Anthony Rush, 31, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is facing federal charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm—a charge that carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. The indictment, unsealed August 14, 2020, in U.S. District Court, alleges Rush was armed with a pistol months after a criminal history that already included a 2012 conviction for attempted burglary in the second degree in Linn County.
The charge stems from an investigation revealing that Rush illegally possessed a firearm in May 2020—prohibited under federal law due to his prior felony conviction. Possession of any firearm by a previously convicted felon is a serious federal offense, and Rush now stands accused of violating that statute. Despite no allegations of violence tied to the incident, the presence of a weapon in the hands of a known offender triggered swift federal scrutiny.
Rush appeared in federal court in Cedar Rapids on the day the indictment was unsealed and was released on bond. His trial is scheduled for October 13, 2020. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel, with investigative work led by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s flagship initiative to dismantle violent crime networks through coordinated enforcement. PSN leverages data-driven strategies and partnerships with local law enforcement to target the most dangerous offenders. By focusing on individuals like Rush with prior violent convictions, federal authorities aim to disrupt potential escalation into more serious criminal activity.
The case is also connected to Project Guardian, the DOJ’s sweeping anti-gun violence campaign launched in fall 2019. The initiative strengthens collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies, improves background check follow-up procedures, and ensures prohibited individuals—whether due to criminal record or mental health flags—face swift consequences when attempting to obtain firearms. Rush’s case reflects the program’s emphasis on intercepting illegal gun possession before tragedy strikes.
Court documents, filed under case number CR 20-62, are accessible via the Northern District of Iowa’s electronic filing system. As with all federal prosecutions, Rush is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa continues to urge public vigilance and cooperation in combating illegal firearm circulation. Follow updates at @USAO_NDIA.
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Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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