Cedar Rapids man pleads guilty to possessing firearm as felon

A 51-year-old felon pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court to illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.

Robert M. Hertz, pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon.

Hertz had a .40 caliber rifle and 237 rounds of ammunition on May 12, after he has been previously convicted of three violent crimes or serious drug offenses including arson, burglary and manufacturing methamphetamine, according to an indictment.

During the plea hearing, Hertz admitted he had been convicted of the three felonies identified in the indictment.

Hertz was arrested under a search warrant in May when authorities were looking for four family members - Ali Herz, 50; his brother, Bassem Herz, 30; his son, Adam Herz, 22; and Sarah Zeaiter, 24, the wife of Bassem Herz, who were later charged with smuggling guns to Lebanon. Hertz wasn't involved in the alleged gun smuggling, authorities have previously said.

Hertz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. His previous convictions could impact his prison time.

U.S. Chief Magistrate Jon Scoles found there was evidence Hertz had attempted to obstruct justice while on pretrial release, so he will remain in jail pending sentencing.