A former professor at the University of Iowa was sentenced to 25 years in prison on July 21 after pleading guilty to drug and child pornography charges in Feb. 2023, according to a release from the U.S. District Attorney’s office.
Dr. John Robert Muriello, 66, was convicted of conspiring with Eric Hojka and other individuals to obtain and distribute methamphetamine in and around Iowa City in 2020, the US District Attorney’s office stated.
Former University Professor Sentenced for Child Pornography and Drug Charges https://t.co/NqdIR0FkOq
— US Attorney Office – Southern District of Iowa (@USAO_SDIA) July 25, 2023
An investigation into Muriello began in 2021 when law enforcement officials responded to reports of an unconscious person at Hojka’s apartment. Despite life-saving measures, the unconscious victim was pronounced dead. A later autopsy revealed he had died as a result of methamphetamine use. A subsequent investigation determined the victim had received the meth from Hojka who, in turn, received it from Muriello, the release stated.
After police searched Muriello’s home in May 2021, they not only found a supply of methamphetamine, but also a large collection of child pornography, according to the release. Muriello was put on administrative leave from the university when the investigation into him began before retiring in July 2022, KCCI News reported. (RELATED: REPORT: Ex-Daycare Worker And Transgender Former State Rep Accused Of Child Pornography)
In addition to the 25 years, Muriello was ordered to pay $12,000 in restitution, a fine of $50,000 and assessments of $22,200. Muriello also forfeited his home in Iowa City. After his prison sentence, Muriello will serve a five-year term of supervised release, the attorney’s office stated.