Behee Gets 42 Months for Gun & Drugs at Tyson’s

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – Ronald Lee Behee, Jr., 51, will spend the next 42 months in federal prison after being sentenced on August 21, 2025, for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The case, originating from a tip to law enforcement, reveals a pattern of dangerous behavior and disregard for the law.

On October 28, 2024, authorities responded to a report concerning Behee, a known drug user, bringing a weapon to his workplace at Tyson’s Foods. A search of his locker uncovered a loaded Ruger, LCP, .380 caliber pistol. Crucially, the firearm’s serial number had been deliberately obliterated, making it untraceable – a clear indication of illicit intent.

The discovery didn’t stop there. Alongside the illegal firearm, officers found approximately 8 grams of methamphetamine and 4.4 grams of marijuana in Behee’s possession. This wasn’t a first offense. Court records show Behee’s rap sheet includes convictions related to theft, controlled substances, and domestic violence – a history painting a picture of a man repeatedly crossing the line.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentencing, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime. “Possessing a firearm as a convicted felon is a grave offense, especially when combined with drug activity,” Westphal stated. “This sentence reflects the commitment of federal law enforcement to keeping our communities safe.”

Behee’s prison term is followed by a mandatory three-year period of supervised release. Those hoping for an early exit should know there is no parole in the federal system. The judge also ordered Behee to forfeit the illegally possessed firearm and pay a $100 special assessment, a small price for his actions.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Council Bluffs Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). This case serves as a stark reminder that bringing illegal weapons – particularly those with altered serial numbers – into any workplace, let alone while engaged in drug use, will result in severe consequences. Behee’s actions have landed him behind bars, and his future remains uncertain.