March 29, 2024

Comly indicted on federal gun, drug charges

DES MOINES – United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum and Adair County Attorney Melissa S. Larson announced that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Randall Lee Comly with gun and drug crimes, for which Comly faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. These charges stemmed from an October 2019 incident where Comly allegedly shot at, and attempted to kill, four law enforcement officers in Stuart.

On October 17, 2019, a Stuart police officer and three Guthrie County deputy sheriffs attempted to serve an arrest warrant for Comly at his apartment in Stuart. Comly allegedly shot repeatedly at the officers, two of whom were wounded during the exchange of gunfire. The government alleges that a search of Comly’s apartment revealed a .22 caliber revolver and methamphetamine under the bed in the room where Comly barricaded himself.

As a result of these alleged crimes, Comly is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm; possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it; and possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, Comly faces at least 25 years in prison, and up to life in prison. Under federal law, there is no parole.

“Randall Comly is a felon and alleged drug dealer who shot at law enforcement officers who were doing their jobs and protecting our community, said United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. “We will hold him fully accountable for his crimes.”

Comly is currently charged in state court with attempted murder. Those charges will be dismissed without prejudice to allow the federal charges to proceed first.