A Dubuque man, Dylan VanScoyoc, was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for possessing drugs and a firearm in connection with drug trafficking. The sentence follows his guilty plea on August 30, 2024, to charges of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance after a prior felony drug offense conviction, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The court proceedings revealed that on September 22, 2023, VanScoyoc fled from an officer after being stopped while driving. Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered a designer purse containing a loaded gun, digital scale, and baggies with over 140 grams of cocaine.
VanScoyoc's sentencing took place in Cedar Rapids under United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. He received a 228-month imprisonment sentence and will undergo six years of supervised release following his incarceration. Federal sentences do not allow for parole.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration among law enforcement agencies and communities. The initiative focuses on fostering community trust, supporting organizations preventing violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.
VanScoyoc remains in the custody of the United States Marshal until his transfer to a federal prison.
Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep prosecuted the case with investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, East Dubuque Police Department, and Dubuque Drug Task Force involving both the Dubuque Police Department and Sheriff's Office.