Cedar Rapids Man Pleads Guilty to Gun Possession During Drug Trafficking Crime
A man who illegally possessed a handgun and methamphetamine has pleaded guilty in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Shane LaGrange, age 36, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
LaGrange admitted that on December 29, 2017, he possessed at least five grams of pure methamphetamine that he intended to distribute to others, further admitting to possessing a gun in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime. Both the methamphetamine and the gun were found when defendant LaGrange was arrested by officers from the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime, as a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge CJ Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. LaGrange remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. LaGrange faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $8,250,000.00 fine, and eight years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Cole and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force. The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
LaGrange’s case is a stark reminder of the devastating effects of gun possession during drug trafficking crimes in our community. We will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice and make our community safer.
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Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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