Hunter
05/24/24
An Iowa City man was arrested on a warrant stemming from an incident earlier this month when he allegedly tried to purchase a weapon despite having felony convictions.
According to the criminal complaint, 52-year-old Effrin Hobbs of Taylor Drive was at Fin and Feather on Highway 1 West the morning of May 3rd with the intent of purchasing a firearm. He reportedly went to the firearms area and was seen on video being handed a Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm handgun. The video allegedly shows Hobbs holding and examining the handgun.
Hobbs reportedly filled out the required paperwork, and stated that he had no prior felony or domestic convictions. However, a check of court records showed a prior conviction in Sangamon County Illinois for aggravated battery with use of a weapon. He was also found to have had two domestic convictions in Johnson County back in 2012.
When interviewed later, Hobbs stated he knew about the domestic convictions despite claiming he had none when filling out the weapons application.
A warrant was issued for Hobbs’ arrest on Monday; he was taken into custody the next day. He’s been charged with Dominion or Control of a Firearm by a Felon, Dominion or Control of a Firearm as a Domestic Abuser, and providing False Information in Acquiring a Weapon.
If convicted on all three counts, Hobbs could be sentenced to up to fifteen years in prison.