Springville man pleads guilty to federal weapons charges

Robert Bena, 46, of Springville, pleaded guilty Monday to federal weapons charges.

Bena admitted possessing 14 firearms despite being ordered to turn all his weapons over to Cedar Rapids police after a Nov. 14, 2009 assault on his wife. A no-contact order was issued the following day, restraining Bena from “harassing, stalking, or threatening his wife,” according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Bob Teig.

During an investigation in January into threats by Bena to shoot his wife and himself, police determined he hadn't turned over the guns. Bena was arrested on two state warrants and gave permission for police to search his home. The search turned up 14 firearms and ammunition.

Bena pleaded guilty to possession of firearms by a person subject to a domestic abuse no-contact order. He faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following imprisonment.

U.S. District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will sentence Bena after a presentence report is prepared.