Cedar Rapids Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun Charges

A man who distributed methamphetamine, possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it, and possessed a firearm as a prohibited person, pled guilty on September 21, 2023, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.

Dennis Wayne Hager, age 64, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of two counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm as a felon and drug user.

At the plea hearing, Hager admitted that, on May 25, 2021, and June 1, 2021, he distributed 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine to another person.  He also admitted that, on or about June 1, 2021, he possessed a firearm as a methamphetamine user and a felon.  Hager had four felony convictions related to drugs.  Finally, he admitted that, on September 1, 2021, he possessed 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.

Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Hager remains in custody of the United States Marshal.  On each of the drug counts, Hager faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and the following maximum penalties: (1) not more than life imprisonment without the possibility of parole; (2) a fine of not more than $10,000,000; (3) a mandatory special assessment of $100; and (4) a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. 

On the gun count, Hager faces a possible maximum sentence of (1) not more than 10 years’ imprisonment without the possibility of parole; (2) a fine of not more than $250,000; (3) a mandatory special assessment of $100; and (4) a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years. 

Because there are multiple counts, the sentences could be run consecutively for a maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a $30,250,000 fine, $400 in special assessments, and a life term of supervised release.  

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.

The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Narcotics Enforcement.

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 23-CR-40.

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