SIOUX CITY – A Fort Dodge meth user and convicted thief who illegally possessed firearms pled guilty May 3, 2024, in federal court in Sioux City and faces the prospect of a long prison sentence.
Matthew Knowles, 37, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, admitted at the plea hearing to possessing a .380 ACP pistol, and a .410 gauge shotgun on November 10, 2022, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He further admitted to being a user of methamphetamine, marijuana, and knowing he was a felon when he possessed the firearms. As a felon and drug user, Knowles was prohibited from possessing firearms.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Knowles remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Knowles faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 yearsâ 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 Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Webster County Sheriffâs Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Iowa DCI Laboratory.
