U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal | U.S. Department of Justice
A Sioux Falls man and Guatemalan national, Johny Fernando Diaz-Mendez, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison on November 26, 2024. The sentencing follows his arrest in March 2024 when he was found with a firearm and a large quantity of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Diaz-Mendez, aged 47, possessed the firearm as a felon and in connection with drug trafficking activities. Upon completing his prison term, he will serve a five-year supervised release. It is noted that there is no parole available in the federal system.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal from the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentencing. The investigation was carried out by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and the Iowa State Patrol.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. PSN emphasizes fostering trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes. Further details about PSN can be found at Justice.gov/PSN.
