Guilty Plea for Man Who Drove Into Coralville Scheels // UPDATED: Joseph Moreno Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison

(Originally written on 11/01/13): Late last year, local citizens woke to news of the evacuation of nearby Coralridge Mall following a possible drive-through robbery. It quickly became clear that this was a drunk-driving incident run amok. The driver initially shot up his apartment and then drove through the entrance to the Coralville Scheels store. He then tested several of the weapons in the store before passing out.

23-year-old Joseph Moreno initially pleaded not-guilty to multiple charges. The Daily Iowan now reports that Moreno just pleaded guilty to all charges:

According to an Iowa City police press release, Joseph Moreno had allegedly discharged a handgun in his apartment several times in front of his roommates before the break-in at Scheel’s. All roommates were found unharmed. The 23-year-old was charged with first-degree burglary, reckless use of a firearm with property damage, carrying weapons, OWI, and first-degree criminal mischief.

Moreno faces a sentencing hearing on January 1, 2014.

Updated on 03/10/14: Joseph Moreno finally attended his sentencing hearing and has been sentenced to 17 years in prison:

Sixth District Judge Marsha Bergan sentenced 24-year-old Joseph Moreno Monday to 10 years for first-degree criminal mischief, five years for intimidation with a dangerous weapon, two years for reckless use of a firearm and an additional two days for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. “My hope is that I will not see you again and this is the wake-up call,” Bergan said to Moreno after the sentence. “And it’s a pretty severe one.”

Moreno will not be eligible for parole until after he serves as least half of his sentence.