Lawrence Moore, a 37-year-old resident of Bode, Iowa, has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm. The sentencing took place on September 4, 2025, after Moore pleaded guilty earlier in April to possessing a firearm as a prohibited person.
Moore’s prior convictions include Armed Robbery and three counts of Aggravated Battery in Cook County, Illinois. These convictions made it illegal for him to possess any firearms or ammunition.
According to evidence presented during plea and sentencing hearings, Moore was involved in discussions about buying and selling firearms with others. In the fall of 2024, he communicated with an undercover agent and attempted to purchase or trade a firearm. He also talked about selling marijuana to the agent.
A search warrant executed at Moore’s home on November 18, 2024 led law enforcement officers to seize a fully loaded Smith & Wesson Model 59 semi-automatic pistol hidden inside a mattress in the bedroom Moore shared with his wife. Officers also found marijuana and drug paraphernalia throughout the residence.
Sentencing was conducted by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Moore received a sentence of 96 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole available in the federal system. He remains in custody pending transfer to federal prison.
“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.”
