Cedar Rapids man, just convicted last week, faces more gun charges

CEDAR RAPIDS — A Cedar Rapids man who last week pleaded to a gun and other charges in state court and also is charged for firearms violations in federal court now faces more gun charges for firing shots into an occupied house Feb. 28.

Robert Shawn Griffin, 25, while in jail on those previous charges, admitted to this offense over calls made from the jail to others, according to records.

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He was charged Tuesday in Linn County District Court with intimidation with a dangerous weapon, going armed with intent and possession of a firearm by a felon, all felonies, and two aggravated misdemeanors — reckless use of a firearm and use of a dangerous weapon in the commission of a crime.

According to a criminal complaint, Griffin fired a gun Feb. 28 into a home in the 100 block of Outlook Drive SW while people were inside. He was a felon and was identified as the suspect through photos, surveillance footage and by the owner of the vehicle he was in at the time the shots were fired.

Griffin admitted to the shooting in several jail calls while he was in custody on his pending charges.

Sixth Judicial Associate District Judge Casey Jones set his bail at $20,000 cash-only during an initial appearance on these charges Tuesday.

Griffin pleaded last week to five charges, including intimidation with a dangerous weapon, burglary and eluding in three separate cases. He faces up to 20 years in prison on those convictions. Sentencing hasn’t been set at this time.

If convicted on the new charges, he faces up to 24 years in prison.

Comments: (319) 398-8318; trish.mehaffey@thegazette.com