An Ottumwa man, Nolan Ryan Rork, has been sentenced to 125 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. According to court documents and evidence presented during sentencing, Rork, aged 19, was on probation with the State of Iowa in early 2024. In April 2024, he removed his electronic ankle monitor. By June 2024, law enforcement located him; during his attempt to flee, he discarded a backpack containing two loaded firearms and over 60 grams of methamphetamine.
After serving his prison term, Rork will undergo a three-year supervised release period. The federal system does not allow parole.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal from the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentence. The Wapello County Sheriff’s Office and the Ottumwa Police Department conducted the investigation.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that unites various levels of law enforcement with communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence. Launched on May 26, 2021, this strategy aims to strengthen PSN by fostering trust within communities, supporting community organizations that prevent violence before it occurs, setting focused enforcement priorities strategically, and measuring outcomes effectively. More information about Project Safe Neighborhoods is available at Justice.gov/PSN.