SIOUX CITY – A Clear Lake felon located by Mason City cops at a liquor store carrying a gun, meth and needles was unable to outrun them in his quest for freedom and now is headed to federal prison.
Riley Joe Morris Brekke, age 24, from Clear Lake, Iowa, received a prison term on June 7, 2024 after a guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and an unlawful drug user.
In a plea agreement, Brekke admitted that on May 11, 2023, while outside a liquor store in Mason City, he was approached by Mason City Police officers regarding outstanding warrants for a probation violation and escape from custody. Brekke ran from the officers, was caught, and arrested. While running, Brekke threw the backpack he was carrying. During a search of Brekke, officers located a needle and a bag of methamphetamine on his person. They also located a gun, ammunition, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia in the backpack he threw. Brekke had previously been convicted of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, a felony, in Cerro Gordo County in 2022.
Brekke (pictured at top) was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Brekke was sentenced to 54 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Brekke is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Fletcher and investigated by Mason City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
