Luis Gomez, Threats with a Gun, Iowa 2022

Luis Gomez, a 37-year-old man from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced to 49 months in federal prison for threatening two women with a gun at a local bar. The crime took place on December 9, 2021, when Gomez, a drug user and felon in unlawful possession of a firearm, pointed a loaded gun at the two women, causing alarm among other patrons at the bar.

According to evidence in the case, Gomez’s criminal possession of a firearm was discovered when he threatened the two women by pointing a loaded gun at them and saying, ‘I’m going to air this place out.’ When the police were called, Gomez and another person fled the scene at a high rate of speed. During the chase, Gomez instructed the passenger to throw the weapon out of the window, and officers observed an object thrown out of the passenger side window. A firearm and a magazine were separately recovered from the path of the chase, and the firearm contained 7 live rounds.

Gomez has a lengthy criminal history, having committed over 34 offenses. His crimes include threats, weapons, drugs, violence, and other dangerous conduct.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime through a comprehensive approach. PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Gomez was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 49 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. Gomez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.

Gomez’s lengthy criminal history includes over 34 offenses, which demonstrate a pattern of violent and threatening behavior. His sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the need to hold individuals accountable for their actions.

The case highlights the importance of Project Safe Neighborhoods in addressing violent crime in communities. By targeting the most violent offenders and providing support for prevention and reentry programs, PSN aims to create lasting reductions in crime.

Related Federal Cases