SIOUX CITY – Sioux City brothers have been sentenced to federal prison after they were convicted by a federal jury in Sioux City on August 29, 2014, following a two and one-half day jury trial.
Jamal Dean, 23, of Sioux City, was convicted of conspiracy, felon in possession of a firearm, carjacking, and two counts each of robbery, and twice brandishing a gun in furtherance of a violent crime. He was found not guilty of one count of carjacking and one count of interstate transport of a stolen vehicle. His brother, Levon Dean Jr., 25, also of Sioux City, was convicted of conspiracy, felon in possession of a firearm, and two counts each of robbery and possessing a gun in furtherance of a violent crime. He was found not guilty of both counts of carjacking and one count of interstate transport of a stolen vehicle. One count of interstate transport of a stolen vehicle was dismissed.
Evidence at trial showed the brothers conspired to rob two local drug dealers. On April 15, 2013, they traveled together from Nebraska to Iowa where they beat and robbed the first drug dealer at gunpoint inside a room at a Sioux City motel and then left with his car, methamphetamine, cash and other items. On April 24, 2013, the brothers again traveled to Iowa where they beat and robbed a second drug dealer at gunpoint inside his Sioux City home taking his car, methamphetamine, cash and other items. After both attacks the men retreated back to Nebraska.
Evidence at the sentencing hearing additionally revealed that while an Iowa arrest warrant was pending for Jamal Dean, he was a passenger in a car that was stopped by Sioux City Police Officer Kevin McCormick. Dean exited the vehicle and began firing a number of rounds at the officer, one of which struck him in the head. After this shooting, Dean fled but was captured in Texas traveling south just 70 miles from the Mexican border. Evidence at sentencing also revealed Dean had assaulted a woman and shot two other men, before shooting Officer McCormick.
Jamal Dean and Levon Dean Jr. were sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Jamal Dean was sentenced to life imprisonment. Levon Dean was sentenced to 400 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a life term of supervised release.
There is no parole in the federal system. Both Jamal Dean and Levon Dean Jr. are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to a federal prison.
Gregory Gant, Special Agent in Charge of the Kansas City Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives commended the law enforcement collaboration that this case highlights saying, “This case is a powerful example of law enforcement agencies working together to rid our neighborhoods of the most violent criminals that tear at the very fabric of our communities.”
Woodbury County Sheriff David A. Drew echoed similar sentiments adding, “Once again Siouxland, in the highest traditions, has pulled together in a unified effort by police and citizens to bring these cases to resolution. Our goal is to continue this spirit of cooperation, rely upon citizen involvement and continue building upon our open relationships of mutual trust, respect and understanding.”
Kevin W. Techau, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa, added, “One of the United States Department of Justice’s top priorities is helping our federal, state and local law enforcement agencies protect our nation’s communities as safe places where our citizens can live work and raise a family. Violent criminals are a threat to the law-abiding people of our communities. This case is an excellent example of the federal-state-local partnerships working today. The collaboration of all of the agencies involved was pivotal in this case and would not have been possible but for superior working relationships. My office shares great pride with our partners in successfully prosecuting the Dean brothers and bringing them to justice. It should also serve to remind others who break the law that we will continue to work to bring them to justice.”
Douglas Young, Chief of Police, Sioux City Police Department, added, “Today, the Federal Government has fulfilled its obligation to protect its citizens with the sentencing of Jamal Dean. This was a case of drugs, guns and gangs that has left a trail of victims over the past years. The successful prosecution of this case is a testament to the partnerships and relationships we have formed with our Federal, State and local agencies over the years”.
The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative local, state, and federal program aimed at the enhanced prosecution of gun crimes. It was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department, South Sioux City Police Department, Woodbury County, Iowa Sheriff Office, Dakota County, Nebraska Sheriff’s Office, The Woodbury County, Iowa County Attorney’s Office, United States Marshal’s Service, Iowa and Texas Departments of Public Safety, Iowa Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
