Cedar Rapids resident Leon Sheley, 23, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, a serious crime that carries severe penalties. According to court documents, Sheley was convicted of three crimes punishable by more than one year of imprisonment between 2016 and 2017. These crimes include theft in the second degree in 2016, theft in the first degree in 2016, and escape from custody in 2017.
On May 20, 2020, Sheley knowingly possessed a pistol despite his prior convictions. This action put him at odds with the law, and he now faces the consequences.
Sheley’s plea deal was made in federal court in Cedar Rapids on July 19, 2021. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel is prosecuting the case, while the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an evidence-based program aimed at reducing violent crime. PSN brings together a broad spectrum of stakeholders to identify and address the most pressing violent crime problems in the community.
Sheley remains in the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. The maximum sentence he faces is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment. Sentencing will be set after a presentence report is prepared.
This case highlights the importance of addressing violent crime in our communities. The PSN program is a crucial step in reducing violent crime and keeping our neighborhoods safe.
Related Federal Cases
- Andre Kase Jr, Possession of Stolen Firearm, Cedar Rapids IA, 2013 · Indiana
- Austin Curtis, Possession of Firearm as Fugitive, Cedar Rapids IA, … · Iowa
- Ramius Hardiman, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Cedar Rapids I… · Iowa
- Felony Firearm Possession Lands Iowa City Man 120 Months in Prison · Indiana
- Jeffrey Haydock, Bank Robbery, Cedar Rapids IA, 2014 · Iowa
Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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