Burlington Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for False Statements During Purchases of Firearms

DAVENPORT, IOWA – A Burlington woman, Anita Sheree Bostic, age 26, was sentenced today by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to 15 months in prison for False Statements During Purchases of Firearms. Bostic was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow her prison term and pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

According to court documents, on April 8 and 9, 2020, Anita Sheree Bostic went to Farm King in Burlington with her then-boyfriend, Kevin Garrett, who was a convicted felon. Bostic purchased a firearm on each date. For each purchase, Bostic filled out an ATF Form 4473 stating she was the actual purchaser of firearm. This was false, as Bostic intended to transfer the firearms to Garrett. Those false statements were intended to deceive the firearm dealer, who would not have sold the firearms to Garrett, a convicted felon. Bostic made similar purchases from other gun stores on March 28, 2020, and April 17, 2020. Bostic’s cell phone contained text messages between Bostic and Garrett in which they discussed firearms, accessories, prices, and Garrett directed Bostic to make certain purchases on his behalf. In total, Bostic transferred five firearms to Garrett, as well as several other firearms to other convicted felons. On April 25, 2021, Bostic pleaded guilty.

Acting United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhood, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.