Homedew Convicted of Meth Trafficking

A California man has been convicted of trafficking methamphetamine to the Des Moines area. Jonathan Leroy Homedew, 43, of Hemet, California, was found guilty by a jury in the Southern District of Iowa on February 22, 2017, of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

According to the United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel, Homedew conspired with other individuals to distribute methamphetamine in the Des Moines area from about May 2016 through September 9, 2016. During this time, Homedew purchased multi-pound quantities of methamphetamine from sources in Southern California and shipped it to the Des Moines area, including through the United States Mail.

The investigation led to the seizure of nine parcels shipped from Southern California on September 7 and 9, 2016. The combined parcels contained over 25 pounds of methamphetamine sent by Homedew for redistribution by others in Iowa. The United States Postal Inspection Service, in concert with the Des Moines Police Department, conducted the seizure.

The conviction is a result of the cooperation among law enforcement agencies, including the United States Postal Inspection Service, Des Moines Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. United States Attorney VanderSchel commended the cooperation, stating, "Together we are making a difference in keeping our community and mail service safe."

Craig Goldberg, Inspector in Charge of the Denver Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service, which includes Iowa, emphasized the successful teamwork among federal, state, and local law enforcement. Goldberg stated, "This conviction reflects the successful teamwork among federal, state, and local law enforcement. We want the public to know that Postal Inspectors will aggressively pursue anyone who attempts to use the Postal Service to facilitate drug trafficking."

Homedew is scheduled to be sentenced on July 6, 2017, before Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa. For more information, contact Rachel J. Scherle at 515-473-9300 or email her at Rachel.Scherle@usdoj.gov.