(Denison) The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa says Ian Ward, 37, from Denison, pled guilty on July 2nd to one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm, one count of possession of a short-barreled rifle, and one count of possession of silencers.
Evidence presented at the plea hearing revealed that on August 21, 2023, during a traffic stop in Pocahontas County, Ward, under the influence of fentanyl, was found in possession of six firearms, including an illegal short-barreled rifle, and multiple silencers. Authorities also discovered methamphetamine, THC wax, and drug paraphernalia in his vehicle. Ward acknowledged being a user of fentanyl, meth, and marijuana, and disclosed a prior felony drug conviction in Minnesota, which barred him from possessing firearms due to his status as a felon and drug user.
Ward awaits sentencing by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand, pending a presentence report, while in the custody of the United States Marshal. For the prohibited possession of firearms charge, he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. On the charges related to possession of illegal firearms and silencers, Ward faces a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
