Aplington man to serve 9 years in federal prison for gun possession as felon

An Aplington man who unlawfully possessed three rifles, two handguns, and 161 rounds of ammunition was sentenced Tuesday to nine years in federal prison.

Mark Harken, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon and unlawful user of methamphetamine in possession of firearms and ammunition last August.

During the plea hearing in August, Harken admitted he was a felon and unlawful user of methamphetamine and that he had five firearms, including a semi-automatic rifle on April 11, 2014.

Evidence at sentencing showed Harken, after being pulled over by an Aplington police officer on April 11, was in possession of the firearms. Following the traffic stop, Harken assaulted the officer by punching him multiple times and by pulling a handgun and pointing it at the officer.

Harken then led police on a high-speed chase, reaching speeds of up to 95 mph, before eventually driving off the road into a wooded area, according to documents. Harken was eventually taken into custody after a struggle, during which officers had to use a Taser on him.

Harken was also ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release after serving his prison time.