Hawkeye Reporter

An Iowa City man, O'Sean Dentale Horton, has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for firearm and ammunition charges. The sentencing took place on June 26, 2025. According to court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing, Horton was found in possession of two loaded pistols, a distribution quantity of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia in December 2020. These items were discovered within two backpacks at his sister's residence.

In May 2023, surveillance footage captured Horton shooting multiple times at another individual in an apartment complex parking lot in Coralville. He left behind .40 caliber shell casings. At the time of these offenses, Horton was on probation for failing to affix a drug tax stamp as ruled by the Iowa District Court for Johnson County.

Following his imprisonment term, Horton will serve a three-year supervised release period. The federal system does not offer parole.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal from the Southern District of Iowa announced this development. The investigation involved several agencies: the Iowa City Police Department, University of Iowa Police Department, Johnson County Drug Task Force, Johnson County Special Emergency Response Team, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering trust within communities and supporting community-based organizations that prevent violence. The initiative also sets strategic enforcement priorities and measures results to ensure safer neighborhoods.

For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit Justice.gov/PSN.