A Des Moines man, Scott Eugene Smith, 43, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for multiple charges related to firearms and drugs. The charges include possessing firearms as a felon, possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The sentencing follows an incident in September 2023 when Smith led law enforcement on a car chase that ended at a hotel parking lot in Des Moines. During the chase, Smith exited his moving vehicle and fired shots at a Polk County Sheriff Deputy. He then attempted to hide by discarding his loaded pistol and cell phone before being found and arrested inside the hotel office hours later. Law enforcement discovered methamphetamine, marijuana, pills containing fentanyl, and another gun in the vehicle Smith used during the chase.
Upon completing his prison term, Smith will serve an additional five-year term of supervised release. The federal system does not offer parole.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal from the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentence. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives along with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. Launched on May 26, 2021, PSN focuses on fostering community trust and legitimacy while supporting organizations that work to prevent violence. More information about PSN can be found at Justice.gov/PSN.
