A man from Iowa City has been sentenced to over a year in federal prison for purchasing firearms for his drug dealer. Desmond Staggers, 26, received a 23-month prison term after pleading guilty to possession of firearms while being an unlawful user of controlled substances.
According to court documents, Staggers bought seven firearms in 2023 and 2024 while addicted to heroin and fentanyl. These weapons were purchased at the direction of his dealer and subsequently handed over to him. The sentencing took place in Cedar Rapids, overseen by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. In addition to his prison sentence, Staggers will serve a three-year supervised release. The federal system does not allow for parole.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a coalition of law enforcement and community groups aiming to curb violent crime and gun violence. Launched on May 26, 2021, this initiative emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting preventive organizations, focusing on strategic enforcement, and gauging the outcomes.
Staggers was released on previously set bond conditions and will report to the Bureau of Prisons at a later date. Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist prosecuted the case, following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.