Cedar Rapids man sentenced for stealing firearms

CEDAR RAPIDS - A 35-year-old Cedar Rapids man was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison Wednesday for being a drug user and possessing a stolen weapon with an obliterated serial number.

Antonio Karlos Thigpen, also known as 'Tone,” pleaded guilty in January to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was prohibited from having a weapon and ammunition because he is a twice-convicted felon and marijuana user.

Evidence showed that Thigpen was involved in a verbal argument on Oct. 12, 2015 in Cedar Rapids while armed with a loaded Glock pistol and under the influence of marijuana. During his plea hearing, he admitted to having two felony convictions and regularly using marijuana.

U.S. District Chief Judge Linda Reade noted at sentencing that Thigpen created a 'dangerous situation” by his actions.

Reade also ordered Thigpen to serve a three-year term of supervised release after his prison time.