Hawkeye Reporter

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.