Timothy T. Duax U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa
Brandon Mitchell, a 28-year-old resident of Mason City, Iowa, admitted guilt in federal court on April 30, 2025. He confessed to possessing a firearm despite being legally prohibited due to prior domestic abuse convictions. Previously convicted twice for domestic abuse assault in Cerro Gordo County, Mitchell was legally barred from firearm ownership.
During the plea hearing, Mitchell acknowledged his two misdemeanor domestic violence convictions and his unlawful marijuana usage. Evidence shows Mitchell received a 9mm pistol on February 24, 2024, during which he was under indictment for several charges, including attempted murder. He admitted to discarding the pistol from his bedroom window to evade authorities during a search of his residence.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aiming to curb violent crime and gun violence by collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. As part of a 2021 initiative, PSN emphasizes fostering community trust, supporting violence prevention groups, setting strategic law enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.
Mitchell awaits sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand, pending the preparation of a presentence report. He remains in the custody of the United States Marshal. The potential penalties include up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release post-imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, together with the Iowa Division of Narcotic Enforcement and the Mason City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit is prosecuting the case.
