Three Cedar Rapids men sentenced in heroin conspiracy 

CEDAR RAPIDS - Three men were sentenced Wednesday in federal court for their role in a heroin and cocaine conspiracy that started in 2005 and continued until last year in Cedar Rapids.

According to court documents, the conspiracy was shut down after numerous controlled buys were made by task force officers or confidential informants.

- Charles Odom, 39, of Cedar Rapids, pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison Wednesday.

- Alexander King, 26, of Cedar Rapids, pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and distribution of heroin. He was sentenced Wednesday to 17 years in prison.

- Mark Robertson, 31, of Cedar Rapids, pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin. He was sentenced Wednesday to seven years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Chatham said this was a 'unique” case in terms of how many years it continued and because it involved heroin. In making a case to sentence Odom at the top of the guideline range, Chatham pointed out one of the individuals who purchased heroin from Odom overdosed. The man did recover.

Chatham said all of the men had lengthy criminal histories involving drugs and assaults. Odom had multiple aliases and had been convicted under some of the fake names. Robertson had several convictions for domestic violence.

U.S. District Chief Judge Linda Reade said Odom was one of the 'supervisors” in the conspiracy. His criminal history goes back to 2003 and he was an active gang member until age 29.

Reade said King was recruited as a teenager by Odom.

Two others were convicted in the conspiracy. Willie Williams, 37, was sentenced in February to 16 years in prison and Kennis Petties, 23, sentenced Tuesday to five years in prison.