Moses Strickland Jr, Possession of Stolen Firearms, Iowa 2018

GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE – Federal authorities have successfully disrupted a major gun trafficking ring, targeting individuals across Iowa, Illinois, and South Dakota. Moses Strickland, Jr., Anthony Holeyfield, and Antwon Holeyfield (along with others) have been charged for their roles in the illegal trade of stolen firearms.

The trio was active from November 25, 2018, to April 23, 2019. On August 21, 2020, Strickland, aged 22 from Decatur, Illinois, received a sentence of over six years for conspiracy to possess stolen firearms and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

Holeyfield, aged 25 from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced to more than three years in prison after pleading guilty to similar charges. Anthony Holeyfield, aged 21, also from Sioux City, received an eight-month sentence for conspiracy to possess stolen firearms and possession of stolen firearms.

Evidence presented at the hearings showed that on November 26, 2018, Antwon Holeyfield and Strickland broke into a home in Woodbury County, Iowa, using an axe. They stole 15 firearms from the residence before selling them through deals conducted at various locations, including Anthony Holeyfield’s home.

Despite law enforcement efforts, several stolen firearms remain unrecovered. Strickland was sentenced by Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand to 72 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $14,034.78 in restitution. Both Antwon and Anthony Holeyfield were also sentenced by Judge Strand, with Antwon receiving 42 months and Anthony eight months.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian, initiatives aimed at reducing violent crime and enforcing firearms laws. Strickland is currently in the custody of the United States Marshal’s Service pending transport to a federal prison.

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