Joseph Isiah Hardy, Sr., Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Iowa 2023

A convicted felon has been brought to justice in Iowa after being found in possession of a stolen gun. Joseph Isiah Hardy, Sr., age 37, from Humboldt, Iowa, was convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

On November 28, 2023, Hardy pleaded guilty in federal court in Sioux City to knowingly possessing a firearm despite having been previously convicted of a felony punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. The gun was also found to be stolen.

In a plea agreement, Hardy admitted to the crimes, stating that he knew he had been previously convicted of a felony and that he knew the gun was stolen. This admission will likely play a significant role in the sentencing process.

The case was investigated by the Humboldt Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. The investigation and prosecution of this case highlight the importance of keeping firearms out of the hands of convicted felons.

Hardy currently remains in the custody of the United States Marshal, pending sentencing. Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Hardy faces a maximum penalty of not more than 15 years’ imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a fine of not more than $250,000, a mandatory special assessment of $100, and a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years.

This case serves as a reminder of the severe consequences that individuals can face when they choose to break the law and possess firearms as convicted felons.

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Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndia/pr/humboldt-iowa-man-pleads-guilty-possession-firearm-prohibited-person