Lang
7/25/23
A former University of Iowa professor has been sentenced on child pornography and drug charges.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa, last Friday former UI professor Dr. John Robert Muriello was sentenced to 25 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine which resulted in the death of a victim, and 20 years in prison for possessing child pornography. The sentences were ordered to be served concurrently, or at the same time.
According to court documents, sometime in 2020, the now 66-year-old Muriello conspired with Eric Hojka of Iowa City, and others, to obtain and distribute methamphetamine in and around Iowa City. In May of 2021, first responders went to Hojka’s apartment in Iowa City based on a report that a victim had lost consciousness. Paramedics were unable to revive the victim, and he was pronounced dead. An autopsy showed the victim ingested methamphetamine, which caused his death. The investigation revealed the victim received that methamphetamine from Hojka. Hojka obtained the methamphetamine from Muriello, who had obtained the drugs from a supplier in California.
Iowa City police obtained a search warrant on May 28th of 2021 and seized a number of laptops, cellphones, external computer drives and packages containing meth from Muriello’s home. One of the hard drives was password protected but was opened by investigators. There, they reportedly found over 18,500 photos and nearly 3,200 videos. Nearly all of them were pornographic, and about 12,000 files featured minor boys. Chats recovered on Muriello’s devices reportedly were associated with drug use and distribution of child pornography.
In addition to the 24-year prison term, Muriello was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $12,000, a fine of $50,000, and assessments of $22,000. Muriello’s Iowa City residence was also forfeited. After his prison term, Muriello was also ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.