Cedar Rapids Man Fined After Slashing Victim at Coralville Construction Site

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 49-year-old Cedar Rapids man named Pedro Barboza Moreno has been fined $430 after slashing another person with a knife at a Coralville construction site in January. Barboza Moreno reportedly stated he did it on purpose and knew he was slicing at the victim's face area, causing a serious injury to their bottom lip that required sutures. Barboza Moreno reached a plea deal on Friday, with the willful injury charge being dismissed by Judge David Cox.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of workplace violence and the need for construction sites to have proper safety protocols and security measures in place to protect workers. It also raises questions about plea bargaining and whether the final punishment was sufficient given the severity of the attack.

The details

On the morning of January 5th, Barboza Moreno removed a utility knife from his person and purposely sliced at the victim's face at a Coralville construction site. Barboza Moreno was initially charged with Going Armed with Intent and Willful Injury Causing Bodily Injury, which could have resulted in up to 15 years in prison if convicted on both counts. However, he reached a plea deal on Friday, where he was fined $430 for the first count and given credit for time served, while the willful injury charge was dismissed by Judge David Cox.

• The incident occurred on the morning of January 5th, 2026.
• Barboza Moreno reached a plea deal on Friday, February 14th, 2026.

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Barboza Moreno to be released on probation.