(Primghar)– O’Brien county authorities say federal firearms charges are pending against 24-year-old Lathan Barnett of Sheldon and 22-year-old Shane Meyer, formerly of Sheldon, in connection with a shooting last year in Sheldon.
Barnett has been indicted on five federal felony counts, the most serious of which carries a penalty of 10 years imprisonment.
Meyer has been indicted on four federal felony counts.
Both men are being held in the O’Brien county jail on federal detainers.
The O’Brien County Attorney’s Office says after consulting with the parents of the victim, Shelly Gonnerman, and federal authorities, it was determined the defendants should be prosecuted under federal law for the firearm violations. Federal law has much more severe penalties than Iowa law for firearm violations. The penalties are prescribed by federal criminal sentencing guidelines according to the nature of the federal charge and other factors.
As a result, O’Brien County Attorney Bruce Green says the state firearm charges will be dismissed. He says they could be reinstated if prosecutions on the federal charges are unsuccessful.
Green says in addition to the federal charges, Barnett will still be prosecuted in O’Brien County District Court for involuntary manslaughter, a class “D” felony.
Barnett’s District Court trial date is set for March 25th.
