Hawkeye Reporter

An Omaha resident, Rafael Rashad Adams, 41, has been sentenced to 72 months in federal prison following his conviction for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The sentencing took place on August 6, 2025.

Court documents and evidence presented during sentencing revealed that in September 2024, Council Bluffs police officers discovered Adams passed out in the driver’s seat of a vehicle showing front-end damage near South Expressway and 30th Avenue in Council Bluffs. During a search of the vehicle, officers found approximately 31.5 grams of marijuana, scales, drug packaging materials, a stolen loaded nine-millimeter pistol, and a loaded 15-round magazine. Adams has prior convictions for drug possession and distribution, unlawful possession of a firearm, and driving under the influence.

After serving his prison sentence, Adams will undergo three years of supervised release. There is no parole available within the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal for the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the Council Bluffs Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

The case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together law enforcement at all levels with communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence while working toward safer neighborhoods for everyone. In May 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice implemented an updated violent crime reduction strategy for PSN focusing on building trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence before it occurs, prioritizing focused enforcement efforts, and tracking results. More information about Project Safe Neighborhoods can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psn.

"United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement."

"This case was investigated by the Council Bluffs Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives."

"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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN."