Timothy T. Duax U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa
A Sioux City man, Joel Perea-Duenas, has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for contempt of court. The sentencing took place on January 31, 2025, following his guilty plea on July 30, 2024.
Perea-Duenas, aged 24, was involved in a drive-by shooting incident on June 23, 2020. He acted as the getaway driver and suggested a secondary target after an initial attack was aborted due to law enforcement presence. The targeted home was occupied by seven people, including children. Perea-Duenas admitted knowing about the intended shooting and the presence of occupants in the house.
Previously, on November 19, 2021, he pled guilty to two counts of being a drug user in possession of a firearm and received a four-year federal prison sentence. During an accomplice's sentencing on October 27, 2022, Perea-Duenas refused to testify despite being sworn in by the district court judge. His refusal continued even after being advised that he had no lawful right to refuse testimony.
Charged with contempt of court while still serving his sentence for firearms charges on October 19, 2023, Perea-Duenas was re-arrested upon release from prison on November 20, 2023. He pled guilty to contempt charges and received his current sentence from United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.
Judge Strand noted that this case marked the first time he encountered such a refusal to testify and emphasized the need for severe sanctions to deter similar actions in the future.
United States Attorney Timothy T. Duax commented: “refusals to testify, like refusals of court orders generally, strike at the very heart of the American justice system and the rule of law. As a result, those who disobey lawfully issued court orders risk prosecution and incarceration.”
The investigation was conducted by the Sioux City Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild. Perea-Duenas remains in custody awaiting transfer to federal prison.
