Sioux City Felon Sentenced for Gun, Drugs Possession

Jo’Mario Smith, 35, from Sioux City, Iowa, was handed a nine-year federal prison sentence on January 31st, after being caught with a semiautomatic rifle, methamphetamine, and marijuana.

The sentence came following a September 2022 plea change hearing. Evidence showed that Smith had unlawfully possessed the firearm and ammunition, discovered during a traffic stop on March 11, 2022. The drugs were found in his vehicle, with the smell of marijuana detectable upon initial contact with officers.

During the search, police uncovered a semiautomatic rifle that appeared painted to resemble a toy, complete with a high-capacity magazine and additional rounds. Also found were a BB gun styled like a handgun, plastic bags containing methamphetamine, and marijuana. Smith’s criminal history dates back to his teenage years, including theft, battery, and resisting arrest.

The sentence was handed down by Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand of the United States District Court in Sioux City. Smith will also serve a three-year supervised release term after his prison term. There is no parole available in the federal system.

This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through comprehensive community solutions and targeted enforcement against the most violent offenders.

Smith, currently held by the United States Marshal’s Service, awaits transport to a federal prison. The Sioux City Police Department investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild prosecuted. More information can be found at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl, under case number 22-04034.

Follow the United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of Iowa on Twitter @USAO_NDIA for updates on federal crime in the region.

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