Cedar Rapids man charged with distributing heroin, fentanyl

CEDAR RAPIDS - A Cedar Rapids man was charged Wednesday in federal court with distributing heroin mixed with fentanyl to a person in 2016, which resulted in serious injuries.

Cordero R. Seals, 29, is charged with distribution of a controlled substance resulting in serious bodily injury and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Seals, who appeared in court Wednesday, pleaded not guilty to both charges.

A superseding indictment unsealed last week accuses Seals of intentionally distributing a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin and fentanyl - a synthetic opioid pain medication, which was used by 'J.V.” on Nov. 4, 2016, and resulted in serious bodily injury to J.V.

The indictment also shows Seals intentionally possessed with intent to distribute a mixture of heroin and fentanyl on April 15.

If convicted of both charges, Seals faces 20 years to life in prison.

U.S. Chief Magistrate C.J. Williams ordered Seals to remain in jail pending trial. His trial is set for July 17 in U.S. District Court.

l Comments: (319) 398-8318; trish.mehaffey@thegazette.com