Michael Turner, Possession of Firearm by Prohibited Person, Iowa 2025

In a shocking turn of events, Michael Turner, 35, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment in federal court in Sioux City for possession of firearm by a prohibited person.

According to court documents, Turner admitted to possessing a Glock .45 caliber pistol between March 1, 2024, and March 29, 2024, despite being a previously convicted felon and an unlawful user of controlled substances.

The charges against Turner stem from a March 8, 2024, shooting in Fort Dodge, Iowa, where the same firearm was used. Surveillance video and ballistic comparison evidence linked Turner to the crime.

Turner was stopped by law enforcement on March 29, 2024, and found in possession of the firearm. He was subsequently arrested and charged with possession of firearm by a prohibited person.

The case against Turner was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by a multi-agency task force including the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Dodge Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Turner’s sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. He will serve a two-year term of supervised release following his imprisonment and will be transported to a federal prison by the United States Marshal.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities. The Department’s violent crime reduction strategy focuses on fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused enforcement priorities, and measuring results.

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