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Iowa City man sentenced to 10 years in check fraud conspiracy, stealing over $60,000
Records: Coconspirators withdrew cash from fake checks
Jan. 17, 2025 12:27 pm
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IOWA CITY — An Iowa City man who orchestrated a check writing scheme and stole over $60,000 from a local bank with 12 accused coconspirators has pleaded to three charges and was sentenced this week to 10 years in prison.
Dejuan Jamison, 28, originally charged with first-degree theft, pleaded guilty to second-degree theft, money laundering and possession of a controlled substance.
Sixth Judicial District Judge Kevin McKeever ran the 10-year and two five-year sentences concurrently, for a total of 10 years in prison.
Jamison also was ordered to pay $63,242 in restitution to MidwestOne Bank. Assistant Johnson County Attorney Jeff Brunelle asked the court to grant permission to the Iowa City Police Department to disperse $22,715, which was obtained during a search of Jamison’s house, to MidwestOne Bank through the clerk’s office for partial payment. McKeever granted the permission.
According to criminal complaints, Jamison organized the check fraud conspiracy with 12 others as they attempted to steal over $108,000 from the bank between August 2023 and March 2024. They succeeded in stealing $63,242, the complaints said.
Jamison would deposit forged checks into accounts of his coconspirators, who would withdraw the money before the checks bounced — which resulted in the loss of thousands for bank.
Jamison received $21,340 in electronic payments from the other conspirators, according to the complaints. During the investigation, police viewed Jamison, who was recorded on ATM security cameras, withdrawing the cash from various conspirators’ accounts.
Police also obtained a warrant for Jamison’s residence and found the $22,715, along with marijuana, amphetamines and drug paraphernalia, according to court documents. They also found a handgun, which Jamison is prohibited from owning because of previous felony convictions.
Coconspirators charged so far:
- Lemark Benson, 25, of Iowa City, is charged with money laundering, second-degree theft and conspiracy to commit a felony. His trial is set for April 8.
- Darren Richardson Jr., 21, of Iowa City, is charged with money laundering, first-degree theft and conspiracy to commit a felony. His trial is set for March 11.
- Sharetta Jamison, 43, of Iowa City, pleaded to second-degree theft in November. She received a deferred judgment and two years of probation.
- Mariah Bentley, 30, of Iowa City, pleaded to second-degree theft. She received a deferred judgment and two years of probation.
- John Mitchell Jr., 30, of Iowa City, is charged with third-degree theft. No trial date has been set.
- Brian Jamison, 60, of Iowa City, pleaded guilty to fourth-degree theft and received a deferred judgment and one year of probation.
- Brittney Jones, 23, of Iowa City, pleaded guilty to second-degree theft and will be sentenced Feb. 10.
- Rawan Nadir Awad Guzouli, 21, of Cedar Rapids, is charged with second-degree theft. No trial date has been set.
Other accused coconspirators mentioned in a search warrant haven’t been arrested at this time.
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