A Fort Dodge man has pleaded guilty to a federal firearm charge.
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa, 31-year-old Miguel Lopez entered the plea Tuesday in federal court in Sioux City.
Authorities say Lopez admitted to possessing a 9mm pistol on Aug. 7, 2025, in Fort Dodge. Law enforcement reported locating the firearm after observing Lopez throw it from a vehicle window during a traffic stop.
Court documents state Lopez has four prior felony drug convictions, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm or ammunition.
Lopez remains in custody pending sentencing, which will be scheduled after a presentence report is completed. He faces up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Fort Dodge Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
