A federal jury in Cedar Rapids has convicted Marcus Dejohn Wallace, 29, of possessing a firearm as a felon. The verdict was reached after three days of trial and approximately three hours of jury deliberation.
Evidence presented during the trial indicated that on September 5, 2024, Wallace engaged in a high-speed car chase with law enforcement through Cedar Rapids. He eventually stopped in a residential area and attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by a police K-9 unit. Officers discovered a loaded firearm near the location where Wallace was captured. The gun’s magazine, which was missing at the time of discovery, was later found along the path Wallace had taken while fleeing. Wallace has a prior federal conviction for heroin distribution resulting in serious bodily injury.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that collaborates with various levels of law enforcement and community members to reduce violent crime and gun violence. On May 26, 2021, the Department announced an enhanced strategy for PSN focusing on building trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.
Sentencing will be scheduled following the preparation of a presentence report by United States District Court Chief C.J. Williams. Wallace remains detained by the United States Marshal pending sentencing. He could face up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release post-imprisonment.
The prosecution team includes Assistant United States Attorneys Devra Hake, Shawn Wehde, and Dan Tvedt. The investigation involved the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
