⏱ 2 min read
Daniel Thomas Coldewey, a 33-year-old from Council Bluffs, Iowa, has been sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for distributing counterfeit pills containing fentanyl in the Council Bluffs area for nearly five years. The crimes took place between 2020 and 2025, with a notable incident occurring on April 14, 2025, when Coldewey sold 12 pills to a victim who nearly died after using one. The victim collapsed in a business parking lot but was revived by emergency services after a bystander administered CPR.
The case was investigated by the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, which gathered evidence of Coldewey’s illicit activities. On July 21, 2026, Coldewey was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. The sentence reflects the severity of the crimes and the danger posed by fentanyl distribution.
The incident highlights the risks associated with fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that can be deadly even in small doses. The fact that the victim survived is a testament to the quick thinking of the bystander and the emergency responders. However, the case also underscores the need for continued efforts to combat fentanyl distribution and protect communities from the dangers of this drug.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa. The case demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to investigating and prosecuting those involved in fentanyl distribution, and the significant penalties that await those who engage in such activities.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Drug Trafficking
- Defendant: Iowa
- Location: IA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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