Timothy T. Duax U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa
Jamiah Burton, a 30-year-old from Sioux City, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison following his guilty plea on August 8, 2024, for illegal possession of a firearm. The sentencing took place on March 21, 2025.
According to evidence presented in the case, Burton entered a bar in Sioux City, Iowa on January 19, 2024, with a female companion. After an argument led to her departure, Burton directed his attention toward the female bartender who was alone with him. Over the course of approximately an hour and a half, Burton refused to leave the bar while drinking heavily. He repeatedly went behind the bar and engaged in inappropriate behavior towards the bartender. At various points during this time, he became emotional and brandished a loaded handgun while making threats against both himself and the bartender. He also stole a bottle of alcohol before being tricked out of the bar by the bartender's promise to accompany him.
The bartender managed to lock herself inside after Burton left and called for help. Law enforcement found Burton's vehicle stranded in snow about 16 minutes later in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Inside were several open containers and a bottle of tequila similar to what was stolen from the bar.
Burton has a history of criminal activity including violent home invasions and driving under the influence while attempting to evade police capture.
Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Burton in Sioux City to 60 months' imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release without parole as per federal regulations.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration among stakeholders focusing on significant offenders alongside prevention and reentry programs.
Burton remains in custody with U.S. Marshals pending transport to federal prison facilities.
The investigation involved police departments from South Sioux City, Nebraska and Sioux City, Iowa; prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
