Cedar Rapids man sentenced to life on gun charges

A man a federal judge described as a “one man crime spree” was sentenced to life in prison Friday.

Kevin Lee, 32, of Cedar Rapids, previously pleaded guilty to one count of possessing stolen firearms and one count of possessing firearms as a felon.

Lee admitted during the pleading he possessed a stolen assault rifle and a stolen tactical shotgun after being convicted of a felony offense.

U.S. District Chief Judge Linda Reade said Lee used the stolen firearms to lead two others, including a minor, in robbing a motel in Coralville. During the daytime robbery, Lee restrained the employee on duty with duct tape. Lee also trafficked in firearms when he arranged the sale of the two stolen firearms to a person Lee knew to be a felon and drug user.

Lee was eligible for life in prison because he has three prior convictions for violent felonies – including injury to a child, escaping from a prison, and burglary.