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DES MOINES -- A total of 14 individuals from central Iowa, including nine Marshalltown residents, were arrested on Tuesday and charged with federal offenses related to methamphetamine trafficking and money laundering after a joint federal and state investigation.
According to a press release, 11 of the defendants were taken into custody during the execution of 10 federal search warrants in Marshalltown, Perry, and Des Moines on Tuesday, which resulted in the seizure of over $20,000, six firearms, and 18 phones.
Those charged include nine Marshalltown residents: Jose Manuel Yepez, 31, Felipe Ramirez Alvizu, 40, Jennifer Mares Flores, 31, Liliana Hernandez Vazquez, 29, Georgina Kasandra Hernandez Vazquez, 21, Yureli Alondra Hernandez Vazquez, 25, Juan Pablo Mendoza Juarez, 26, Luis Ruben Aguilera Perez, 32 and Carlos Mendoza Juarez, 19.
Liliana Hernandez Vazquez, Georgina Kasandra Hernandez Vazquez, and Yureli Alondra Hernandez Vazquez have been charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Carlos Mendoza Juarez is charged with conspiracy and distribution of methamphetamine, punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and up to 40 years in prison. The remaining individuals are charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and related crimes, which carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to life.
Eleven individuals made their initial court appearances before a United States Magistrate Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa on Tuesday and Wednesday, and trial was set for Nov. 30, 2026. Three individuals have not yet appeared on the charges.
These charges were announced by United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa, FBI Special Agent in Charge Gene Kowel, ATF Resident Agent in Charge Robert Carlson, Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Narcotics Enforcement Assistant Director Bryant Strouse, and Marshalltown Police Department Chief of Police Christopher Jones. Investigating and assisting agencies include the FBI, ATF, Marshall County Sheriff's Office, Marshalltown Police Department, Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Tri-County Drug Task Force, Mid Iowa Drug Task Force, Des Moines Police Department, Polk County Sheriff's Office, Mid Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, and Iowa National Guard Counter-Drug Task Force.
Jones told the T-R he was not able to provide any further information at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing.