Sioux City, Iowa — A Sioux City man who illegally possessed three firearms and several ounces of methamphetamine has pleaded guilty in federal court in Sioux City.
The US Attorney’s Office tells us 35-year-old Felipe Alcaraz, Jr. of Sioux City was convicted of three counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Alcaraz was previously convicted of eluding and possession of controlled substance – third or subsequent offense, which prohibit a person from possessing a firearm.
At the plea hearing, Alcaraz admitted that on a number of occasions he fled law enforcement’s attempts to conduct traffic stops of vehicles he operated, driving at high speeds and in a reckless manner. During two traffic stops, law enforcement located Alcaraz with firearms and ammunition, and on another occasion, drugs. One of the firearms seized had been reported stolen and another had an altered serial number. Alcaraz further admitted to his involvement in the possession of at least 350 grams of methamphetamine which he intended to distribute to others in the Sioux City area.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Alcaraz remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. On each of the firearm convictions, Alcaraz, Jr. faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment. On the methamphetamine conviction, Alcaraz, Jr. faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
