Cedar Rapids man sentenced to nearly 5 years for gun possession as drug user

CEDAR RAPIDS — A Cedar Rapids man who possessed multiple handguns and shotguns while using drugs pleaded guilty this week and was immediately sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison.

Cameron J. Burgess, 29, pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court to possession of a firearm by a drug user, according to court documents.

On Feb. 18, 2020, law enforcement officers obtained a search warrant for Burgess’ residence and found about 5 grams of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, 147 grams of marijuana, 38 grams of hash oil, 92 grams of hashish balls and 25 THC cartridges.

Officers also seized seven firearms, including handguns and long guns, and three high-capacity magazines of ammunition, according to a plea agreement.

Burgess admitted to authorities after the search that he intended to distribute some or all of the THC and marijuana. Burgess also said he was a daily marijuana user and also used cocaine, the plea agreement states.

U.S. District Judge C.J. Williams sentenced Burgess to 50 months in prison and ordered him to serve three years of supervised release after prison.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Corkery and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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