Waterloo woman sentenced to 2 years in federal prison for buying guns for others

CEDAR RAPIDS - A Waterloo woman who purchased multiple guns for others, and provided false information on firearms forms, was sentenced Monday to two years in federal prison.

Myneisha Washington, 26, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm as a prohibited person. In a plea agreement, Washington admitted she purchased five handguns in late 2016. On the purchase forms, Washington indicated she was the actual buyer of each firearm but she was actually a 'straw purchaser” on four of the firearms - meaning she purchased them for others.  

Washington also lied about her address and her use of drugs, according to the plea agreement. Evidence presented at the sentencing hearing shows authorities have linked two of the guns purchased by Washington to multiple shootings in Waterloo.

U.S. District Senior Judge Linda Reade sentenced Washington to two years in prison and ordered her to serve three years on supervised release following any prison time.

'Straw purchasers thwart the law to get guns into the hands of criminals,” U.S. Attorney Peter Deegan said. 'This office is committed to enhancing public safety by bringing straw purchasers to justice."

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