A Coralville man was sentenced on March 25 to 13 years in federal prison after a jury found him guilty of possessing a firearm as a felon and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address gun violence and illegal drug distribution in the community. Authorities say that removing firearms from individuals with violent criminal histories is an important step toward public safety.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at trial, Ricardo Wiley Steward, age 46, illegally possessed a loaded, stolen pistol at a residence in Coralville in February 2025. Steward also sold marijuana from 2024 through 2025 in the Iowa City area. As a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing firearms. Officials said Steward has several prior convictions related to violence, including assaults.
On October 28, following a two-day trial, the jury found Steward guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The jury did not find him guilty of possessing the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.
Steward will serve four years of supervised release after completing his prison term. There is no parole available under the federal system.
United States Attorney David C. Waterman for the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the Iowa City Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which brings together law enforcement agencies and communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence.
