Denison Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Gun and Silencer Possession

(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.