A Louisiana woman has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for pointing a gun and making death threats against a Protective Security Officer at the Social Security office in Sioux City, Iowa. Stella Ross, 28, pleaded guilty on May 15, 2025, to charges including assault and threatening a federal official.
According to court documents, the incident occurred on September 3, 2024. Ross pulled a firearm on the officer and threatened to kill him. The security officer responded by drawing his own weapon, prompting Ross to withdraw but remain near the scene until police arrived. She then left the area.
After leaving, Ross began a Facebook live broadcast where she repeated her threats, used racial slurs, and criticized law enforcement. Police located her at a residence and communicated with her by phone before taking her into state custody without further incident. Officers recovered a firearm, magazine, ammunition, and personal belongings of Ross at the location.
Following her release from state custody, authorities say Ross continued to threaten the officer and law enforcement officials.
On October 30, 2025, United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Ross to 48 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Ross will remain in U.S. Marshal’s custody pending transfer to federal prison.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including Sioux City Police Department, Sergeant Bluff Police Department, Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Service and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild prosecuted the case.
