Burlington Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug, Firearm, and Cyberstalking Charges

DAVENPORT, IA – A Burlington man was sentenced on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, to 264 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of an unregistered firearm, and cyberstalking.

Law enforcement identified Kevin Arthur Andries, 32, following a traffic stop in September 2021 when Andries fled from law enforcement at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. Andries eventually crashed the vehicle into the backyard of a residence. Andries then fled on foot and was apprehended nearby. Law enforcement located a backpack, that contained two pounds of methamphetamine, on the ground outside of the driver’s door of the vehicle. There was also a sawed-off shotgun in the trunk.

In November 2021, the Burlington Police Department investigated Andries for stalking. Andries appeared at the victim’s children’s bus stop and school. When Burlington police officers attempted to apprehend Andries, he drove at high rates of speed in a stolen vehicle. When apprehended and arrested, Andries was in possession of methamphetamine and ammunition. A search of Andries’ residence revealed two additional firearms.

Meanwhile, the Iowa City Police Department had a separate investigation into Andries for cyberstalking the same victim from May 2020 until his arrest in November 2021. Andries obtained approximately 25 TextNow phone numbers that he used to call and send text messages to the victim, which at times were hundreds of contacts within one day. Andries also used the numbers to “spoof” people or businesses known to the victim, to induce her to answer the phone. Andries hacked the victim’s email, social media, cell phone, and bank accounts. He added himself to her cell phone plan and wiped the contents of her phone remotely. Andries used the access he gained to her financial accounts to make purchases for himself. Additionally, Andries locked the victim out of all her accounts which prevented her access to the accounts and their contents. Andries coupled his cyberstalking with physical stalking and showed up at the victim’s and the victim’s family’s residences. Andries’ conduct caused the victim substantial emotional distress.

Following his prison term, Andries must also serve seven years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Muscatine Police Department, Burlington Police Department, and Iowa City Police Department investigated the case.