DES MOINES, Iowa – Eleven defendants are facing federal criminal charges as part of a joint federal, state, and local law enforcement investigation. The charges are the result of a year-long investigation into violent acts, shootings, the possession and use of firearms, including the use of automatic switches, which qualify as machine guns under federal law, firearm straw purchasing, firearm trafficking, and distribution of fentanyl within the Des Moines area by members and associates of the criminal street gang OMB (Only My Brothers), a subset of the C-Block criminal street gang. During the investigation, law enforcement recovered shell casings at various shootings and generated investigative leads. Ninety-two guns were involved, with 73 of the involved guns seized.

United States Attorney Richard Westphal said “Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies will continue to work side by side to aggressively investigate crimes of violence and conduct that promotes and sustains this violence, including the trafficking of fentanyl, firearms trafficking, and straw purchasing. To individuals and groups that use violent crime, firearms and drug trafficking as a means to any end, please stop or face similar consequences.”

Eleven defendants are charged in five criminal indictments with federal drug and firearm related offenses:
• Armani Eugene Gates, 19, also known as “OMB74” and “74,” of Des Moines,
• Majok Majok, 18, also known as “Jok” and “Magok Magok,” of Des Moines,
• Trent Douglas Brown, Jr., 19, also known as “TB,” of Des Moines,
• Semaj Johnson, 19, also known as “Maj” and “10mill,” of Des Moines,
• Santiz Cortez Langford, Jr., 19, also known as “Tiz” and “Tizwick,” of Des Moines,
• Dawn Ellease Robinson, 44, also known as “Dawn Ellease Colbert,” of Des Moines,
• Deon Ellease Cooper, 27, of Des Moines,
• Deadrian Maurice Nelson, 18, also known as “Shiesty” and “D,” of Des Moines,
• Johnetta Marie Strode, 36, of Des Moines,
• Avontae Lamar Tucker, 20, also known as “Tae Tae,” of Des Moines, and
• Bakier Esmaeil, 18, of Des Moines.

On July 20, 2023, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies executed nine federal search warrants that resulted in the arrest of eleven defendants, two of which were already in federal custody. The search warrants also lead to the seizure of approximately 13,000 suspected fentanyl pills, seven firearms, one machine gun conversion device, and $23,000 in cash.
According to public court documents and information discussed at court hearings, Strode is Nelson’s mother and allegedly conspired to straw purchase a firearm, later found in Nelson’s possession. Robinson is the mother of both Langford and Cooper and allegedly conspired with Langford to straw a purchase a firearm later found in possession of a victim in the January 2023 Starts Right Here double homicide in Des Moines. Cooper, who is Langford’s sister, is also alleged to have purchased firearms at Langford’s direction.

Gates, Majok, and Brown are charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. This charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison, up to life in prison.
Gates, Cooper, Langford, Robinson, and Strode are charged with conspiracy to straw purchase firearms. Cooper and Robinson were charged with individually straw purchasing firearms. These charges carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, with Gates facing a maximum of 25 years in prison. Cooper, Robinson, and Strode are charged with false statement during the purchase of a firearm. These charges carry a maximum sentence of five to 10 years in prison. Gates, Majok, Johnson, and Langford are charged with firearm trafficking conspiracies. Langford was charged with firearms trafficking. These charges carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Johnson and Tucker are charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Gates, Brown, and Majok were charged with distribution of fentanyl. These charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Langford is charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana. This charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Tucker is charged with possession with intent to distribution five grams or more of methamphetamine. This charge carries a minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. Tucker is also charged with possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, which carries a mandatory seven-year consecutive sentence, up to life in prison.

Further, Tucker is charged with interference with commerce through robbery. This charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.Johnson and Tucker are charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. This charge carries a mandatory five-year consecutive sentence, up to life in prison. Majok and Langford are charged with illegal possession of a machinegun. Majok and Langford were also charged with possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. These charges carry a mandatory 30-year consecutive sentence, up to life in prison. Gates, Esmaeil, Johnson, Majok, Robinson, Langford, Strode, and Tucker are charged with being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm. Nelson was charged with being a felon and an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm. These charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 to 15 years in prison.

A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Multiple agencies are investigating the case, with assistance from numerous other law enforcement agencies.  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.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ office today (Friday), announced that RILCO, Inc., based in Rock Island, IL and M.H. Eby, Inc., a legacy Iowa manufacturer, were among the company investment announcements made today at the monthly Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) board meeting. Combined, these projects represent a total capital investment of more than $25 million and are expected to create a total of 201 jobs in the communities of Eldridge and Story City respectively.

Gov. Reynolds said “The investments announced today are a testament that Iowa is a place of opportunity and economic vitality. From being recognized as the nation’s most fiscally responsible state to the historic tax reform passed by our legislature, we have built a strong foundation where businesses in Iowa can thrive and prosper. I welcome RILCO to the state, congratulate both companies for their significant expansion plans and wish them continued success as they work to broaden and diversify Iowa’s robust manufacturing sector.”

RILCO, Inc. is a large lubricant distributor and industrial service provider and has also developed its own proprietary brands of lubricants, antifreeze and greases under the Tec-Guard and Tec-Kool brands. Its products are sold and distributed to industrial, agricultural, construction and retail customers. The company, which already has a distribution center in Pella and locations in the Quad Cities, plans to relocate its corporate headquarters from Illinois to Eldridge. The project involves a 58,000-square-foot expansion and improvement to an available building in the Iowa community. An estimated 81 jobs are expected to be created by the more than $10 million total capital investment.

Founded in 1938, M.H. Eby, Inc. has evolved over the years into an industry-leading manufacturer of aluminum truck bodies and livestock haulers. With a previous expansion, they added manufacturing capabilities for livestock and semi-trailers. The company plans to expand their Story City facility by an additional 100,000 square feet to support the growth of its business. This $15.4 million capital investment is expected to create 120 jobs.

Economic development incentive packages approved by the IEDA board today helped ensure these projects would take place in Iowa. RILCO was awarded $135,000 in tax credit benefits and M.H. Eby was awarded $800,000 in tax credit benefits through the High Quality Jobs (HQJ) Program. The HQJ assistance hinges on performance, and the company will receive these benefits when contract obligations have been met.

(Radio Iowa) – Thousands of bikers start RAGBRAI Sunday in Sioux City and they will present some traffic challenges as they roll across the state this week. Iowa State Patrol Trooper Kary Yaneff says it could interrupt the routine of drivers. “We’re just asking for a lot of patience from a lot of the drivers,” she says. Many county roads that are normally lightly traveled will be filled with bikes. Yaneff says you should be prepared for anything if you are driving in the area of the ride route.

“Most of these riders, technically they’re supposed to be on one lane and they’ll probably be on both sides of the roadway. So when you’re coming to the top of the hill approaching that we’re asking to use caution because you might be meeting a bicyclist,” Yeneff says. “A lot of them like to stop on the side of the road to either take a break or there might be equipment issues.” Yaneff says this is a short-term interruption of the normal routine that will go smoothly if everyone takes their time and is understanding. The communities hosting the riders may experience some cellphone service issues once the bikers arrive with their phones.

“Your cell phone might be spotty or be not working and you might be in a different spot and it may work,” she says. Yaneff says some communities are trying to boost the cellphone signals, but there could still be issues. The 50th annual ride ends next Saturday in Davenport.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – On Thursday, July 20, 2023, the Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors visited the Fish Store and Pet Center in Atlantic to celebrate the new ownership and merchandise selection. The Ambassadors also had the opportunity to learn about the process behind their renovations and meet with the new owner.

Mike Cook, new owner of the Fish Store and Pet Center, shared about why he chose to take on this role and how he was able to reach it. After being in business for over 35 years, the previous owner, Rick Johnson, was looking to retire. Cook, who is a native to the area, thought that keeping this business would be a great opportunity for the community. With his prior experience shopping in the store, as well as his love for pets, Cook was eager to have this longtime Atlantic business up and running again. He knew how important it was to have a local business with such a unique inventory in the area, so he made the choice to move from Florida back to a former family member’s home.

Ambassadors from Left to Right: Row One: Paige Jensen, Dr. Keith Leonard, John Bricker, Alden Harriman, Bailey Smith, Tori Gibson, Anne Quist, Ruth Sears, Jennifer McEntaffer, Megan Sramek, Elaine Otte, Jeremy Butler, Colt Doherty Row Two: Rick Mericle, Lana Westphalen, Kathie Hockenberry, Jim Kickland, Donnie Drennan, Donna Cook, Mike Cook, Joe Flathers, Julie Waters, Krysta Hanson, Scott Bennett, Dolly Bergmann, Steve Andersen

Cook is excited to watch his business and customer base continue to grow, as sales have increased in comparison to previous months. He has stayed busy ordering new inventory to fit the needs of all pet owners and other customers, in addition to the different renovations that have taken place. The Fish Store and Pet Center carries a variety of live animals such as fish, reptiles, birds, hamsters, and puppies that Cook breeds himself. Cook also carries a wide selection of animal feeds, toys, and habitats.

The Fish Store and Pet Center is open 9-5 Monday through Friday and 9-3 on Saturdays, with an open house event held during their business hours on Friday and Saturday. For more information regarding the business, visit their Facebook page, the Fish Store and Pet Center, or call 712-243-1760. The Fish Store and Pet Center is located at 13 W 4th Street in Atlantic.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowans are remembering singer Tony Bennett who died this (Friday) morning in New York at the age of 96.  Bennett appeared in three concerts at the Des Moines Civic Center in October of 1984, March of 1993 and in June of 2014. He also appeared in concert at Prairie Meadows in Altoona in March of 2012.

Bennett’s last appearance in Iowa was at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center in Cedar Falls four years ago in June, 2019. He’s known for a string of tunes including “Rags to Riches,” “Just in Time,” and “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” Funeral services for Bennett are pending.

Tony Bennett

(Adair, Iowa) – The Adair-Casey/Guthrie Center School Board, Wednesday, accepted a bid for the replacement of the bleachers at the Junior High School. AC/GC Superintendent Josh Rasmussen said a Public Hearing was held on the bleacher project during the Board’s meeting.

The Board also approved the resignation of Denice Crawley, Food Service & Transportation, and contract recommendations for: Christina Wilson – High School Board Secretary; Ron Lower  and Bill Messinger – Part-time Industrial Tech Teachers; Sarah McKibben – Elementary Kitchen & Preschool 1:1 Associate, and, Kayla Froehle – Preschool Associate.

They also acted on approving their IASB Legislative Priorities, which include Teacher Recruitment and Licensure.

Sharing and Reorganization was another of the Board’s priorities.

In other business, the AC/GC School Board approved the existing 28-E (cost sharing) agreements between the districts.

And, the Board agreed to tweak their regular board meeting times and places.

Mr. Rasmussen said they’re getting ready for the next school year. That includes getting the buildings cleaned-up. All classroom teachers are hired, and the online registration portal is available now for parents to enroll their kids.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Child Abuse Prevention Council is partnering with the Healthy Cass County Coalition and other community organizations, to host a Family Fun Day at the Cass County Fair. Next Saturday, July 29th, 2023, from 12- until 4-p.m., there will be activities set up around the fairgrounds for families to find and participate in, including water fights, a duck pond, a garden story walk, hands-on S.T.E.M. activities, a cake walk, yard games and more! Depending on the activity, some may have a different starting or ending time.

Participants can pick up a map at any of the stations. The map will list the activities that will be going on all over the fairgrounds. Once a location is visited, participants will receive a stamp to indicate their participation at that location. When the map is returned to the Healthy Cass booth in the commercial building, with at least 6 stamps, a voucher will be given to the participant to redeem for food at the Chuckwagon food stand.

Organizations participating in the Family Fun Day at the Fair include: Atlantic Fire Department, Atlantic Public Library, Cass County Child Abuse Prevention Council, Cass County Master Gardeners, Cass County 4-H, Cass County Farm Bureau, Family Crisis Support Network, Healthy Cass County, Iowa Corn, Iowa Learning Forums, SHIFT ATL and more!

When visiting the Healthy Cass County booth, fairgoers are also invited to learn and share ideas for healthy ways to take care of themselves, friends and families. There are many aspects to wellness, and taking care of ourselves allows us to better care for others.

The Cass County Child Abuse Prevention Council and Healthy Cass County encourage families to enjoy some time together at the Cass County Fair while gathering ideas for activities that can be done at home, at school and out in the community as a family. The council also reminds people that child abuse is preventable, and everyone can play a part in creating safe, healthy and nurturing environments for kids in our local communities.

For more information and updates on the Family Fun Day visit @CassCountyChildAbusePreventionCouncil on Facebook.

For a full schedule of fair activities, visit www.casscountyfairia.com!   The Cass County Fair takes place July 27th through August 1st, in Atlantic.

(Radio Iowa)  – A report finds states that ban or severely restrict abortion are less likely to attract medical school graduates for hospital residency slots. The study from the Association of American Medical Colleges Research and Action Institute found a drop in applications across all residency slots in states that restrict abortion. Atul Grover, the institute’s executive director, says the drop was much more drastic for med school graduates looking to be O-B/G-Y-Ns. Grover says, “But in OB/GYN, what we found was that you were about twice as likely to have US MD graduates trying to avoid those states where abortion was banned, or drastically limited.”

Iowa has one of the lowest rates of O-B/G-Y-Ns per capita in the country. A new Iowa law that bans abortions at about six weeks of pregnancy was temporarily blocked this week by a district judge while it faces legal challenges. Grover says he’s concerned abortion restrictions could increasingly deter other kinds of residents, not just O-B/G-Y-Ns. “Also, if you think about a specialty, like family medicine, that does a lot of obstetrical care, particularly in rural areas,” he says, “we believe that they will also be disincentivized to go practice in states like Iowa.”

Grover made his comments on the Iowa Public Radio program, River to River.