Iowa City man receives over nine years in federal prison for drugs and firearms

Richard D. Westphal, U.S. Attorney
Richard D. Westphal, U.S. Attorney
0Comments

An Iowa City resident, Janard Fitzgerald Goins, 34, has been sentenced to 108 months in federal prison for drug and firearm offenses. Court documents and evidence presented at sentencing showed that in January 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Goins’ residence. Officers discovered methamphetamine, crack cocaine, marijuana, $5,877 in cash, and a Glock 17 9mm handgun. Investigators also found photographs on Goins’ phone depicting him with the firearm as well as other evidence of drug trafficking activity. Goins has a previous felony conviction from Illinois.

After serving his prison sentence, Goins will be subject to three years of supervised release. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentencing. The Iowa City Police Department conducted the investigation.

The case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration among law enforcement agencies and communities. The program’s strategy includes building trust within communities, supporting organizations focused on violence prevention, setting targeted enforcement priorities, and tracking outcomes. More information about PSN can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psn.



Related

Brandy Z. Meisheid, District 3, Chair at Linn County

Linn County releases latest Week in Review newsletter for residents

Linn County has published its latest Week in Review newsletter. The update covers county news, board meeting recaps, and encourages resident engagement through direct email subscriptions.

Jim Traficant, Chief of Staff of FDA

FDA ranks third in number of biologics company inspections in Iowa for 2025

In 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carried out 14 inspections at 14 biologics companies located in Iowa.

Kim Reynolds, Governor of Iowa

Gov. Reynolds announces resignation of IPERS CEO

Governor Kim Reynolds has accepted the immediate resignation of Greg Samorajski as CEO of IPERS. A nationwide search for his replacement is underway, with Elizabeth Hennessey continuing as acting CEO.

Trending

The Weekly Newsletter

Sign-up for the Weekly Newsletter from Hawkeye Reporter.