Thomas James Masengarb Vesey, Gun Possession, Iowa 2021

A 21-year-old man from Hiawatha, Iowa, has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm while being a drug user.

Thomas James Masengarb Vesey, 21, was sentenced on March 1, 2021, after pleading guilty to being a drug user in possession of a firearm on September 17, 2020.

Prior to the sentencing, evidence was presented showing that Vesey was stopped by police while driving in Marion, Iowa, and attempted to conceal the gun by switching seats with a passenger.

During the traffic stop, officers smelled marijuana and searched the vehicle, finding marijuana and a gun with an obliterated serial number.

Vesey’s mother attempted to claim ownership of the gun, but was informed that the call was recorded and Vesey had admitted to purchasing the gun after friends were murdered.

Vesey also admitted to using and selling marijuana.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an evidence-based program aimed at reducing violent crime.

Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.

Vesey was released on bond and is set to surrender to the United States Marshal’s Service on March 15, 2021.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Marion Police Department, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

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