DES MOINES, Iowa – A federal grand jury in Des Moines returned a 51-count indictment on November 16, 2023, charging seven individuals with offenses related to a racketeering conspiracy, which involved a conspiracy to engage in a years-long pattern of violence, including attempted murders, robberies, drug trafficking, the straw purchasing of firearms, and the trafficking of firearms.

As alleged in the Indictment, those charged were members and associates of a criminal organization or Enterprise known as “Only My Brother” or “OMB.”  OMB originated in early- to mid-2021.  Prior to that, some members and associates of OMB referred to themselves as various other names, including C-Block, 600, East Side Crips, Crips, and Gangster.  The principal purposes and objectives of the Enterprise were to distribute controlled substances, obtain money and things of value, and earn and maintain respect in the neighborhood.  To achieve those purposes and objectives, members and associates of the Enterprise committed acts involving attempted murder, robbery, and assault; threatened to commit acts of violence; trafficking in controlled substances and firearms; and straw purchased firearms.

The following members and associates of OMB, all of Des Moines, are charged in the Indictment:

Majok Majok, 19, is charged with racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl, conspiracy to distribute marijuana, conspiracy to traffic firearms, possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm, illegal possession of a machinegun, and four counts of distribution of fentanyl.  Majok is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 40 years of imprisonment and up to life.

Santiz Cortez Langford, Jr., 20, is charged with racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl, conspiracy to distribute marijuana, two counts of conspiracy to straw purchase firearms, conspiracy to traffic firearms, two counts of firearms trafficking, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a machinegun and firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, three counts of unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm, and illegal possession of a machinegun.  Langford is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 40 years of imprisonment and up to life.

Semaj Johnson, 19, is charged with racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl, conspiracy to traffic firearms, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm.  As part of this investigation, Johnson was previously charged with, and pled guilty to, illegal possession of a machinegun and is awaiting sentencing (Southern District of Iowa, 4:22-cr-106).  Johnson is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment and up to life.

Avontae Lamar Tucker, 20, is charged with racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl, conspiracy to distribute marijuana, unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm and ammunition, interference with commerce through robbery, possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Tucker is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 22 years of imprisonment, and up to life.  As part of this investigation, Tucker was previously convicted of interference with commerce through robbery, possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm.  (Southern District of Iowa, 4:22-cr-164).  On July 20, 2023, he was sentenced to 192 months of imprisonment.

Dahaba Bahari Lula, 18, is charged with racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl, and five counts of distribution of fentanyl.  Lula is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment and up to life.

Dawn Ellease Robinson, 44, is charged with racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to straw purchase firearms, four counts of false statement during purchase of a firearm, straw purchasing of a firearm, and two counts of unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm.  Robinson is facing up to a combined total of 105 years of imprisonment.

Deon Ellease Cooper, 27, is charged with racketeering conspiracy, six counts of false statement during purchase of a firearm, conspiracy to straw purchase firearms, and straw purchasing a firearm.  Cooper is facing up to a combined total of 95 years of imprisonment.

The Indictment may be downloaded at this link: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdia/pr/seven-des-moines-gang-member-and-associates-indicted-federal-charges. Lula made her initial court appearance today (Tuesday) before a United States Magistrate Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa.  The remaining defendants will make their initial court appearances on later dates.

As part of this investigation, several other members and associates of the Enterprise were charged with various drug- and firearms-related crimes, as previously stated.  The following defendants charged in those cases have now entered guilty pleas:

Armani Eugene Gates, 19, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl, unlawful user in possession of a firearm, two counts of conspiracy to traffic firearms, conspiracy to straw purchase firearms, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  At sentencing, which is set for March 8, 2024, Gates faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment, and up to life.
Deadrian Maurice Nelson, 19, pled guilty to two counts of felon and unlawful drug user in possession of firearms.  He faces up to a combined total of 30 years of imprisonment.  Nelson’s sentencing is scheduled for March 7, 2024.
Bakier Mohamd Esmaeil, 18, pled guilty to one count of being a drug user in possession of a firearm.  At his sentencing on March 6, 2024, Esmaeil faces up to 15 years of imprisonment.
Johnetta Marie Strode, 36, is scheduled for a change of plea hearing on November 28, 2023.

A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Richard Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.  Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin Herrera and Mallory Weiser are prosecuting the case.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Des Moines Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service are investigating the case, with assistance from the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement (DNE), Iowa State Patrol, and Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center.

This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa — The City of Council Bluffs is continuing to discharge wastewater from its I-80 Sanitary Pump Station. The discharge, which began last week, is necessary to repair a damaged force main. The  city unsuccessfully attempted to repair the leaking pipe last week and are currently making preparations for a second attempt at repairs.

The city has put dewatering wells in place to facilitate excavation of the damaged main. Groundwater from these wells, which has also included some sewage, has been discharged to a wooded area east of Catfish Road.

The public should avoid the area, including bike trails running through the wooded area, and avoid contact with the Missouri River downstream from Interstate 80.

(Creston, Iowa) – Police in Creston say no injuries were reported following a three-vehicle, chain-reaction accident Monday evening Sumner Street (Highway 25 north). The driver of a 2011 Chevy Traverse SUV, 24-year-old Shelby Marie Jilek, of Mount Ayr, told Police she was driving to the stop light at New York/Sheldon Avenue, when her vehicles’ wheels locked up. Her vehicle slid and struck the rear of a 2020 Nissan Murano SUV, driven by 63-year-old Susan Marie O’Brien, of Creston.

The SUV then ran into the rear of a 2019 Buick Encore SUV, driven by 38-year-old Shannel Lynn Troutwine, of Creston. The accident occurred a little after 5-p.m., Monday.

All three drivers were wearing their seat belts. They confirmed with Police Jilek’s story about how the incident unfolded.

Damages from the accident amounted to $3,000 ($1,000 to each vehicle). No citations were issued.

(Radio Iowa) – Former President Donald Trump has released a video slamming Governor Kim Reynolds for endorsing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The video was released on social media by the Trump campaign. It starts with a reference to a Morning Consult analysis about the popularity of the nation’s governors. It indicated Reynolds had a 47 percent disapproval rating. “Kim Reynolds of Iowa has gone from a popular governor to the most unpopular governor in the entire United States of America, not an easy feat,” Trump said.

Reynolds endorsed DeSantis earlier this month, saying she believes DeSantis can beat Biden, while Trump cannot. Trump says the endorsement has given DeSantis “zero bounce” in the polls. “I wonder what position Kim was promised to back someone who was so far down in the polls,” Trump said in the video. Reynolds won reelection a year ago by a more than 18 point margin and a recent Des Moines Register “Iowa Poll” found Reynolds is viewed favorably by eight out of 10 Iowa Republicans.

Trump began criticizing Reynolds earlier this year for not endorsing his bid to return to the White House, calling her disloyal.

(Radio Iowa) – A federal jury has convicted the wife of a Woodbury County supervisor on 52 counts of voting fraud. The jury returned a guilty verdict on all charges against Kim Taylor after six hours of deliberations Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning. Taylor was accused of filling out or helping to file absentee ballots for numerous Vietnamese residents in the Sioux City area and had them signed by people who weren’t authorized to cast the ballot.

The charges date back to elections in 2020 when her husband, Jeremy Taylor, ran for congress and later for Woodbury County supervisor. Prosecutors referred to him as an undicted co-conspirator in a pretrial filing. After the verdict, Judge Leonard Strand ordered a pre-sentencing investigation and has not set a sentencing date for Kim Taylor, who will remain free until then.

Her attorney, F. Montgomery Brown, says he respects the verdict, but would no comment on a possible appeal until after her sentencing.

Breda, IA (November 21, 2023) – Officials with Western Iowa Networks (WIN), Tuesday (today), announced a groundbreaking partnership with Mills County to bring state-of-the-art fiber-optic technology to the community of Glenwood.

WIN says the transformative fiber construction project aims to revolutionize connectivity in the city, providing residents and businesses with unprecedented access to high-speed internet services as well as crystal clear landline phone. In addition to fiber internet, WIN will also offer businesses Hosted Phone Systems, Managed IT and more.

Key Project Highlights:
• Fiber-Optic Network Expansion: WIN will deploy advanced fiber-optic infrastructure throughout Glenwood, enabling lightning-fast internet speeds and unmatched reliability.
• Wider Service Coverage: The Fiber Construction Project is designed to extend WIN’s network reach, ensuring that more local residents and businesses can benefit from high-quality, high-speed internet access.
• Community Empowerment: By significantly improving internet connectivity, this project will help boost economic development, facilitate remote work opportunities, enhance online learning, and enable telehealth services, ultimately improving the quality of life for Glenwood’s residents.
• Customer-Centric Approach: WIN remains dedicated to providing exceptional customer service throughout the construction process.

WIN CEO Jeff Roiland says “This latest partnership between Western Iowa Networks and Mills County underscores a shared commitment to enhancing the community’s digital infrastructure. This project will provide residents and businesses with access to essential resources, fostering economic growth and innovation. We have already seen the immense benefits that fiber optics has provided to rural Mills County and are excited to see residents in Glenwood reap these benefits as well.

Mills County Chamber Executive Director Jennie Davis commented “The Mills County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to hear of the partnership between Western Iowa Networks and Mills County, as well as the involvement of the City of Glenwood. Fiber optic internet is especially important to our local businesses who depend on reliable, fast service to conduct business and with the introduction of fiber to our community, Mills County is poised for additional growth, possibilities, and innovation. The Chamber proudly supports this leap forward and looks forward to continuing their partnership with Western Iowa Networks.”

Glenwood City Administrator Amber Farnan commented “The City is excited to partner with Mills County to help make it possible for Western Iowa Networks to bring fiber into the Glenwood city limits, we understand our citizen’s need for this service and are happy to be a part of the solution.” Mills County Auditor Ami Petersen added “It’s a great opportunity for the City and County to work together to connect the entire community to fiber.”

The investment of $500,000 from Mills County and the City of Glenwood will help greatly with the multi-million dollar project. In the past 4 years, WIN has invested over $20 Million in fiber optic construction in Mills County and has made gigabit service available to nearly 3,500 homes and businesses.
WIN CEO Jeff Roiland added “We greatly appreciate the City of Glenwood coming to the table and assisting Mills County in investing in this project. The impact of their investment will be felt immediately with expanded opportunities for communication, education, business, entertainment…the list goes on.”

The project will see fiber optics constructed past nearly 2,500 homes and businesses and make Gigabit Internet available in Glenwood. Construction of this project is scheduled to begin in 2024. Because of the large scale of this project, as well as the many stages involved in constructing a brand new utility, it will take a significant period of time to complete. WIN appreciates the public’s patience as they work towards a future of enhanced communication and connectivity for the Glenwood community.

The process of constructing this fiber network will use a combination of areas with a high concentration of customers who have signed up for services as well as network connectivity needs. Residents in Glenwood, even if they have previously filled out the online interest form, will need to sign up for services in order to have fiber optics constructed to their home. They can do so by calling 888-508-2946 and speaking to a Customer Experience Specialist or by signing up online at www.westianet.com.
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About Western Iowa Networks: Breda Telephone Corp. ~ d.b.a. Western Iowa Networks (WIN) ~ is a leading communications company based in Breda, IA. They are one of western Iowa’s largest independent telephone companies, and one of the area’s most diverse service providers.

WIN was founded in 1905 as Breda Telephone Company and today provides telephone, Internet, cellular, cable, and many complementary services to customers across Western and Southwestern Iowa including Arcadia, Auburn, Breda, Carroll, Council Bluffs, Dedham, Denison, Farragut, Glenwood, Glidden, Halbur, Hastings, Lidderdale, Macedonia, Malvern, Maple River, Mineola, Mount Carmel, Nemaha, Pacific Junction, Silver City, Treynor, Vail, Westside and Willey.

(Granger, Iowa) – The Iowa State Patrol today (Tuesday) released information about a fatal crash that occurred Saturday evening, in Dallas County. According to the report, a2005 Toyota Camry driven by 62-year-old Kevin Daryl Brown, of Grimes, was traveling west in the eastbound lanes of Highway 141 near 190th Street.

A 2023 Chrysler 300 S and a 2013 KIA Sportage were traveling eastbound, when the Chrysler was struck by the Camry as it passed. Following the collision, the Toyota spun around and was struck by the KIA. The Camry then reportedly caught fire. The crash happened at around 6:04-p.m.

Kevin Brown died at the scene. He was wearing a seat belt. The driver of the KIA, 29-year-old Veya Makuta, of Des Moines, who was also wearing a seat belt, was injured in the crash and transported to Mercy Hospital by Dallas County EMS.  The driver of the Chrysler – Daniel Alfred Gonzalez, Jr., of Ankeny – was not injured.

The Patrol was assisted at the scene by Granger Police, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office and Dallas County EMS.