Hunter
04/10/22
Three Cedar Rapids men pleaded guilty in federal court to being part of a large heroin distribution ring.
The Gazette reports that the criminal activity began in 2017 and continued through June 2021 and involved 20-year-old Jerry Banghart of Cedar Rapids, 29-year-old Andrew Lehnman of Marion and 31-year-old Cody Deklotz of Shellsberg. They were separately convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin during separate plea hearings in US District court this week.
Evidence at previous hearings indicate that Deklotz allowed a Chicago heroin dealer to sell the drug out of his residence in early 2020. Surveillance determined that Deklotz was purchasing heroin and also setting up drug deals between suppliers and users.
Deklotz was stopped by officers in May last year and was allegedly found in possession of over two grams of a heroin mixture and about 22 grams of meth.
Banghart admitted that he bought heroin from the Chicago dealer, Brian Dennis, some of which he redistributed.
The three are in jail pending sentencing. Deklotz faces at least five years and possibly up to 40 years in federal prison, while Lehnman and Banhgart both face up to 20 years in prison.
The newspaper adds that two other people previously pleaded guilty to being involved in the conspiracy and await sentencing. Six others, including Brian Dennis, are awaiting trial.