A Cedar Rapids man has admitted to distributing fentanyl near a school, pleading guilty in a federal court. D’quon Morrow, a 27-year-old resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted on charges related to the distribution of at least 40 grams of fentanyl in a protected location.
Morrow, as outlined in a plea agreement, acknowledged his involvement in distributing fentanyl and cocaine from February to July 2024. Specific incidents cited include the distribution of 6.50 grams of fentanyl and fluorofentanyl in March 2024, the sale of a firearm in April 2024 while having a felony conviction for eluding, and the distribution of considerable amounts of fentanyl in subsequent months. Notably, in June 2024, Morrow distributed 48.60 grams of fentanyl near Madison Elementary School. A law enforcement search in July 2024 uncovered firearms, ammunition, and over 1,000 fentanyl pills at his residence.
Morrow awaits sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams, pending a presentence report. He is in the custody of the United States Marshal. Potential penalties include a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 80 years in prison, along with a $10 million fine and a lifetime of supervised release.
The prosecution, led by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake, was supported by multiple agencies under the Northern Iowa Heroin Initiative and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program. This coalition included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Cedar Rapids Police, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center.
The case aligns with Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at reducing violent crime and enhancing community safety, emphasizing strategic enforcement and community trust. Additionally, it is part of Operation Take Back America, focusing on combating illegal immigration and dismantling criminal organizations, leveraging Department of Justice resources.