Darrell Jawon Wilson, age 18, from Cedar Rapids, pleaded guilty on April 13 in federal court to possession of a firearm by a felon. The plea was entered in Cedar Rapids before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.
The case stems from an incident on October 1, 2025, in Waterloo. Officers responded to a liquor store after receiving reports that two masked men were walking around the area and looking into cars. When officers arrived and approached the men, Wilson ran away. During the pursuit, an officer saw Wilson pull a gun from his waistline before he fell and dropped the weapon. After being taken into custody, officers retraced their steps and recovered the gun.
Wilson has previous felony convictions for conspiracy to commit a forcible felony and going armed with intent. His actions led to federal charges due to these prior convictions.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, which is described as a nationwide initiative using Department of Justice resources to address illegal immigration, eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect communities from violent crime perpetrators.
Sentencing will be scheduled following preparation of a presentence report. Wilson remains in custody pending sentencing and faces up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
