A Coralville man was sentenced on March 25 to 13 years in federal prison after being found guilty of possessing a firearm as a felon and intent to distribute marijuana.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address gun violence and drug trafficking. The sentencing is part of broader initiatives aimed at reducing violent crime in local communities.
According to court documents and evidence presented during trial, Ricardo Wiley Steward, age 46, illegally possessed a loaded, stolen pistol at a residence in Coralville in February 2025. Steward, who has prior felony convictions related to violence including assaults, was also found to have sold marijuana from 2024 through 2025 in the Iowa City area. As a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing firearms.
A jury found Steward guilty on October 28, following a two-day trial. He was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. However, 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 sentence. There is no parole available under the federal system. United States Attorney David C. Waterman for the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentencing. The investigation involved both the Iowa City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together law enforcement agencies with community partners to reduce violent crime and gun violence.
