John Curtis Vest-Walker, Firearm Charges, Iowa 2022

Davenport, Iowa – In a shocking turn of events, John Curtis Vest-Walker, a 35-year-old man from Iowa City, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for his involvement in a string of firearm charges.

Vest-Walker, who was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term, was found guilty of Drug User in Possession of a Firearm, False Statement During a Purchase of a Firearm, and Conspiracy.

According to law enforcement officials, Vest-Walker was identified as a subject in a large-scale straw purchasing investigation in December 2020, when he appeared at multiple search warrant locations seeking the return of his firearms.

On December 10, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Vest-Walker’s residence and seized one firearm. Vest-Walker admitted to law enforcement that he was a marijuana user.

Investigation revealed between May 2020 and January 2021, Vest-Walker purchased 13 firearms, but was only in possession of one firearm. Law enforcement recovered seven firearms purchased by Vest-Walker in the possession of felons, drug users, and others who were prohibited from possessing them. One firearm was recovered following a shots-fired incident.

Vest-Walker knowingly conspired with others to violate federal firearms laws by purchasing firearms for others and falsifying ATF Form 4473, indicating that he was the actual purchaser. Vest-Walker immediately transferred the firearms to others following the purchases.

Vest-Walker pleaded guilty to the charges on December 6, 2021. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement, with the Iowa City Police Department leading the investigation.

Vest-Walker was ordered to immediately pay $300 to the Crime Victims’ Fund as part of his sentence.

With this sentencing, Iowa City residents can rest a little easier knowing that those who would misuse firearms will be held accountable.

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