A Davenport man has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. The sentencing took place on January 20, 2026.
Court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing revealed that Areion Marshaun Watson, 29, was found with a loaded pistol during a traffic stop. Watson fled from the passenger seat during the stop. He was prohibited from having firearms due to previous felony convictions, including a 2020 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa.
Following his prison term, Watson will serve three years of supervised release. Federal law does not allow parole.
United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentence. The Davenport Police Department conducted the investigation.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that coordinates efforts among law enforcement and communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The program emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting organizations focused on violence prevention, prioritizing strategic enforcement actions, and tracking outcomes. More information about Project Safe Neighborhoods can be found at Justice.gov/PSN.
