Nicholas Freitag, Gun Possession, Iowa 2018

A Clear Lake, Iowa man with a history of assault and domestic abuse was handed a harsh sentence after being found guilty of possessing a firearm.

Nicholas Freitag, 36, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand in Cedar Rapids.

Freitag, who had previously been convicted of possessing a firearm in February 2017, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon and domestic abuser in a March 28, 2018 agreement.

Prosecutors alleged that in July 2017, Freitag and his girlfriend purchased a firearm from another individual at a truck stop in Evansdale, Iowa. The gun was later found in the trunk of Freitag’s vehicle, and he claimed he needed it for protection during his employment as a truck driver.

Freitag must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after his prison term. The federal system does not offer parole.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that aims to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made addressing rising violent crime in America a top priority.

Freitag 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 Justin Lightfoot and investigated by the Clear Lake Police Department.