A Clinton man, Caleb J. McManus, was sentenced on March 26 to 60 months in federal prison for possessing firearms as a felon.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement and the courts to address gun violence and enforce restrictions on firearm possession by individuals with felony convictions.
According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, law enforcement discovered 11 firearms at McManus's residence in January 2025. Of these, six were handguns and one had an obliterated serial number. McManus was prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous felony convictions, including a conviction in 2024 for fraudulent purchase of firearms from the Iowa District Court for Clinton County. He was on probation for that offense at the time he possessed the guns. McManus also has prior convictions related to assault with a firearm.
After serving his prison term, McManus will be required to complete three years of supervised release. The federal system does not allow parole.
United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentence and said that the Clinton Police Department investigated the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which brings together various levels of law enforcement and community organizations with the goal of reducing violent crime and gun violence. According to information provided about PSN, its strategy includes fostering trust within communities, supporting organizations that work on violence prevention, focusing enforcement priorities strategically, and measuring outcomes.
