The U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District had nearly twice as many trials in 2024 and is ranked second for cases filed among the other 25 federal districts of its size. The district includes Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Fort Dodge and Sioux City.
A Cedar Rapids man, just convicted of gun and other charges last week, now faces more charges. He admitted during calls from jail to shooting at an occupied house in February, according to complaint.
A 19-year-old was sentenced to over 4 years in federal prison for supplying stolen gun to another during a “rival gang” shooting incident. Nobody was injured in the July 9, 2023, gunshots fired on the Iowa City Pedestrian Mall. Authorities found firearms and ammunition in the teen’s home, which led to the federal charges.
Christopher Wuchter, 38, of Earlville, who assaulted his girlfriend and her child over a puppy, was sentenced to illegally possessing firearms while being a drug user. Authorities found drugs and 30 firearms -- two were sawed-off shotguns -- in his home.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, during a visit to Cedar Rapids on Tuesday, highlighted drug and firearms cases prosecuted in the Northern District of Iowa. Garland has been visiting federal prosecutors office around the country to talk with law enforcement about their efforts.
A Cedar Rapids man, who led police on foot chase after officers found a loaded handgun and marijuana, was sentenced this week to more than 5 years in federal prison. An investigation found he had possessed at least 10 guns since 2018.
An Iowa City man was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a loaded semi-automatic handgun that toddler discharges, shooting himself in the left eye. The child died later that day on July 3, 2022.
Also, Republicans advanced a measure to ban future guaranteed basic income programs in Iowa.
Another bill would add penalties for cities, counties that regulate firearms
Senate removes school security personnel grant program
Iowa House Republicans passed a bill late Wednesday night that would create a new permitting process for Iowa school districts to arm trained staff. Under the bill, identities of school staff issued a weapons permit would be confidential and not subject to disclosure under Iowa’s open records law.
Representatives of Iowa's credit unions told lawmakers there’s no need for the bill.
The bill would prevent banks and credit card companies from using a merchant code that would differentiate a gun shop from a general merchandise or sporting goods store.
Iowa City parent who was armed and went to Grant Wood Elementary to confront principal about sending home his child from school, pleaded to carrying weapons and harassment charges. He faces up to 9 years in prison.
A Cedar Rapids man pleads to lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter in fatal shooting a Fort Dodge man in 2016. He faces 10 years in prison.
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