Strawberry Point Felon Sentenced for Sawed-Off Shotgun Possession

Scott Wesley Timmerman, 56, a Strawberry Point, Iowa resident, is now facing the harsh reality of his reckless actions after being sentenced to more than five years in federal prison for possessing a sawed-off shotgun.

Timmerman’s downfall began on November 1, 2023, when he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a short-barreled shotgun as a previously convicted felon. This guilty plea marked the beginning of the end for Timmerman, who had a history of felony convictions in Arizona.

In a plea agreement, Timmerman admitted to possessing a short-barreled Winchester shotgun when officers found him in a park after hours. The firearm, however, was not registered to him in the federal registry, further exacerbating the severity of the situation.

On May 3, 2024, Timmerman received his sentence in Cedar Rapids from United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. The sentence was a stern 70 months’ imprisonment, accompanied by a $500 fine. Additionally, Timmerman must serve a three-year term of supervised release after his prison term.

The case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by bringing together law enforcement and community members. This initiative is rooted in four core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused enforcement priorities, and measuring results.

Timmerman is currently being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Reinert, with assistance from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

As the nation grapples with the issue of gun violence, cases like Timmerman’s serve as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible gun ownership and the consequences of violating federal laws. The Grimm Times will continue to provide in-depth coverage of federal crime stories, shedding light on the complexities of the justice system and the impact on our communities.