A Dubuque man, Derrick Deonte Moore, 31, has been sentenced to 137 months, or more than ten years, in federal prison for his involvement in fentanyl distribution and illegal firearm possession. The sentencing took place on May 18, 2026, in Cedar Rapids, handed down by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.
Moore pleaded guilty on December 22, 2025, to multiple charges, including conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and distribution of fentanyl. Evidence presented showed Moore distributed fentanyl with others between July 2022 and October 2023, leading to two nonfatal overdoses in late 2023.
During a March 2023 search of Moore’s Dubuque home, investigators discovered over $2,500, 234 fentanyl pills hidden inside a stuffed animal, additional pills, a loaded .45 caliber pistol, a scale, prescription drugs, and marijuana. Moore, prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony and domestic abuse assault convictions, also sold fentanyl pills on two separate occasions in September and October 2023.
Following his prison term, Moore will serve a five-year term of supervised release. The case was investigated by a multi-agency task force including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and is part of "Operation Take Back America," a nationwide initiative targeting illegal immigration, cartels, and violent crime.