John Mangalonzo, The Hawk Eye, Burlington, Iowa –
There is a strong possibility David Lee Davis Jr. will grow old inside a prison cell.
The 26-year-old Burlington man, whose involvement in the sale of illegal drugs surfaced through an investigation conducted by the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force, pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to conspiracy to distribute drugs and possession of a firearm in the furtherance of drug trafficking.
One of the deals that prompted Davis to enter the plea includes the promise from the U.S. Attorney’s Office he will not be charged in the U.S. District Court in Davenport on federal crimes stemming from the same investigation.
Davis also agreed to forfeit the pistol seized from him, along with $5,189.16 authorities believed to be drug sale proceeds.
He faces up to 40 years for the conspiracy offense and life in prison for the firearms charge, along with thousands of dollars in fines and surcharges.
A sentencing date has not been set.
Court papers indicate Davis was convicted of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver in Des Moines County in 2004.
Before his case went to federal court, Davis was charged in Des Moines County with three counts of delivery of crack cocaine and one count each of possession with intent to deliver crack cocaine, possession with intent to deliver cocaine HCL and possession of marijuana, all subsequent offenses, possession of Ecstasy, a drug tax stamp violation and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Last June, local narcotics agents, along with Burlington police officers and members of the Des Moines County Tactical Response Unit, searched Davis’ home at 418 Locust St. in conjunction with an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.
Authorities said they found and seized more than a pound of marijuana, a quarter-ounce of cocaine, a little under a quarter-pound of crack cocaine and some ecstasy tablets.
A Walther P22 semiautomatic pistol and ammunition, cash and numerous items agents said were proceeds of Davis’ illegal operation also were seized.
A relative and two young children were in the home during the search.
The development of delivery charges against Davis began March 25, when a confidential informant reportedly bought $100 worth of crack cocaine from Davis in two separate transactions.
On March 28, the same informant allegedly was able to buy another $40 worth of the same substance.
Agents said the crack acquired from Davis tested positive in a field examination.
Local authorities said they are continuing to work with their federal counterparts in an effort to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs and firearms in the area.
