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Sioux City Today
By the People, for the People
Fort Dodge Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm Charge
31-year-old Miguel Lopez admitted to illegally possessing a 9mm pistol in August 2025.
Mar. 24, 2026 at 7:23pm
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A 31-year-old Fort Dodge, Iowa man named Miguel Lopez has pleaded guilty to a federal firearm charge after admitting to possessing a 9mm pistol in August 2025, despite having four prior felony drug convictions that prohibited him from owning firearms.
Why it matters
Illegal firearm possession by convicted felons is a serious crime that can pose a threat to public safety. This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and federal prosecutors to crack down on gun crimes and keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of those prohibited from owning them.
The details
According to court documents, police observed Lopez throw a 9mm pistol from a vehicle window during a traffic stop in Fort Dodge on August 7, 2025. Authorities then recovered the firearm, leading to Lopez's arrest and guilty plea on the federal firearm charge.
- On August 7, 2025, police observed Lopez throw a 9mm pistol from a vehicle window during a traffic stop in Fort Dodge.
- On March 24, 2026, Lopez pleaded guilty to the federal firearm charge in federal court in Sioux City.
The players
Miguel Lopez
A 31-year-old man from Fort Dodge, Iowa who pleaded guilty to a federal firearm charge after admitting to illegally possessing a 9mm pistol in August 2025.
U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Iowa
The federal prosecutor's office that is handling the case against Miguel Lopez.
Fort Dodge Police Department
The local law enforcement agency that initially observed and arrested Lopez for illegally possessing the firearm.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
The federal law enforcement agency that assisted in the investigation of this case.
What’s next
Lopez will be sentenced at a later date after a presentence report is completed. He faces up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
The takeaway
This case demonstrates the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and federal prosecutors to hold convicted felons accountable for illegally possessing firearms, which is an important step in keeping communities safe from gun violence.
