Lang
5/5/25
Local charges in a fentanyl overdose case were dropped because the case was picked up by U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Iowa.
That’s according to Johnson County Attorney Rachel Zimmermann Smith, who responded to a Monday story from KCJJ noting the local charges were dismissed.
Online records show last month Judge Lars Anderson dismissed controlled substance violation, being a felon in control of a firearm, interference with official acts, and tampering with a witness charges against 37-year-old Jerome Smith of Solon. Smith is accused of providing fentanyl to a 21-year-old who was found dead at a 4th Avenue residence on October 2nd, 2024. Phone records and information from witnesses indicate Smith sold the victim four fentanyl pills the day he died.
Coralville Police set up a fake drug deal with Smith, who allegedly tried to flee when he arrived at the predetermined location. Police say Smith had in his possession a Ruger pistol with a loaded magazine, a large amount of cash, and approximately 3 ½ ounces of cocaine.
After his incarceration, Smith allegedly contacted a witness in the case by phone and letter. He reportedly has made threats to harm the victim, the victim’s family ,and their known associates.
If convicted on the local charges against him, Smith would have faced a maximum of 42 years in prison. Smith now faces similar charges at the federal level.