Kain Cortez, Cocaine Distribution, Iowa 2022

Cocaine Distribution Ring Busted in Cedar Rapids

A local man has been sentenced to federal prison for his involvement in a cocaine distribution ring in the Cedar Rapids area. Kain Cortez, 25, of Marion, Iowa, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison for his role in selling cocaine.

Cortez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance on November 3, 2022. Evidence presented at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Cortez and co-conspirator Cheyenne Gonzales worked together to sell cocaine in the Cedar Rapids area between April and June 2022.

Law enforcement, with the help of a confidential source, conducted controlled buys of cocaine from Gonzales, with Cortez present for some of the transactions. On June 1, 2022, investigators observed a meeting between Gonzales, Cortez, and two other individuals outside of Gonzales’s and Cortez’s shared residence, where they paid approximately $15,000 in cash for half a kilogram of cocaine and 20 pounds of marijuana.

Cortez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. He received a 60-month prison term and must serve a 5-year term of supervised release after his release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

Cortez is currently being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. His co-conspirator, Cheyenne Gonzales, has also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 15, 2023.

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and investigated by the DEA Task Force, consisting of the DEA, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Cedar Rapids Police Department, Marion Police Department, and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.

Crime Details: Cortez, 25, of Marion, Iowa, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance on November 3, 2022. He was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and must serve a 5-year term of supervised release after his release.

Arrest Date: April 2022

Sentence Date: April 2022 (sentencing happened on this date but crime was between April and June)

City and State: Marion, Iowa

Amount: $15,000 cash

Amount: half a kilogram of cocaine and 20 pounds of marijuana

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