Oelwein Man Arrested on Drug Trafficking Charges

David Alan Tafolla, age 54, from Oelwein, Iowa, has been charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, four counts of distribution of a controlled substance, and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The charges are contained in an Indictment that was unsealed on August 16, 2021, in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids. ­

The Indictment alleges that, between October 2020 and May 2021, Tafolla conspired with others to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine.        

The Indictment also alleges that, on April 26, 2021, and on May 24, 2021, Tafolla distributed 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine. In addition, the Indictment alleges that on April 21, 2021, and on May 4, 2021, Tafolla distributed 5 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine.

Finally, the Indictment alleges that on May 24, 2021, Tafolla possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine.

If convicted on all charges, Tafolla faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a $10,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release of up to life.

Tafolla appeared today in federal court in Cedar Rapids for a detention hearing, and he is now being held without bond.  Tafolla’s trial is set for October 18, 2021.

As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by the Oelwein Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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

The case file number is 21-CR-2044.

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