Derrick D. Moore, 31, of Dubuque, Iowa, was sentenced to 137 months in federal prison for his role in fentanyl distribution and illegal possession of a firearm.

U.S. District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams imposed the sentence in Cedar Rapids after Moore previously pleaded guilty to four federal charges: conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and distribution of fentanyl.

The 137-month prison term (equivalent to 11 years and 5 months) will be followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal prison system.

What Led to the Arrest and Investigation

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa, the case stemmed from an investigation into Moore’s activities between July 2022 and October 2023. Evidence presented at plea and sentencing hearings showed that Moore worked with others to distribute fentanyl during this period. 

In March 2023, investigators executed a search warrant at Moore’s residence in Dubuque. The search uncovered drugs and a handgun. Moore was arrested following this search. 

Additionally, in October and December 2023, Moore distributed fentanyl that caused two nonfatal overdoses. 

This information is drawn directly from the official press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa.

Case Summary

•  Defendant: Derrick D. Moore, age 31, Dubuque, Iowa

•  Convictions (via guilty plea):

•  Conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl

•  Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl

•  Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person

•  Distribution of fentanyl

•  Sentence: 137 months imprisonment + 5 years supervised release

The sentencing occurred in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa on or around May 18, 2026.

This article is an original, copyright-free summary composed strictly from publicly available federal press releases and related court information. No speculative details have been included.