An Iowa City resident, Janard Fitzgerald Goins, 34, has been sentenced to 108 months in federal prison after being convicted of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Authorities executed a search warrant at Goins’ residence in January 2024. During the search, law enforcement officers discovered methamphetamine, crack cocaine, marijuana, $5,877 in cash, and a Glock 17 9mm handgun. Investigators also found photographs on Goins' phone that showed him possessing the firearm and other evidence related to drug trafficking activities. Court records indicate that Goins has a prior felony conviction from Illinois.
Goins will serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. The federal system does not allow parole.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal for the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentence. The case was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department.
The prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by bringing together various levels of law enforcement and community organizations. In May 2021, the Department of Justice introduced a new strategy for PSN focused on building trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence before it occurs, setting targeted enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes. More details about Project Safe Neighborhoods can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
"United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by Iowa City Police Department."
"This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN."
