DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa man who tried to escape prosecution on federal firearms charges by fleeing to Cuba has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Court records say Shawn Michael Wegmann was sentenced Monday.

He’d pleaded guilty to possession of firearms by a convicted felon, possession of stolen firearms and to a charge of failure to appear in court.

The 38-year-old Wegmann admits he helped others steal 38 guns during burglaries in Iowa and Illinois last year. He was charged and released in July 2015, promising to appear in court.

In October he fled to Florida, stole a boat and motored to Cuba but authorities there promptly arrested him.

In December he became the first fugitive to be returned to the U.S. Cuban government after diplomatic relations resumed last year.