Waterloo man convicted in federal court for witness tampering, drug distribution, possessing firearm

A Waterloo man was convicted by a jury Wednesday in federal court after a three-day trial for  possessing a firearm while selling marijuana and also intimidating witnesses prior to trial.

Quintel Phillips, 26, was convicted of distributing marijuana near a school, possessing marijuana with intent to distribute near a school, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession of a firearm as a felon and as an unlawful drug user, and two counts related to witness tampering.

The jury deliberated two hours. Phillips faces five years to life in prison and a $1 million fine. Sentencing hasn't yet been set.

The evidence at trial showed that Phillips sold high-grade marijuana to a confidential informant and he was carrying a handgun during the sale. Law enforcement subsequently executed a search warrant on the residence and found additional marijuana along with evidence that he intended to sell the marijuana, including plastic baggies, digital scales, and a large amount of cash.

A loaded handgun with a scratched off serial number was also found under a pillow on the bed near the marijuana.

While Phillips was awaiting trial on the drug and gun crimes, he instructed another person to call the confidential informant and pass along an intimidating message. Phillips also directly made several phone calls from the Linn County Jail to another witness, telling the witness that people knew where he lived and that people were going to kill him.

During the trial, the jury heard audio recordings of the phone calls and viewed jailhouse video showing Phillips using the phone at the time of the calls.