Iowa City Dealer Goins Gets 9 Years for Drugs & Gun

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Janard Fitzgerald Goins, 34, of Iowa City, is headed to federal prison for nine years after a January raid turned up a significant stash of drugs and a loaded handgun. Goins was sentenced to 108 months (nine years) on charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. The sentence sends a clear message: dealing poison and packing heat won’t be tolerated.

The bust, executed by law enforcement in January 2024, revealed a veritable drug dealer’s kit at Goins’ residence. Authorities seized methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and marijuana, along with $5,877 in cash – the fruits of a dirty trade. But the discovery didn’t stop there. A Glock 17 9mm handgun was also recovered, directly linking Goins to a dangerous combination of drugs and firearms.

Evidence presented in court painted a damning picture of Goins’ operation. His cell phone was a virtual gallery of him flaunting the Glock 17, alongside further proof of his drug trafficking activities. This wasn’t some casual user; this was a man actively engaged in pushing illegal substances onto the streets. And it wasn’t his first rodeo with the law. Court records reveal Goins has a prior felony conviction from Illinois, meaning he was already a known quantity to law enforcement.

“This case demonstrates our commitment to dismantling drug trafficking operations and removing dangerous individuals from our communities,” stated United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa. While the statement is standard boilerplate, the facts speak for themselves. The Iowa City Police Department conducted the initial investigation, laying the groundwork for the federal prosecution.

Goins won’t be eligible for parole. Upon completion of his 108-month sentence, he’ll be subject to a three-year term of supervised release – a period where his movements and activities will be closely monitored. This is a key component of federal sentencing, designed to prevent recidivism. The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative focused on reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and local communities.

PSN, recently bolstered with a renewed focus on community trust, strategic enforcement, and measurable results, aims to make neighborhoods safer. You can find more information about the program at Justice.gov/PSN. But for the residents of Iowa City, the removal of Janard Goins is a tangible step towards reclaiming their streets. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing efforts to combat crime in the Hawkeye State.