Essential Estrogen

A Charles City man who had a domestic abuse assault misdemeanor conviction and then possessed a gun was sentenced this week to nearly four years in federal prison.

Michael Zubrod, 34, received the prison term after a Dec. 28, 2007 guilty plea to one count of being a domestic abuse misdemeanant in possession of a firearm. He was convicted in Cerro Gordo County in March 2004 of misdemeanor domestic assault without intent causing injury.

On the morning of May 31, 2007, Chickasaw County law enforcement were called the rural residence of Zubrod's father. It was reported that Zubrod was "out of control." When deputies arrived, the suspect was agitated, sweating and under the influence of drugs. Deputies were able to restrained Zubrod after a about a 10 minute struggle and transport him to a hospital.

The subsequent search of the rural property included a camper used by Zubrod. A Springfield 120A .22 rifle, ammunition and documents related to Zubrod were found inside. Under federal law, it is illegal for someone with a state domestic violence misdemeanor conviction to possess a firearm or ammunition. There is no such prohibition under Iowa law.

Zubrod was sentenced in Sioux City by U.S. District Court Judge Mark Bennett to 46 months imprisonment. In addition, a special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release following his prison term. The federal system has no option of parole. Currently, Zubrod is being held by the U.S. Marshal's Office, pending transportation to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Asst. U.S. Attorney Bob Teig as a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative local, state and federal program aimed at the enhanced prosecution of gun crimes. Teig serves with U.S. Attorney Matt Dummermuth in the Northern District of Iowa office.