Ronald Lee Robi, Felon in Possession of Firearms, Iowa 2023

A shocking case of firearms charges has shaken the community of North Liberty, Iowa. Ronald Lee Robi, a 71-year-old resident, has been sentenced to 60 months in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

According to court documents, Robi entered a retail store in Coralville on May 20, 2021, and browsed the firearm section. He selected two pistols to purchase but told the sales associate that he would come back later with his firearms permit and other documents to complete the paperwork.

On June 1, 2021, Robi returned to the same retail store and convinced a different sales associate that he had already provided the necessary documentation when he paid for the pistols. He took possession of the firearms, despite being prohibited from doing so due to his multiple prior felony convictions.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Robi’s residence in North Liberty on June 7, 2021. During the search, they recovered a third firearm. At the time of his offense in the Southern District of Iowa, Robi had been indicted in the Southern District of Texas for being a felon in possession of firearms. He was granted pretrial release but had his privileges revoked as a result of this offense.

Robi was sentenced for his crime in the Southern District of Texas on June 10, 2022. His sentence will be served consecutively to the sentence for the Texas firearms conviction. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement, praising the efforts of the Coralville Police Department and North Liberty Police Department in investigating the case.

Robi’s case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violating firearms laws. His sentence should send a clear message to those who think they can circumvent the law. The community of North Liberty can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that justice has been served.

In a statement, United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal emphasized the importance of upholding firearms laws. ‘We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who violate these laws are held accountable,’ he said.

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