Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation

03/12/2025

As the DCI commemorated its 100th anniversary in 2021, we look forward to sharing the remarkable stories collected throughout the century. These narratives reflect the evolution of the organization, its impact on the community, and the unforgettable moments that have shaped its legacy. From inspiring performances to groundbreaking innovations, each story encapsulates the spirit and passion that defines the DCI.

Join us in celebrating a century of excellence and the journeys that have made it all possible.

03/07/2025

In celebration of Employee Appreciation Day, our DCI Lab director and supervisors bought ice cream and toppings for lab staff today. 🍨 We appreciate the hard, meticulous work that our lab employees do each day.

03/06/2025

Special Agent Hai Tran with our Cyber Crime Bureau and ESD K9 Welles had the pleasure of visiting Carlisle Middle School's STEM class to talk about cyber forensics, ESD K9s, and life as a DCI agent. 🐾🔍 The students were captivated, especially by K9 Welles and the role of a K9 Handler. It was a great opportunity to inspire young minds and share the fascinating world of criminal investigation.

*ESD (Electronic Storage Detection) K9s Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9s are trained to detect electronic storage devices like SD cards, external hard drives, and tablets during search warrants. Because these devices can be incredibly small, authorities may have a difficult time locating them. After they complete an initial search, ESD K9s then do a search of their own, helping to find key evidence that otherwise might not have been found.

02/28/2025

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of two outstanding Iowa State Patrol Troopers as DCI Special Agents! Special Agents McKenna Whitehill and Christopher Carruthers recited their oaths in the Commissioner's office this morning to accept their new roles.

SA Whitehill is joining our Major Crime Unit. She has demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill during her time with the Patrol and the Mason City Police Department, and we are confident she will make significant contributions to our team.

SA Carruthers is joining our Cyber Crime Bureau. With extensive experience in the Patrol's Executive Protection Unit, we know he's well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Please join us in celebrating their well-deserved selections and welcoming them to DCI!

02/26/2025

Yesterday, after 27 minutes of deliberation, an Appanoose County jury found Roger Gillespie of Centerville guilty of Child Endangerment Causing Death and Murder in the First Degree for the homicide of 2-year-old Journey Marberry.

The jury's swift decision is a testament to the thoroughness and dedication of all involved in the investigation.

Rest in Peace, Journey.

Previous release: https://dps.iowa.gov/press-release/2024-01-27/centerville-man-arrested-charged-child-endangerment-death-investigation

02/24/2025

The Fort Madison Police Department sponsored a "Kickball with a Cop" event at Fort Madison High School this past weekend. 🏃 Our own Special Agent in Charge Joe Lestina joined in on the fun alongside FMPD Chief Cody Potthast, Keokuk PD Chief Zeth Baum, and Lee County Sheriff Elliot Vandenberg.

The kids claimed the victory 🏆

02/21/2025

Today, after less than three hours of jury deliberation, Sebastin O'Brien of Little Sioux, Iowa was found guilty of Murder in the First Degree.

On April 21, 2024, O’Brien killed Douglas Manly in rural Harrison County. After killing Manly, O’Brien stole Manly’s truck, fled the scene, and ultimately wrecked the truck. O’Brien was apprehended by Harrison County Sheriff's Office deputies near the scene of the accident.

Thank you to our dedicated agents, the assisting law enforcement officers, our Crime Scene Team, and lab staff for their tireless efforts in bringing this case to a close.

Previous update: https://dps.iowa.gov/press-release/2024-04-24/victim-identified-harrison-county-homicide

02/18/2025

Special Agents Marissa Mussmann and Dustin Henningsen are representing Iowa DCI and the Iowa Department of Public Safety at the North Scott Community School District career fair today. When you as an Iowa State Patrol Trooper, you open up doors to become an agent down the road, investigating the highest profile crimes across the state. Our Major Crimes Unit is the gold standard in solving crimes working with local and federal agencies.

Applications close this Friday - apply now! https://dpscareers.com/

Join Iowa DPS

02/15/2025

Recently, the U.S. Attorney's Office - Southern District of Iowa announced a Burlington man was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. Giovani Denario Timmons, 24, facilitated the transportation of m**h to Iowa, including approximately 362 pounds of m**h seized during a January 2020 traffic stop in Arizona. That traffic stop was the Arizona Department of Public Safety's largest single seizure of ice m**h at the time.

We thank our DPS counterparts with the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and Iowa State Patrol, along with the Burlington Police Department, Southeast Iowa Narcotics Taskforce, West Burlington Police Department, Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson County Drug Taskforce, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County Drug Taskforce, Muscatine County Drug Taskforce, and Arizona Department of Public Safety.

02/14/2025

Roses are red, violets are blue, applications are open...and all we need is YOU 😊💘

Join our team: https://dpscareers.com/

02/13/2025

Congratulations to Lucas Darby and Matthew Papin on their well-deserved promotions to Special Agent! Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner Stephan Bayens held a small ceremony in his office, where the agents recited their new oath of office.

02/03/2025

On , we hold the stories of missing Iowans close to our hearts and honor the unwavering hope of their families. Together, we can help light the path to bringing our loved ones home.

Learn more about those missing in Iowa at missingpersons.iowa.gov.

01/31/2025

As Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bayens would say, it's a great day to lift people up 🙌

This morning, we celebrated the promotion of Special Agent in Charge Troy Nelson to Assistant Director of our Special Enforcement Operations Bureau.

Congratulations to you and your family, AD Nelson. We wish you great success as you step up to your new role!

01/30/2025

Congratulations on your well deserved retirement Melissa, and thank you for all your years of dedicated service!

01/20/2025

Our offices are closed in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

Today marks the 30th anniversary as a National Day of Service to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, and to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." - Dr. King

01/17/2025

When you join Iowa DPS as a Trooper, you open up a world of opportunity and career paths with Iowa state law enforcement - including becoming a DCI Special Agent. 👮‍♀️ Apply now: https://dpscareers.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx-6o8fL8igMVHnF_AB0PYhFcEAAYASAAEgJQR_D_BwE

🌟We're hiring! 🌟

We are now accepting applications for our 53rd DPS Basic Academy! Jumpstart your future by joining our team as an Iowa State Patrol Trooper and become part of an organization that makes a difference in the lives of Iowans every day.

Apply Here: http://bit.ly/3Cb8Abs

01/16/2025

Come work with us at our state of the art DCI Crime Lab in Ankeny 🔬

Our DCI Crime Lab is looking to hire a dedicated Secretary 2 to join their team! This is your chance to play a vital role in supporting our mission to ensure the safety and protection of all who call Iowa home.

As a Secretary 2, you'll prepare important documents, assist with grant applications, support our lab management team, and more—all while enjoying fantastic benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development.

If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in a collaborative and positive environment, apply today:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/4789595/secretary-2

01/15/2025

A Minnesota woman who defrauded a nail salon owner out of more than $100,000 and then engaged in “bill stuffing” at an Iowa casino to conceal the fraud proceeds was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.

Mary Kate Nguyen was sentenced in Sioux City and fined $20,000. She was ordered to make $131,175 in restitution to her victim. During her sentencing, the judge stated that Nguyen was an “extreme danger to society” and a “substantial, serious menace to society” with respect to financial crimes.

Our Special Enforcement Operations (Gaming) Bureau worked with the Iowa State Patrol, the DPS Division of Intelligence and several other Iowa and Minnesota law enforcement agencies to investigate this case. Read more: https://dps.iowa.gov/press-release/2025-01-15/minnesota-woman-sentenced-federal-prison-defrauding-nail-salon-owner