On Tuesday, July 24th, North Iowa Area Community College President Debra Derr accompanied her son, 20-year-old, Brennan Robert Derr, to his sentencing hearing for his part in distribution of cocaine and marijuana following an investigation into NIACC student’s drug distribution activities by local law enforcement.
Brennan Derr was detained by local law enforcement on NIACC’s campus along with three others on January 17th for illegal drug distribution activities following the investigation. A fifth man later turned himself in at the Mason City Police Department.
Brennan Derr was accused of delivery of marijuana on August 15th, 2011 before being accused of delivery of cocaine on August 23rd and again delivering cocaine on September 27th, 2011.
Brennan had initially pled not guilty to the accusations but entered into a negotiated voluntary plea agreement on May 24th, just 5 days before a scheduled trial. As part of the plea agreement one class C felony count of delivery of cocaine and one class D felony count of delivery of marijuana were dismissed.
At the scheduled sentencing hearing on Tuesday presiding District Court Judge Colleen D. Weiland sentenced Brennan to 10 years in prison and a $1,000 fine before suspending both the prison term and fine. Instead of prison, Derr will serve 2 to 4 years of probation with the Iowa Department of Corrections and have a Class C felony for delivery of a controlled substance remain on his criminal record.
Brennan Derr was unable to receive a deferred judgment in the case after a previous deferred judgment for possession of a controlled substance was revoked after Derr violated probation in that case.
Brennan Derr
BULLSH*T!!! This is not his first offense. He should NOT have been given a suspended sentence, a little slap on the wrist. I guess it helps to have connections.
I like the looks of those bicycle reflectors that Derr dude has in his ears. Makes him look like a real bad guy.
And then P.L. has to be here running his flaps about dope as always. You guys were right about him not staying away like he said he would. Where I come from if people tell you one thing then do another we call them liars. You seen his website — its a joke and will fold up in the future.
I do not use drugs other than the ones my Dr. gives me to keep my blood pressure in check, but I do find it funny how hypocritical this whole drug debate is. Everyone wants to think of druggies as the porch monkey types that hang out on the North End and they totally forget about the high class, big money, fortune 500 types that use drugs just the same. Fact of the matter is…most ALL of us use drugs. Alcohol IS a drug folks. And I use it. At one time the government said WHOA, wait a minute….we should ban this alcohol stuff. And thus, the prohibition. So at that time, in the government’s mind and most of the rest of us, saw alcohol and marijuana as the same class of taboo. Then the government figured out that people were going to use it anyway so let’s just make alcohol legal and tax it. All of the sudden, alcohol became socially acceptable. WHY? Cause the government told us it was ok? Are YOU ok with that? Do you trust the government? Really? So when the GOVERNMENT tells you it is bad and makes it illegal, it’s socially unacceptable, but then when the GOVERNMENT tells you it’s ok and makes it LEGAL then all of the sudden is socially acceptable and no longer taboo. Ok, well look at the statistics of alcohol related deaths. So the government is still right….right? Well, they made it LEGAL so what does all the alcohol related deaths matter? It DOESN’T?! Well, that’s what YOU are saying when you drink and drive. Go ahead…be honest…how many of you have drink and drive? You were ok with it THEN. How come? Hmm. I know I have driven after I drank. I don’t see that many other hand up! So why was it ok then? Point is…the war on drugs will never be won. Why? Because MANY more people than just the North End porch monkey type use them regardless of a law against them. And don’t try to be holier than thou…drinking and driving is JUST AS ILLEGAL as smoking a joint. So the war rages on and always will. Why? Because sheep really aren’t that smart of an animal and they are hypocrites…but, only in the closet of course. We still want to put on this “good image”. Think of what we would realize if we were to start being honest with…ourselves. We’d realize that even Peter Children is part of the problem. Or that…there really isn’t a problem other than US.
My hand is up. I have made many bad decisions in my life and thankfully no one was hurt from my stupidity. You are correct people look down their noses at pot smokers just because its illegal while they pound down a whiskey right after taking twice as many Loritabs the doctor prescribed.
Yup. Funny isn’t it? What we deem acceptable and what we don’t. We are ALL such hypocrites.
Hypocrasy, It’s everywhere. I have come to realize that most people tend to think that no matter what they’re doing, it’s OK or different if THEY do it. Ever notice that? Just look around….you’ll notice it. THEN, maybe…just maybe, you’ll notice YOU doin it too.
I’ll be the first to admit I’m a hypocrite. Anyone else got the courage to admit it too?
Yup, I was as young and as stupid as anyone. They don’t call it liquid dumb for nothing. Thank goodness I smartened up and quit driving after drinking before anything happened. But I never used illegal drugs. If alcohol had been illegal, I wouldn’t have drunk that, either. I’ve never gotten a speeding ticket or any other fine.
Yes, I take Lortabs for chronic pain – fewer than the prescribed dose. I’ve been taking them for over seventeen years and I’ve never become addicted to them. Not everyone does. I do occasionally drink alcohol, but never more than 2 and that’s rarely more than a couple times a month. I don’t drink to get buzzed any more. I actually don’t like that feeling. There are a couple specialty drinks I truly enjoy at different restaurants.
It all comes down to maturing and somehow finally understanding personal responsibility. Some figure it out sooner than others. Parents need to teach it. Schools need to have young motivational speakers talk to students about what happens when you ignore it. There should be visits to rehab centers and morgues for offenders. Nothing will work for psychopaths who have no conscience or empathy.
“It all comes down to maturing and somehow finally understanding personal responsibility.”
Amen, Katie. This is exactly what I’m talking about. It DOES NOT come down the the government’s ultimate wisdom, I’ll tell you that. And anyone that believes it does via the whole “legality” standpoint, isn’t being honest with themselves.
Really Katie? You’ve been taking Lortab for 17 years but you’re not addicted? That’s funny.
No, I’m not physically addicted to Lortabs. I’m on a low dose and I don’t feel high or anything when I take them. If I were addicted, my use would have been escalating.I would not be able to go longer than 6 hours without a pill. I commonly go 12-18 hours daily without taking one. Most addicts are constantly needing larger and larger doses and have withdrawal symptoms if they don’t take the pills regularly. Also, they get addicted in a very short time, have multiple prescribers, buy on the street, are skinny, crush the pills for a high, and all sorts of crap. I may be dependent on them for pain relief, but I am not physically addicted to them. That doesn’t always happen if you have chronic pain. Read this link. It verifies that not everyone becomes addicted:
http://www.casapalmera.com/articles/hydrocodone-overview-addiction-signs-withdrawal-and-treatment/
Peter, you are really out in left field. The cops get a thrill from arresting druggies and they do it for money. Hmmmm. My son-in-law is a cop in another state and he just wants these criminals off the streets! He nearly got killed in the crossfire during one arrest and I can assure you he didn’t get off on that.
What is the NIACC policy for students/employees (if he is actually employed at NIACC…which I do not know for sure?)if charged with delivery of marijuana/cocaine? If it is expulsion as a student or being fired as an employee, has this taken place. I do not blame Ms. Derr for her son’s foolish choices, but I believe it’s her responsibility as NIACC’s leader to implement the correct discipline be it her son or any other person. Does anyone know or feel led to check up on this? I would assume there has to be NIACC employees, students, supportive alumni that have the same concerns.
“The judges in Mason City are ******* **** to use the full extent of the law. That’s why you don’t see any of the real criminals getting any serious consequences. I figure the judges are afraid of these criminals, and want to be friendly with them instead of having them as enemies.”
The full extent of the law depends on the case presented, and the defense’s arguments. Something neither you or I know unless we research it.
Unless you know exactly what went on in the court room, it is all speculation on your part.
You are correct that we weren’t in the court room to see what transpired, but when virtually every case that Judge Weiland hears results in no consequences, then something definetely is not right. This is a pattern with this judge.
A person’s use of street drugs shows that s/he HAS NO sense of personal responsibility or liability. Druggies have no common sense and most never do figure it out for themselves because they lose all motivation to do so because of the drugs. They cannot live in the world as it is. Neither can alcoholics. They are perhaps trying to self-medicate depression or other mental illnesses and end up getting addicted to a destructive substance. I agree that work needs to be done when children are young to teach them to cope with life’s difficulties and stresses in less destructive ways. Parents certainly aren’t doing this. Way too many are poor role models for how to handle life’s problems.
I don’t think it’s his personal drug use thats called into question peter, it’s the selling to others thats the problem. I know that you and I will never see eye to eye when it comes to drugs, I am on the no tolerance wagon as long as it is illegal. You can try to convince me all you want but my opinion WILL NOT ever change. Seeing what I have over the years if they decided to
And we wonder why so many high school and even middle school kids act the way they do so young….because they haven’t heard of anyone getting into “real” trouble. Kids think they can get away with this crap because they actually can and their folks still back them! Parents need to start parenting…and law enforcement needs to start enforcing the law. I remember being in high school and college, and actually being afraid of law enforcement, even for a speeding ticket. Adults today are ruining our future…kids need to be held accountable!
Not only does he still attend Niacc but he is employed there. He was employed there at the time of his arrest. He is seen on campus daily by staff and students and looks like he doesn’t have a care in the world!
Judge Weiland did the right thing. This guy now has a FELONY conviction on his record. That’s nothing to sneeze at. It’s too bad he was dealing in cocaine instead of just harmless marijuana, which should be legal.
Judge Weiland nevers does the right thing. Unless you are criminal, and then you love her because she always rules in favor of the criminals!
Just so you know, I’ve never even had a speeding ticket, and I’ve been around for a long while. Some of us who are NOT criminals can see how costly and useless it is to imprison non-violent drug users/dealers who take up room in our prisons that should be reserved for people who are DANGEROUS to society. Do you get it?
Just my opinion, I agree prison is no place for nonviolent offenders.
I thought dealing drugs with in a 1000 feet of a school was double the fines and jail time. OUR legal system is a complete joke. Thses judges feel they are GOD and never wrong. Do you think the garbage collectors kid would of been treated the same? Kind of like when you see a lawyer or Dr. kid get busted and then you hear no more about it.
WTH is going on with this city. You have a a-hole on probation for dealing drugs and he gets caught and charged three more times and gets off with no jail time at all. What punishment this sentence is. He probably laughed all the way home to get his stash and sell more. Are prosecuter’s and judges are a laugh. No wonder the police have attitudes. When they do their jobs the criminals are back on the street before the cops.
if this kid was black the outcry would be to put him under the jail for selling to kids.and it would be 50 comments about gettin trash off the streets..
funny how swept under the rug this is. some blk dude on a bike runs from cops.. all over the news. this kid has his 2nd drug offense and has yet to spend any time in jail.
clearly the “north enders” are not the issue here in mason city. the corrupt system and informants run this town
It isn’t that the judge would not give him hard time; it’s that there are no beds left in our prison system. No more room, no space. These are considered non violent crimes .
Could have gave him a year in county jail, 110 empty beds currently.
Your are 100% right; I didn’t know that. He should have done at least a year in county lock up.
no wonder Mason city is becoming a town with so much criminal activity. The judges let them off even when they have prior convictions of the same thing. Mason city has this invisible sign that says ” The town where you can do as you please”
AMEN! I agree with you 100%!!!
Matt, Can you do a story about the pattern of rulings pertaining to criminal cases by the judges in Mason City? Can you also include when they come up for re-election?
this guy looks like he has SUGAR in his tank!!!!!!!!
Makes you wonder how NIACC is able to educate our youth when the President of the college doesn’t even realize her own son is dealing drugs on its campus. How can she promote a safe drug-free environement when her own son is contributing to the problem? Wonder how long it will be before he’s back providing drugs to more students?
What makes you think he stopped?
Brennen you better get your shit together! I had a kid just like you. He got the same breaks you have gotten. He didn’t get his shit together and spent 5 years of hard time the third time he screwed up. It was not pretty. Drugs and alcohol did him in.
Let me tell you as a parent who begged, pleaded, tried tough love, treatment, and yes I even tried kicking the shit our of him. Nothing worked. He lost out on the good things life had to offer him and after the 4 years of hard time and several years on probation he NEVER recovered. Today, he obeys the law but just ekes out a living. Your past follows you.
You MR. Derr are headed down that same path if you don’t change your ways. You best head my warning! You still have a chance to grow away from this. It is all in your hands.
Mom, this is out of your hands now and it’s time you let him go. You have done all you can. Go and enjoy your life and hold no guilt or shame. Brennen brought this on himself, you are not to blame!!!
Money Talks.
That is unbelievable when do the children really get to learn anything its not what you know but who. Thanks for protecting the public!
MAYBE JUDGES SHOULD BE WORRYING ABOUT SENDING DRUG DEALERS TO PRISON INSTEAD OF TAKING CHILDREN FROM THEIR HOMES!! WTF IS WRONG WITH MASON CITYS COURT SYSTEMS THESE DAYS I SWEAR!!!??!!!
Judges should take children out of homes… if the children’s homes are unfit.
I though Teresa got her internet disconnected?
What is wrong with you idiots – this kid did not get off! Now he cannot live a normal twenty year old life – he will have to worry around every turn and every day about screwing up or else he will be sent to prison for ten years! How is that getting off??
My heart goes out to Debra Derr and her kid whose dumb-ass moves because he likes to party have gotten him in the position he is currently in.
my advice – Brennan, move out of Iowa – have your probation transferred – go to a metropolitan area – suburbs or somewhere that you will be anonymous
Debra, remember, those that judge will also be judged . . . those that think you are responsible for the choice of your grown son or for having a heart for him, and who are quick to criticize, will likely end up regretting that.
I don’t blame Debra for her son dealing drugs. Young people can be idiots even though they have been reared by good parents. Peer pressure can be much stronger than parental pressure at that age. I do, however, think she should follow NIACC’s rules for handling his punishment.
I do feel he got off easy. This was not his first brush with the law concerning drugs. He got off easy the first time and I feel that the second time someone screws up, s/he deserves some jail time. I don’t have much expectation that he will make it 10 years without messing up. I hope he is getting some rehab and will be fine.
WRONG…How many worthless criminals do you see on these same pages back in jail for more crimes or parole violation. I doubt this kid is going to be worrying about his next move to keep him out of prison. That is wishful thinking, but our jails and parole system are filled with repeat offenders!!
well he OBVIOUSLY didn’t learn from the 1st time-article clearly stated he violated probation on deferred sentence probably by pissn dirty (logical choice since he arrested 2nd time) which would’ve put him at a YOUNGER age at time of 1st arrest… therefore he INDEED essentially “get off” without proper punishment… he himself only one to blame for poor choices he made, not his friends society parents or anything else!!! your suggestion to move to metro area would not be wise one- set him up for failure with having access to more powerful and stronger drugs.. and I’m not oblivious to fact he could probably get same drugs here! am saying more in abundance I larger surroundings.. your advice SHOULD have been move into a rehab facility and break his addiction and the cycle… what you don’t partake in wont get u in trouble…
The judges in Mason City are chicken sh!t to use the full extent of the law. That’s why you don’t see any of the real criminals getting any serious consequences. I figure the judges are afraid of these criminals, and want to be friendly with them instead of having them as enemies.
So have I got this right? He violates probation but still doesn’t get jail time on the next guilty plea? Duh.
Judge Weiland had a busy day letting druggies off scott-free. Criminals know they can get away with almost anything and there will be no consequences. VOTE OUT JUDGE WEILAND!!! Mason City is in a downward spiral, and pathetic sentences such as these don’t help!!!
Your right she is always letting them go
Yes, if you keep track of all of the male criminals that get off with no punishment, it’s clear that JUDGE WEILAND is no friend of the law abiding tax paying citizen. We pay her salary, yet her sympathies lie with criminals!!! VOTE HER OUT!!!