Former University Professor Sentenced for Child Pornography and Methamphetamine Trafficking
In a shocking turn of events, Dr. John Robert Muriello, a 66-year-old former professor at the University of Iowa, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, resulting in the death of a victim, and 20 years in prison for possessing child pornography. The sentences were ordered to be served concurrently, or at the same time.
The investigation revealed that Dr. Muriello conspired with Eric Hojka of Iowa City, and others, to obtain and distribute methamphetamine in and around Iowa City since sometime in 2020. In May 2021, first responders went to Hojka’s apartment in Iowa City based on a report that a victim had lost consciousness. Paramedics were unable to revive the victim and he was pronounced dead. An autopsy showed the victim ingested methamphetamine which caused his death. The investigation revealed the victim received that methamphetamine from Hojka. Hojka obtained the methamphetamine from Dr. Muriello, who had obtained the drugs from a supplier in California.
When the police conducted a search at Dr. Muriello’s Iowa City residence in May 2021, they discovered methamphetamine and a large collection of child pornography. In addition to the 25-year prison term, Dr. Muriello was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $12,000, a fine of $50,000, and assessments of $22,200. Dr. Muriello’s Iowa City residence was also forfeited. After his prison term, Dr. Muriello was also ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release.
According to court documents, Dr. John Robert Muriello, 66, conspired with Eric Hojka of Iowa City, and others, to obtain and distribute methamphetamine in and around Iowa City. In May 2021, first responders went to Hojka’s apartment in Iowa City based on a report that a victim had lost consciousness.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Iowa City Police Department and the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office investigated the case.
Dr. John Robert Muriello, a former professor at the University of Iowa, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, resulting in the death of a victim, and 20 years in prison for possessing child pornography.
Related Federal Cases
- David Poitier Belton, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Iowa 2022 · California
- Iowa Battle Creek Woman, Child Pornography, 2023 · California
- Omar Gonzalez Sentenced to 14 Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking… · Michigan
- Jose Vazquez-Barron, Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy, CA 2024 · California
- Joseph Edward Conner, Methamphetamine Trafficking, California 2023 · California
Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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