A Sioux City man has been sentenced to over ten years in federal prison for illegal possession of firearms and methamphetamine. Felipe Alcaraz, Jr., aged 35, pled guilty on January 21, 2025, to three counts of possessing a firearm as a prohibited person and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Alcaraz’s previous convictions for eluding law enforcement and possession of a controlled substance barred him from owning firearms. Evidence presented during his plea and sentencing hearings revealed that Alcaraz had repeatedly evaded police attempts to stop his vehicle by driving recklessly at high speeds. Law enforcement found him in possession of at least three guns and two ounces of methamphetamine during various traffic stops. One gun was reported stolen, another had an altered serial number, and the third was sold to another felon who was caught with it while attempting to flee law enforcement. Alcaraz admitted involvement with approximately 350 grams of methamphetamine intended for distribution in the Sioux City area.
United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Alcaraz to 125 months in prison followed by six years of supervised release. In the federal system, parole is not available. Alcaraz remains under the custody of the United States Marshal until he is transferred to a federal facility.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy on May 26, 2021, which includes fostering community trust, supporting preventive community organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde prosecuted the case following an investigation by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City. This task force comprises personnel from multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
