A convicted felon in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been found guilty of possessing two firearms, authorities announced today following a bench trial in federal court last month in Cedar Rapids.
Christopher Matthew Davies, age 47, was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The verdict was returned after a 40-minute bench trial held on January 11, 2018.
The evidence at the trial showed that on September 8, 2016, the Iowa District Court for Linn County found Davies guilty of forgery and burglary, both felony offenses. On October 25, 2016, after Davies pled guilty to those charges, but before his sentencing hearing, he knowingly possessed two firearms.
Specifically, Davies travelled to his mother’s home in Cedar Rapids, retrieved two firearms, and then pawned those firearms for $400. Davies later attempted to retrieve the firearms from the pawnshop, but the pawnshop refused to return the firearms after the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System instructed the pawnshop to delay, and ultimately deny, any firearms transfer to Davies.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Davies remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Davies faces up to ten years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and up to three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Defendant Information:
* Defendant: Christopher Matthew Davies
* Exact Criminal Charges: Felon in Possession of a Firearm
* City and State: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
* Exact Date: October 25, 2016
* Sentence or Outcome: Up to ten years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and up to three years of supervised release
* Dollar Amounts: $400 (pawned firearms), $250,000 (fine)
Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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