Ramon Olague, III, Possessing a Firearm after Felony Conviction, Si…

A Sioux City gang member, Ramon Olague, III, age 23, from Sioux City, Iowa, has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm after having been convicted of three previous felonies.

Olague was convicted of possessing a firearm having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms, and Olague’s actions were a clear violation of this law.

According to information presented at Olague’s change of plea and sentencing hearings by the United States, Olague’s firearm possession was discovered on October 17, 2013, when Sioux City Police Officers responded to a domestic disturbance. Officers learned Olague had become angry with his paramour, shoved her, screamed at her, and brandished a gun.

He ran off before police arrived, but he was soon apprehended. A search of the area revealed Olague had attempted to hide the firearm at another nearby property. This reckless and violent behavior demonstrates the need for swift and severe punishment, which is exactly what Olague received.

Olague was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Olague was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system, ensuring that Olague will serve his full sentence.

The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative local, state, and federal program aimed at the enhanced prosecution of gun crimes. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Sioux City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.

Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 13-4098. This sentence serves as a warning to other would-be offenders that the justice system will not tolerate violent and reckless behavior, and those who engage in such actions will be held accountable.