Hawkeye Reporter

Lawrence Moore, a 37-year-old resident of Bode, Iowa, has been sentenced to 96 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The sentencing took place on September 4, 2025, in Sioux City before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.

Moore had prior convictions for armed robbery and aggravated battery—three times—in Cook County, Illinois. These convictions barred him from legally possessing firearms or ammunition.

Evidence presented during Moore's plea and sentencing hearings indicated his involvement in the buying and selling of firearms with others. In the fall of 2024, he communicated with an undercover agent about acquiring or trading firearms and discussed selling marijuana. On November 18, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Moore’s residence. Officers found and seized a fully loaded Smith & Wesson Model 59 semi-automatic pistol concealed inside a void cut into the mattress in the bedroom shared by Moore and his wife. Marijuana and drug paraphernalia were also recovered from the residence.

"Moore was previously convicted of Armed Robbery and Aggravated Battery (three times) in Cook County, Illinois.  The convictions prohibited Moore from possessing any firearms or ammunition."

"At the plea and sentencing hearings, evidence showed that Moore was involved in negotiations for the buying and selling of firearms to other people.  During the fall of 2024, Moore communicated with an undercover agent, attempting to buy or trade a firearm with the agent.  Moore also discussed selling marijuana to the agent."

"On November 18, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Moore’s residence.  Law enforcement located and seized a Smith & Wesson Model 59 semi-automatic pistol, which Moore had referenced previously to the agent.  The fully loaded firearm was located inside a void cut into the mattress in the bedroom shared by Moore and his wife.  Law enforcement also located and seized marijuana and drug use paraphernalia in the residence, including in the bedroom."

"Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Moore was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment and must serve three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Moore remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison."

The case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through partnerships between law enforcement agencies at all levels as well as community organizations focused on violence prevention efforts (https://www.justice.gov/psn). Since May 26, 2021, PSN has emphasized building trust within communities while supporting prevention strategies alongside targeted enforcement priorities.

"This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results."