Michael Shannon Adams, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Iowa 2018

A 41-year-old Cedar Rapids man will spend more than seven years behind bars for possessing a firearm as a felon. Michael Shannon Adams, 41, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison on Tuesday after pleading guilty to the charge on September 28, 2018.

The evidence in the case revealed that Adams broke into a truck in Cedar Rapids on June 24, 2018, stealing three guns and an $800 pool cue from the owner. He then returned to the scene on June 26, 2018, and stole the owner’s garage door opener. The following day, Adams broke into two more vehicles outside a union hall, stealing the owners’ purses.

One of the victims chased Adams on foot, but he escaped over a chain-link fence. Four days later, Adams broke into more vehicles near Hawkeye Downs, but was arrested by law enforcement officers after discarding a plastic bag containing one of the stolen firearms. The firearm was loaded, and officers also found knives on Adams’ person.

During a search of Adams’ residence, officers found one of the remaining two stolen firearms, which was also loaded. They also discovered over 300 rounds of ammunition, a small amount of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Adams eventually confessed to stealing the three firearms on June 24, 2018.

Adams has a lengthy criminal history spanning multiple states, dating back to 1996. He has been convicted of felonies in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Woodbury County, Iowa, including breaking and entering, second-degree burglary, receiving stolen goods, conspiracy to commit robbery, and theft.

Adams was sentenced by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams, who ordered him to make $475.66 in restitution to one of his victims. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after his prison term. Adams is currently being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Adams’ sentencing comes as a relief to victims of his crimes, who have been left shaken by his brazen actions. ‘We’re just glad that justice has been served,’ said one victim, who wished to remain anonymous.

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