A Waterloo resident, Darius Caston, age 33, has been sentenced to over eight years in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug and firearm offenses. Caston admitted to possessing marijuana, methamphetamine, and a stolen loaded gun with the intent to distribute the drugs. The items were found in his car during a police stop on January 1, 2025. Caston also acknowledged that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous felony conviction.
United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand handed down the sentence of 100 months’ imprisonment in Cedar Rapids. In addition to the prison term, Caston will serve four years of supervised release following his incarceration. Federal law does not allow for parole.
The case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence by fostering cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities. According to the Department of Justice, PSN emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting local organizations that work to prevent violence, setting targeted enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
Additionally, this prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide effort by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime.
Caston remains in custody with the United States Marshal until he is transferred to a federal prison facility.
Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep prosecuted the case, which was investigated by both the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
