 conviction from Ohio.

In March 2026, following a two-day trial, a jury found Hill guilty.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Hill will be required to serve a ten-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. The Des Moines County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Burlington Police Department investigated the case.

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 Arizona man was sentenced on August 26, 2026, to 12 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Rickie Manuel Soria, 37, also known as “Slikk,” conspired with other individuals to transport methamphetamine to the Quad Cities from Arizona. On May 18, 2022, Soria was stopped in Kansas on his way to the Quad Cities with more than 23 pounds (10.58 kilograms) of methamphetamine.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Soria will be required to serve a five-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. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Des Moines man was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for three counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a child and one count of possession of child pornography.

According to public court documents, Tyler Boyd Pavlick, 33, placed a mini video camera in the tank of a porta-potty at three Central Iowa events: co-ed middle school and high school cross-county meets, one held in State Center on September 23, 2025, and another held in Osceola on September 30, 2025; and an arts, craft, and harvest event held in Des Moines on October 4, 2025. Pavlick placed the cameras with the purpose of creating visual depictions of minors lasciviously exhibiting their anus, genitals, or pubic area. Law enforcement seized electronic devices during a search of Pavlick’s Des Moines residence on October 15, 2025, including mini cameras that were the same model as those seized by police from the porta-potties in State Center and Des Moines. One of the electronic devices seized from Pavlick’s residence contained video footage of minors using the porta-potty at the Osceola event, including footage of a minor under the age of 12.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Pavlick will be required to serve a 10‑year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Pavlick will be required to register as a sex offender in his state of residence.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The FBI Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, Des Moines Police Department, and Iowa DCI Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Kerndt prosecuted the case.

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 Rock Island man was sentenced on August 25, 2026, to five years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Davaria Shargquil Lewis, Sr., 32, possessed 879 counterfeit oxycodone M30 pills containing fentanyl inside a vehicle, which officers located during a traffic stop in March 2025.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Lewis will be required to serve a five-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. The Davenport Police Department investigated the case.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport, Iowa man was sentenced on August 12, 2026, to 115 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Deveil Oliver Jean Westerfield, 28, possessed multiple firearms, including a rifle with an extended magazine. Westerfield was identified as carrying the rifle after officers responded to a shots-fired call outside of the Happy Hollow bar, on November 5, 2025. Officers learned Westerfield had threatened to shoot a women related to a different incident, before going to Happy Hollow. Westerfield is prohibited from possessing firearms because he is a felon.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Westerfield 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. The Davenport Police Department investigated the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

DES MOINES, Iowa – On August 5, 2026, a federal jury in Des Moines convicted a Marshalltown man of possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at trial, in early 2025 Christopher James Moore, 55, was the subject of a methamphetamine investigation by the Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force. On March 25, 2025, police stopped a vehicle in which Moore was a passenger. During the traffic stop, Moore possessed over half of a pound of methamphetamine. A subsequent search of his trailer located over 300 grams of methamphetamine, U.S. currency, and digital scales and baggies, used to weigh and package drugs for sale. The methamphetamine Moore possessed with intent to distribute was 100% pure, according to lab testing performed by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

Currently, Moore faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Shai Gonzales and Mallory Weiser prosecuted the case.

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Maryland woman and Ghanaian national was sentenced on July 22, 2026, to 70 months in federal prison for money laundering, stemming from her participation in a nationwide romance scam.

According to public court documents, Nana Takyiwa Adonu, 43, of Odenton, Maryland, played an integral role in an extensive romance scam conspiracy. As part of the scam, individuals create fake profiles on internet dating sites and other social media platforms to exploit victims for financial gain.

Adonu operated “Han-Dak LLC,” a company that she used to receive money from victims. Adonu received over $1.6 million from victims, including over $55,000 from a victim living in the Southern District of Iowa. The victims sent Adonu money at the request of their purported romantic partners, believing it would be used to facilitate uniting them with their partner, among other things. Many victims drained their retirement accounts, sold their homes and vehicles, returned to work after retirement, and borrowed substantial sums from friends and family.

When confronted by the FBI, Adonu claimed Han-Dak LLC was a legitimate garment production company producing clothing in China. Adonu subsequently produced false invoices, “customer” and “vendor” lists, and other documentation in response to a federal grand jury subpoena in an attempt to further obstruct the investigation.

In addition to the 70-month term of imprisonment, Adonu was ordered to pay $1,655,640.76 in restitution. After completing her prison term, Adonu will serve a three-year term of supervised release.

In March 2026, Adonu’s co-defendant, Naabanyin Aniagyei-Cobbold was sentenced to 108 months’ imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release and ordered to pay $1,554,442.46 in restitution.

“Romance scammers exploit victims when they are at their most vulnerable,” said Eugene Kowel, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Omaha Field Office. “They prey on innocent people by convincing them a relationship is real, then slowly abuse that trust to steal their life savings. Some victims lost their entire retirement accounts. This case is an egregious example of the ruthless persistence exhibited by scammers who enrich themselves at the expense of vulnerable people. The FBI will continue using every tool at our disposal to apprehend these criminals and bring them to justice.”

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Omaha Cyber Task Force and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Lubben prosecuted the case.

According to the FBI, in 2024, approximately 59,000 people fell victim to romance-related scams, losing over $672 million dollars. The FBI says that many times, once a victim realizes that they have been exploited, they feel embarrassed or ashamed, and do not want to let anyone know what happened to them, including law enforcement. However, the FBI encourages anyone who has been victimized by this fraud or unsuccessfully targeted to file a complaint. If you suspect an online relationship is a scam, stop all contact immediately. If you have already sent money, report any transfer of funds to your financial institution and contact law enforcement.

If you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam, contact the Iowa Attorney General’s office at 1-888-777-4590 or file a complaint online: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-consumers/file-a-consumer-complaint. You can also report fraud complaints to your local FBI field office by calling 1 800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or visiting https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety.

DES MOINES, Iowa – A federal grand jury in Des Moines returned a 16-count indictment in May 2026 charging offenses related to a Ponzi scheme involving dozens of victims and millions of dollars of loss to the victims.

As alleged in the Indictment, Chad Michael Boal, 58 of Burlington, and Cory Duane Richards, 52 of West Burlington, solicited investments under the promise of high returns and low risk. Boal and Richards operated their scheme through various business entities they termed as “unincorporated organized self-supporting humanitarian foundations,” operating within the Southern District of Iowa, including:

• Golden Bar Foundation,
• F8511 Foundation,
• New Life 314 Foundation,
• True North Foundation, and
• Silver Bar Foundation.

The Indictment alleges that Boal and Richards used investor funds for their own personal use and benefit.

Boal and Richards made their initial court appearances in May 2026. They are both charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and Boal is additionally charged with three counts of wire fraud and 12 counts of money laundering over $10,000. Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud count is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Each money laundering count is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Trial is set for April 26, 2027.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau are investigating this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph H. Lubben.

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 – A Redfield man was sentenced on July 16, 2026 to 173 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to public court documents, Gideon Lee Corbett, 34, was encountered by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office in August 2025. Inside the vehicle Corbett drove, law enforcement found nearly 40 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded, chambered pistol. Corbett was on parole for 2021 convictions from the Iowa District Court for Guthrie County, during which Corbett also possessed methamphetamine and a loaded firearm.

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

Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante said “I want to commend the outstanding work of our Patrol Division and Criminal Investigations Division for their efforts in arresting and thoroughly investigating Gideon Corbett. Their work resulted in a convicted felon being held accountable while removing methamphetamine and a stolen firearm from our community. This case is a great example of the strong partnerships we have with our federal law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force and the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Council Bluffs man was sentenced on July 21, 2026, to 16 years in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Daniel Thomas Coldewey, 33, distributed counterfeit pills containing fentanyl in the Council Bluffs area for nearly five years. On April 14, 2025, Coldewey sold 12 pills containing fentanyl to Victim #1. Victim #1 used one of the pills in the business parking lot where the victim met Coldewey and collapsed. A concerned citizen administered CPR and called emergency services, who were able to revive Victim #1.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Coldewey will be required to serve a five-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. The Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force investigated the case.

DES MOINES, Iowa – A federal magistrate judge in Des Moines convicted a Huxley man today for violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by intentionally striking two Canada Geese with his vehicle.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at the bench trial, on March 3, 2026, Wyatt Christian Greenfield, 19, knowingly and intentionally struck two Canada Geese with his vehicle near NE 70th Avenue in Ankeny, Iowa. Greenfield was driving his truck east bound and accelerated and swerved to strike a Canada Goose in the westbound lane and then swerved back to the eastbound lane to strike a second Canada Goose.

The Canada Goose is a migratory bird protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service maintains a list of birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Greenfield faces a maximum sentence of up to six months imprisonment or a five-year term of probation, up to a one-year term of supervised release, and up to a $15,000 fine. A date for sentencing has not yet been set.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Des Moines woman was sentenced on July 16, 2026 to 12 months and 1 day in prison and ordered to pay nearly $30,000 in restitution for wire fraud.

According to public court documents, from March 2020 to December 2020, Victoria Tomeatre Green, 29, used her position as a contract employee of Iowa Workforce Development to fraudulently obtain $29,459.03 in unemployment benefits. Green submitted 25 false benefit claims under her name, and another 27 false benefit claims improperly using the means of identification of another.

After completing her term of imprisonment, Green will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Green was also ordered to pay $29,459.03 in restitution.

“By exploiting the identities of innocent individuals, Green brazenly stole funds intended to support unemployed American workers. Her guilty plea and sentencing reaffirm our unwavering commitment to pursuing fraud and holding every bad actor accountable,” said Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor. “If you attempt to defraud the system—whether by stealing identities or abusing public trust—we will track you down and ensure you face the full consequences.”

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The United States Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Lubben.

DES MOINES, Iowa – A federal jury in Des Moines convicted a Des Moines man yesterday for 11 counts of wire fraud, following a four-day trial.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at trial, 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 most 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.

A date for sentencing has not yet been set. Tirrell faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Kerndt and Joseph Lubben prosecuted the case.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Iowa City man was sentenced on July 15, 2026, to 235 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, and use of a communication facility in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Richard Allen Tuan Casey, 37, sold controlled substances between at least early 2024 through May 2025. Two days before his arrest, Casey traveled to a Walmart parking lot in Ames to pick up 30 pounds of methamphetamine in exchange for more than $70,000. Following multiple controlled buys of methamphetamine by a confidential informant, law enforcement arrested Casey. During a search of Casey’s property, law enforcement located 22 of the 30 pounds Casey had picked up two days prior, along with a loaded pistol, drug packaging, drug paraphernalia, and cocaine.

In February 2026, a jury found Casey not guilty of two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, following his January 2026 guilty plea to the four drug trafficking charges.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Casey will be required to serve a five-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. The Johnson County Drug Task Force investigated the case.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Montezuma man was sentenced on July 8, 2026, to 15 years in federal prison for receiving child pornography and 11 counts of cyber stalking.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Jack James Erselius, 20, procured and created computer-generated child pornography images of 13 different victims under the age of 18. Law enforcement seized electronic devices during a search of Erselius’ Story County residence. A forensic examination of the seized electronic devices showed that Erselius used the devices to create AI-generated images containing child sexual abuse material of real girls with their clothes removed. Erselius would send screenshots of satellite views of victims’ homes, their family’s contact information, and live updates on victim’s locations to the people online that Erselius solicited to stalk and rape the victims.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Erselius will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Erselius also ordered to pay $5,979.46 in restitution and a special assessment of $5,000 under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The University of Iowa Police Department and Johnson County Joint Forensic Analysis Cyber Team investigated the case.

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 – Five Quad City individuals were sentenced to federal prison for charges related to their conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, specifically counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, between April 2022 and March 2024, five individuals conspired together to distribute fentanyl across the Quad Cities area. In total, more than 26,000 pills containing fentanyl were attributed to the drug trafficking organization.

• Kendrick Eugene Lee, Jr., 25, was sentenced to a 292-month prison term, followed by a five-year term of supervised release on May 26, 2026, following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing fentanyl.
• Juwan Dupri Crawford, 26, was sentenced to a 144-month prison term, followed by a five-year term of supervised release on May 27, 2026, following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
• Dreyko Ryan Paul Veronie, 24, was sentenced to a 312-month prison term, followed by a five-year term of supervised release on May 27, 2026, following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
• Kisha Renee Rockwood, 42, was sentenced to a 216-month prison term, followed by a five-year term of supervised release on July 14, 2026, following her guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
• Kee Syonne Arthur Edgar Rockwood-Brown, 23, was sentenced to a 300-month prison term, followed by a seven-year term of supervised release, on July 14, 2026, following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Davenport Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the case.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced on July 14, 2026, to 18 years in federal prison for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to public court documents, Anthony Michael Duyvejonck, 33, conspired with others to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine across Iowa. In July 2025, officers located 3.5 pounds of methamphetamine in Duyvejonck’s vehicle. In total, Duyvejonck distributed nearly 13 pounds of methamphetamine. Duyvejonck was paroled from state prison in late March 2025, just four months before his July arrest.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Duyvejonck will be required to serve a six-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. The Bettendorf Police Department investigated the case.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Fort Madison woman was sentenced on July 8, 2026, to 30 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child and distribution of child pornography.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Metallie Leigh Gillette, 27, created child sexual abuse material by sexually exploiting a minor child and then distributed the files containing child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement seized an electronic device during a search of Gillette’s Fort Madison residence that Gillette used to distribute and attempt to sell images and videos containing child sexual abuse material. The individual Gillette sent the child sexual abuse material to was David Enrique Remigio, 30 of Burlington, who was sentenced in March 2025 to 16 years in federal prison for receipt of child pornography.

After completing her term of imprisonment, Gillette will be required to serve a seven-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Gillette was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Des Moines County Sheriff's Office investigated the case with assistance from the Joint Forensic Analysis Cyber Team, the Burlington Police Department, DCI ICAC, and the United States Marshal Service.

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 – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa announced a civil complaint and a civil settlement, as part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.

The charges are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. The Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters:

• one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme;
• two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and
• in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme.

The Takedown involves: the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; the seizure of over $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and full-spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.

The coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including:

• Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
• 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
• Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
• 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025.

The following cases from the Southern District of Iowa were part of these efforts:

• Eugene J. Cherny, 70, of Des Moines, Iowa, and his plastic surgery practice, Heartland Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, P.C., were named as defendants in a civil False Claims Act complaint in connection with false representations made to a Medicare contractor. As alleged in the complaint, Cherny obtained two invoices for each skin substitute product he received from a distributor: one showing the price Cherny actually paid and another showing an artificially-inflated “list price.” When a Medicare contractor asked Cherny to send invoices documenting what he had paid so Medicare could reimburse him, Cherny provided only the invoice containing the artificially-inflated price. The complaint alleges that federal health insurance programs paid Cherny and Heartland more than $2 million based on the false information he provided. The case is being handled jointly by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa.
• Genesis Health System, Mercy Health Network, Inc., and Trinity Health Corporation located in Davenport, Iowa, agreed to pay $4,643,128 following a voluntary self-disclosure concerning Genesis’s overuse and resulting over-billing of the Impella heart pump device between April 2016 and March 2022. The case was settled by the United States Southern District of Iowa.

The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virigina participated in the investigation.

Descriptions of each case involved in the Takedown are available on the Department’s website here.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Moline man was sentenced on June 16, 2026, to 15 years in federal prison for distributing crack cocaine, and two additional years in federal prison for violating his terms of supervised release.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Donell Jamar Hines, 37, distributed approximately three and a half ounces of crack cocaine between March and April 2025. At Hines’ Moline residence, law enforcement found distribution quantities of fentanyl, crack cocaine, and marijuana. Lab testing showed that some of the crack cocaine attributed to Hines contained fentanyl.

Hines has two prior drug convictions in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. In 2016, Hines was convicted possessing distribution quantities of crack cocaine and heroin and distributing heroin and sentenced to four years in federal prison. Hines was released from prison in December 2018. In September 2019, Hines was arrested in possession of distribution quantities of crack cocaine, cocaine, and heroin. In 2021, Hines was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison. Hines was released from prison in July 2024. Hines was on federal supervised release when he was arrested in 2025. The Court sentenced Hines to a 24-month consecutive sentence.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Hines will be required to serve an eight-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. The Davenport Police Department investigated the case.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – An Omaha woman was sentenced on June 26, 2026, to 48 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Summer Louisa Chrans, 43, distributed one-pound quantities of methamphetamine on separate occasions in Council Bluffs. Chrans admitted to purchasing one-half pound and one-pound quantities of methamphetamine from a Council Bluffs source of supply.

After completing her term of imprisonment, Chrans will be required to serve a five-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. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. 

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Des Moines man was sentenced on June 23, 2026, to 188 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

According to public court documents, in August 2025, Andrew Gordon Meyer, 26, was found by the Des Moines Police slumped over in his vehicle while it was still running. Inside Meyer’s car, officers found cash, cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, and other drug paraphernalia, consistent with drug trafficking. The investigation revealed that Meyer sold fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Des Moines Metro area and possessed firearms. Meyer was sentenced under the United States Sentencing Guidelines as a Career Offender and has an extensive criminal history that includes weapons-offenses and multiple drug-related convictions.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Meyer will be required to serve a five-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 Des Moines Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mallory Weiser.

DES MOINES, Iowa – An Urbandale man pleaded guilty on June 1, 2026, to making false statements on a PPP loan application and false declarations during subsequent bankruptcy proceedings.

According to public court documents, Henry J. Schappert, 57, operated a business called Allied Exteriors. In May 2021, Schappert submitted a PPP loan application on behalf of Allied Exteriors that significantly overinflated Allied Exterior’s gross income, number of employees, payroll, and gross receipts. As a result, U.S. Bank approved a $265,567.00 PPP loan for Allied Exteriors—a loan Schappert would not have been entitled to absent his false statements to U.S. Bank.

Approximately three years later, in July 2024, Schappert filed for bankruptcy. In his bankruptcy petition, schedules, and statement of financial affairs he made multiple material false statements and declarations. These included denying ownership of business within the prior four years, claiming he had earned no income for the past two years, understating his employment, and claiming he had not closed financial accounts within the year prior to filing for bankruptcy and only had one bank account.

Schappert is scheduled to be sentenced on October 1, 2026, and faces a sentence of up to 30 years in prison for making false statements on a loan application, and up to five years in prison for making false declarations during bankruptcy proceedings. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case with assistance from the Office of the United States Trustee. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Lubben prosecuted the case.

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Des Moines man was sentenced on June 11, 2026, to 21 months’ imprisonment for computer fraud inflicted on the Saydel Community School District for over a year and a half.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, in April 2023, Ezekiel Dean Potter, 34, was terminated from his job in the IT department of Saydel Community School District. Prior to his termination, Potter downloaded over 300 usernames and passwords for District accounts and programs, which he used over the next year and a half to access or attempt to access various District online accounts and applications to disrupt District operations. 

The attacks began in June 2023 when Potter took down one of the District’s social media pages. After that, Potter began trying to revoke District employee access to critical systems and delete District accounts and information. When successful, this resulted in districtwide technology outages and required significant remediation efforts from District employees, among other interruptions. Potter’s misconduct culminated in a series of attacks in January 2025 on District applications that resulted in suspending classes for multiple hours.

It was later determined Potter orchestrated many of the attacks from the offices of his subsequent employers. At one of those employers, Potter left a USB drive that contained hundreds of District usernames and passwords, along with other sensitive District information. After realizing he left the drive behind, Potter attempted to have a former coworker to “wipe” it.

In addition to his sentence of imprisonment, Potter was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $59,668.81 in restitution to the Saydel Community School District and its insurer.

“Ezekiel Potter’s theft and malicious use of sensitive data to target his former employer resulted in significant disruptions to school operations,” said Eugene Kowel, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Omaha Field Office. “Whether it’s a large corporation or a school district here in the heartland, the FBI and our partners will use every investigative method to bring to justice criminals like Potter who weaponize privileged access to computer systems to harm victims and commit fraud.”

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Polk County Sherriff’s Office investigated the case.

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Lubben prosecuted the case.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Burlington man was sentenced on June 10, 2026, to 10 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, in March 2024, law enforcement encountered Michael Alexander Patoir, 48, during a traffic stop. Patoir was in possession of more than nine and a half pounds of methamphetamine in the backseat of his vehicle.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Patoir will be required to serve a five-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. The Des Moines County Sheriff's Office and the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force investigated the case.

A federal jury in the Southern District of Iowa convicted a Des Moines man today on charges related to sex trafficking and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance.   

“Dave Shumpert preyed on vulnerable young women, using violence, drugs, and their fears of homelessness, to profit from their exploitation,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “He even continued to run his enterprise from jail, and tried to obstruct the testimony of witnesses against him.  Human trafficking and preying on vulnerable victims have no place in our communities. This jury verdict will ensure that the defendant is separated from society once he is sentenced for these crimes.”

“The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa will aggressively prosecute human traffickers who exploit vulnerable victims through violence, coercion, and drug addiction,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Waterman for the Southern District of Iowa. “The defendant’s conviction — on all eight charged counts — reflects the outstanding work of federal prosecutors and law enforcement officers who relentlessly pursued justice for these victims.”

“I thank our partners at the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Homeland Security Investigations, and Des Moines Police Department for their exceptional collaboration throughout this case,” U.S. Attorney Waterman continued. “This conviction demonstrates the strength of our partnership, as well as our shared commitment to dismantling human trafficking conspiracies, holding traffickers accountable, and protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities.”

“This case represents some of the most egregious forms of exploitation — using violence, threats, drugs and weaponized addiction to force vulnerable women into commercial sex,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Rick Sabatini of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Kansas City Field Office. “HSI is committed to investigating and dismantling criminal networks that profit from human trafficking and drug distribution. This conviction sends a clear message: those who prey on the vulnerable through brutality and coercion will be held accountable. We will continue to pursue justice for victims and ensure traffickers face the full consequences of their actions.”

According to court documents, witness testimony, and evidence presented at trial, Dave Shumpert III, 30, of Des Moines, Iowa, aided by his co-defendant, Haley Morrison, 30, also of Des Moines, coerced three women to perform commercial sex acts using a combination of physical force, threats of force, a coercive debt scheme, withholding of drugs, and other threats of harm. Shumpert and Morrison targeted vulnerable young homeless women struggling with drug addiction, provided them with shelter and drugs, and then used violence and other coercive means to compel the women to engage in commercial sex. Shumpert and Morrison advertised the women online, set the prices for the commercial sex acts, communicated with the sex buyers, rented hotel rooms, and kept most of the proceeds of the commercial sex acts. Electronic communication evidence between Shumpert and Morrison demonstrated that Shumpert directed Morrison on how to manage and control the victims. One of the victims testified about the physical violence Morrison employed, such as hitting a victim with closed fists and dragging her by the hair. The victims explained their fear of homelessness, drug withdrawal, and of being indebted to Shumpert.   

Shumpert kept up his coercive scheme even after being arrested, placing thousands of calls to Morrison to discuss his criminal commercial sex business, and even received over $32,000 on his commissary accounts from the victims’ commercial sex proceeds. While incarcerated, Shumpert sought to intimidate and threaten a government witness by having someone outside of the jail post threatening messages on his social media accounts.   

Morrison previously pled guilty to sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion on Nov. 25, 2025, and will be sentenced on July 7.

The jury convicted Shumpert of three counts of sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, obstruction of a sex trafficking prosecution, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance to a person under 21, conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, and interstate travel in aid of racketeering. A sentencing date has not been set. Shumpert faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

HSI is investigating the case with assistance from the Des Moines Police Department.

Trial Attorney Slava Kuperstein of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Jennings for the Southern District of Iowa are prosecuting the case.

Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

DES MOINES, Iowa – The former Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent was sentenced to two years in federal prison today for false statement for employment and illegal alien in possession of firearms.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Ian Andre Roberts, 54, a Guyanese citizen, falsely stated that he was a United States citizen on employment paperwork related to his position at the Des Moines Public Schools in June 2023. Roberts was not and has never been a United States citizen. Roberts was not authorized to work in the United States except for an 18-month period between July 2018 and February 2020.

On September 26, 2025, Roberts knowingly possessed a loaded Glock pistol in his vehicle while knowing that he was unlawfully present in the United States. On the same day, Roberts also possessed three additional firearms at his residence, including a loaded pistol, a loaded rifle, and a shotgun. Underneath a floor mat in his personal vehicle, law enforcement also located a copy of the May 2025 order directing his removal from the United States to Guyana.

After completing his prison sentence, Roberts will serve a three-year term of supervised release, which will be non-reporting if he is removed from the United States. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Today’s sentence holds Ian Andre Roberts accountable for his criminal conduct and repeated violations of federal law,” said United States Attorney David C. Waterman. “By his own admission, Roberts falsely represented himself as a United States citizen in order to obtain positions of public trust and unlawfully possessed multiple firearms. That conduct undermined the integrity of our public institutions and the legal requirements designed to protect the public.”

Waterman added, “The Court carefully considered the facts, the applicable law, and the circumstances of the case in imposing its sentence. This outcome reinforces the principle that federal law applies equally to all who violate it. I commend our law enforcement partners for their professionalism, diligence, and commitment throughout this investigation and prosecution. Our office remains committed to enforcing the law fairly, impartially, and without fear or favor.”

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, investigated this case, with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Iowa State Patrol.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Arizona man was sentenced on May 26, 2026, to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Raul Misael Lopez Murrieta, 23, delivered approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine in May 2025 to Richard Allen Tuan Casey, 37, of Coralville. In July 2025, law enforcement stopped Lopez Murrieta and found approximately 117 pounds of methamphetamine in the tires of a vehicle he was towing. Lopez Murrieta admitted he was compensated for transporting methamphetamine from Arizona to the Midwest for distribution.

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

Casey is scheduled to be sentenced on June 24, 2026, following his plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, and use of a communication facility.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The University of Iowa Police Department, Johnson County Drug Task Force, Iowa City Police Department, Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Cambridge, Illinois man was sentenced on May 13, 2026, to 125 months in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Christopher L. Rutherford, 55, messaged with two undercover officers who posed as underage teenagers on Facebook and exchanged messages about meeting to engage in sex acts. Rutherford made plans to meet up with one of the undercover officers at Walmart in Burlington where he was arrested.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Rutherford will be required to serve a five-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. The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

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 https://www.justice.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Little Sioux man was sentenced on April 21, 2026, to 50 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child pornography.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, law enforcement seized electronic devices during a search of the Harrison County residence of Trevor John Collison, 34. A forensic examination of the seized electronic devices showed that Collison used the devices to produce numerous hidden camera images and videos containing child sexual abuse material of five minor victims.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Collison will be required to serve a 10-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Collison was also ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Council Bluffs Police Department, and Alaska State Patrol investigated the case.

April was National Child Abuse Prevention Month and marked the two-year anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security’s national public awareness campaign “Know2Protect: Together We Can Stop Online Child Exploitation.” Resources are available at www.Know2Protect.gov.

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 Des Moines man pleaded guilty on May 1, 2026, to three counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a child and one count of possession of child pornography.

According to public court documents, Tyler Boyd Pavlick, 33, placed a mini video camera in the tank of a porta-potty at three Central Iowa events: co-ed middle school and high school cross-county meets, one held in State Center on September 23, 2025, and another held in Osceola on September 30, 2025; and an arts, craft, and harvest event held in Des Moines on October 4, 2025.  Pavlick placed the cameras with the purpose of creating visual depictions of minors lasciviously exhibiting their anus, genitals, or pubic area.  Law enforcement seized electronic devices during a search of Pavlick’s Des Moines residence on October 15, 2025, including mini cameras that were the same model as those seized by police from the porta-potties in State Center and Des Moines.  One of the electronic devices seized from Pavlick’s residence contained video footage of minors using the porta-potty at the Osceola event, including footage of a minor under the age of 12.

Pavlick is scheduled to be sentenced on July 31, 2026 at 9:15am. Each of the three counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a child carry a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. The possession of child pornography charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The FBI Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, Des Moines Police Department, and Iowa DCI Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force are investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Kerndt is prosecuting the case.

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Colfax woman pleaded guilty on April 23, 2026, to theft from an Iowa nonprofit receiving federal funds.

According to public court documents, Jodi Dyan Spargur-Tate, 55, was employed by Children and Families of Iowa (CFI) between 2015 and 2022. During her time as Program Director, Spargur-Tate submitted false and fraudulent reimbursement requests, including falsified invoices and receipts. Spargur-Tate used these payments for her own benefit and her family member’s benefit and not for the benefit of CFI or the program participants.

Spargur-Tate is scheduled to be sentenced on August 25, 2026, and faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

“Spargur-Tate stole money meant to help Americans find work. Her guilty plea proves we will relentlessly pursue fraudsters,” said U.S. Department of Labor Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito. “Game the system, and we will find you and hold you accountable.”

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The United States Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General and the Des Moines Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Lubben prosecuted the case.

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa join federal, state, and local communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and celebrating victims’ rights, protections, and services.

This year’s observance takes place April 19 to 25, 2026, and features the theme “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.”

As part of this observance, the Southern District of Iowa recognizes the courage and bravery of victims, and the outstanding work of law enforcement, victim advocates, and community service partners throughout Iowa. The Southern District of Iowa would like to specifically recognize two individuals for their outstanding service to crime victims:

Award for Excellence in Victim Services

• Brittany Marshall, Crisis Intervention & Advocacy Center (CIAC) of Adel, Iowa, nominated by the Ringold County Attorney’s Office.

Law Enforcement Victim Service Award

• Braeden Nielson, Fairfield Police Department, nominated by the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office.

“During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we highlight that achieving justice includes honoring the dignity and voices of victims. Our office remains committed to listening, advocating, and ensuring victims’ rights are respected at every stage of the process,” said United States Attorney David C. Waterman for the Southern District of Iowa.

The 2026 Award for Excellence in Victim Services recognizes the performance of Victim Services Coordinator Brittany Marshall. As a member of Crisis Intervention & Advocacy Center, Ms. Marshall serves victims across ten counties: Adair, Adams, Clarke, Dallas, Decatur, Guthrie, Madison, Ringgold, Taylor, and Union. Her victim-centered approach is described as widely respected, including a creative and persistent dedication to providing coordinated services in the rural counties she serves. She often provides victims after-hours assistance and consistent support through a variety of investigative steps. Ms. Marshall also provides training to law enforcement and county employees on identifying and assisting crime victims.

The 2026 Law Enforcement Victim Service Award recognizes Fairfield Police Department Officer Braeden Nielsen. Officer Neilsen graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in 2023. His work is praised for exhibiting a level of dedication to justice and victim advocacy that far surpasses his tenure in law enforcement and transcendent of the traditional patrol officer responsibilities. Officer Neilsen’s work has had tangible impact on the Fairfield community, including accountability in kidnapping, sexual exploitation, and sex offender registry violation investigations.

The Southern District of Iowa would also like to recognize Charlotte Kovacs, who serves as the Supervisory Victim Witness Coordinator, and Katie Blanchard, who serve as a Victim Witness Specialist, for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa. Together Charlotte and Katie support victims and witnesses of crimes throughout the federal legal process. Charlotte and Katie are committed to ensuring that victims and witnesses are treated with fairness and respect while ensuring their voices are heard in the criminal Justice System.

For more information about Services and Victim Rights, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdia/victim-witness-assistance.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced on April 22, 2026, to 137 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Ricky Edward Kirk, Jr., 39, fled from officers during an attempted traffic stop in July 2024. During a foot chase Kirk repeatedly reached toward the firearm in his waistband, before being tased and falling to the ground. Officers recovered Kirk’s firearm from the ground after it fell out of his waistband while he was being handcuffed. Kirk has multiple felony convictions, including a 2022 conviction for possession with intent to deliver crack cocaine in the Iowa District Court for Scott County which he was on parole for at the time of this offense.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Kirk 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. The Davenport Police Department investigated the case.

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 Burlington man was sentenced on April 21, 2026, to 310 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Jason Lee Ringold, also known as “Ringo,” 47, sold over 600 grams of methamphetamine in the Burlington area between April and June 2024. Ringold displayed a gun and threatened one of his customers during a drug transaction. In 1999, Ringold was convicted in federal court for a drug conspiracy involving the manufacture of methamphetamine.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Ringold will be required to serve a ten-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. The Burlington Police Department investigated the case.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Muscatine man was sentenced on April 7, 2026, to 15 years 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 CyberTips that an account, later determined to be associated with Clay Dereck Calkins, 45, received and uploaded files containing child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement seized Calkin’s phone during a March 2023 search at his Muscatine residence. A forensic examination of the phone showed that Calkins used the device to receive, view and possess images and videos containing child sexual abuse material. This conduct occurred during the time that Calkins was on probation for a 2022 child pornography conviction in the Iowa District Court for Muscatine County.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Calkins will be required to serve an eight-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Calkins was also ordered to pay $12,000 in restitution.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Criminal Investigation-Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated the case.

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.