Dwayne Appling Sentenced

A major blow has been dealt to the heroin trade in Iowa with the sentencing of Dwayne Appling, 37, from Chicago, Illinois, to more than 27 years in federal prison. Appling, the head of a heroin distribution conspiracy, received the prison term after an August 26, 2013, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and one count of distributing heroin near a school.

According to information disclosed at the sentencing hearing, between 2007 and March of 2010, Appling headed an organization responsible for distributing thousands of grams of heroin throughout the Waterloo area. Appling recruited at least eight other individuals to sell heroin on his behalf, and his organization was extensive, involving over thirty other individuals who have been prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office.

Appling’s sentencing was handed down by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade in Cedar Rapids. He was sentenced to 327 months’ imprisonment on each count to run concurrently. The Court also imposed a special assessment of $200. Appling must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term. As there is no parole in the federal system, Appling will be required to serve the entirety of his sentence.

The case against Appling was investigated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Cedar Rapids Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force and the Tri-County Drug Task Force. The Cedar Rapids DEA Task Force consists of the DEA; Linn County Sheriff’s Office; Cedar Rapids Police Department; Marion Police Department; Iowa City Police Department; Clinton Police Department; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services.

The Tri-County Drug Task Force, which also played a crucial role in the investigation, consists of the Waterloo Police Department; Cedar Falls Police Department; Waverly Police Department; Bremer County Sheriff’s Office; Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office; LaPorte City Police Department; Evansdale Police Department; Hudson Police Department; and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The collaborative efforts of these agencies ultimately led to the downfall of Appling’s heroin distribution empire.

Appling is currently being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison to begin serving his sentence. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams. Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl, with the case file number being CR-11-2025. As the community continues to grapple with the devastating effects of heroin addiction, the sentencing of Dwayne Appling serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences that await those who engage in such destructive activities.

In conclusion, the sentencing of Dwayne Appling marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against heroin distribution in Iowa. The tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors have resulted in the removal of a major player in the heroin trade, and the community can take solace in the knowledge that justice has been served. As the war on drugs continues, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and committed to combating the scourge of heroin addiction that threatens to destroy the lives of so many.