A Sioux City man, Felipe Alcaraz, Jr., 35, pled guilty to firearm and methamphetamine charges in federal court on January 21, 2025. Alcaraz was convicted of three counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He had prior convictions for eluding and possession of a controlled substance – third or subsequent offense, which barred him from legally possessing firearms.
During the plea hearing, Alcaraz admitted to evading law enforcement during traffic stops by driving recklessly at high speeds. On two occasions when he was stopped, authorities found firearms and ammunition in his possession. Another stop revealed drugs. One seized firearm was reported stolen, and another had an altered serial number. Additionally, Alcaraz acknowledged possessing at least 350 grams of methamphetamine intended for distribution in the Sioux City area.
Sentencing will occur after a presentence report is completed before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Alcaraz remains in U.S. Marshal custody until sentencing. Each firearm conviction could lead to a maximum sentence of 15 years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release post-imprisonment. The methamphetamine conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years' imprisonment with a potential maximum of 40 years, along with a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release.