Sioux City, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — A Northwest Iowa man previously convicted of armed robbery and aggravated battery in Illinois has pled guilty to possession of a firearm as a prohibited person.

37-year-old Lawrence Moore from Bode appeared in federal court in Sioux City Thursday.
Prosecutors say Moore attempted to negotiate an arms deal with an undercover federal agent last year, and a search warrant executed at his home in November led them to a 59 semi-automatic Smith and Wesson pistol hidden in his mattress.

Moore faces up to 15 years in prison and a quarter million dollar fine and is being held in the custody of United States Marshals pending his sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawen S. Wehde says his office was assisted by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the FBI’s alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosions division.