CLARION – Feds on the hunt for lawlessness were tipped off that a Northern Iowa felon was hiding a dangerous weapon at his father’s home, and agents seized the firearm and the suspect, who now awaits a possible long prison sentence.
Michael Dean Hanus, Jr., 45, from Clarion, Iowa, pled guilty on March 11, 2024, to possessing a firearm by a prohibited person. Hanus, Jr. was previously convicted of Interference with Official Acts – Dangerous Weapon, which prohibits a person from possessing a firearm.
At the plea hearing, evidence showed that in October 2023, law enforcement in Wright County, Iowa were investigating elder abuse. During the investigation, law enforcement received information that Hanus, Jr. possessed an AR-15 style rifle, at his father’s residence in Humboldt, Iowa, where Hanus, Jr. was/had been living for some time. A law enforcement agent seized an HDR-15 rifle from Hanus Jr., and later determined that the firearm was stolen. Hanus, Jr. admitted to possession of the firearm, including his knowledge of his previous felony conviction, which prohibited his possession of any firearm.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Hanus, Jr. remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Hanus, Jr. faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
