Terrance Payne Hayes, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Iowa 2025

Sioux City, IA – A local man has been sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm.

Terrance Payne Hayes, 40, was sentenced March 25, 2025, to 90 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand for possession of a firearm by a felon, drug user, and person convicted of domestic violence.

The charges stem from an investigation into a July 2023 home invasion and homicide. Law enforcement discovered Hayes’ unlawful possession of a firearm and drug use during the probe.

Hayes has a history of violence, described as ‘stunning’ by the sentencing court. He has repeatedly been convicted of domestic abuse assault and assault, as well as other crimes involving violent behavior.

According to court documents, Hayes has a long history of violent crimes, including confronting his girlfriend’s father, breaking a gate, throwing a brick through a window, threatening people with a gun, and stalking a female taxi passenger.

Hayes was sentenced to 90 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 3-year term of supervised release after his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Timothy Duax commended the Sioux City Police Department, the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office, and the ATF for their work in bringing a ‘dangerous criminal’ to justice.

The case was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department, the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office, and the ATF, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.

Terrance Payne Hayes is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime. Hayes was sentenced in connection with the July 2023 home invasion and homicide.

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