On May 3, an Iowa jury found three men guilty of multiple drug and firearms crimes. The trio will be sentenced on Sept. 12.
According to the Davenport Police Department, the defendants, ages 22, 23 and 26, were sitting in a rented Jeep Compass at a gas station on West River Drive when the 26-year-old waved a gun at another man. Someone notified the police of the incident, and the Jeep was later pulled over by officers. At this point, the 22-year-old and 23-year-old took off running, but the 26-year-old was apprehended while trying to climb out of the vehicle.
Police searched the Jeep and found crack cocaine, drug packaging materials, two digital scales and cash. They also discovered a loaded 9mm pistol. During a three-day trial, prosecutors alleged that the defendants were engaged in the distribution of crack cocaine. The jury agreed. All three men were convicted of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The 22-year-old and 23-year-old were also found guilty of possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute.
All defendants facing drug charges have the right to defend themselves against the allegations in court. With the help of a criminal defense attorney, it may be possible to undermine the prosecution’s case and win an acquittal from a jury. However, if the evidence in a case is substantial, an attorney may recommend negotiating a plea deal that reduces the charges in exchange for the defendant’s guilty plea. This strategy could significantly lower the penalties.
Source: KWQC, “Quad Cities Men found guilty of crack cocaine and firearms offenses,” Sarah Coleman, May 4, 2018
