A man from Sioux City, Conrad Lyons, 36, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. This follows his guilty plea on August 26, 2024, to charges of possession of a firearm by a felon and receipt and possession of a National Firearms Destructive Device not registered to him, specifically a sawed-off shotgun.
The incident leading to Lyons' arrest occurred on March 23, 2024. At around 1:00 a.m., law enforcement responded to reports of an altercation involving Lyons at an apartment in Sioux City. The confrontation reportedly involved a large machete-style knife and the sawed-off shotgun. While some individuals confirmed the altercation took place, cooperation from those inside the apartment was limited.
Later that day, at approximately 8:22 p.m., officers observed Lyons with two others in Sioux City. Upon approach by law enforcement, Lyons discarded a black backpack while another individual attempted to dispose of a machete into a storm drain. The police retrieved the machete and discovered through the backpack's open zipper what appeared to be parts of a sawed-off shotgun.
Lyons' criminal record includes offenses such as assaulting officers and assault with dangerous weapons in various jurisdictions within Nebraska. His history also involves multiple violations during custody and attempts to evade law enforcement.
United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Lyons in Sioux City to 120 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release without parole eligibility under federal law.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at reducing violent crime through community collaboration and targeting repeat offenders for prosecution.
Lyons remains in the custody of the United States Marshal pending transfer to federal prison. The investigation was conducted by the Sioux City Police Department with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.