Miracle Star Vaughn, False Statements During Firearms Purchase, Iowa 2023

In a shocking case of gun violence, Miracle Star Vaughn, 27, of North Liberty, Iowa, has been sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison for making false statements during the purchase of firearms.

According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Vaughn purchased seven handguns from Scheels, in Coralville, over a period of 18 months. During the firearms purchases, Vaughn provided false information regarding her address and her drug use.

One of the firearms Vaughn purchased was recovered in Chicago in the possession of Dimione Walker, a felon prohibited from possessing firearms, who also had a federal warrant for his arrest. Another gun was recovered in the possession of her significant other, Michael Haythorn, also a felon prohibited from possessing firearms.

At sentencing, the District Court found that when law enforcement confronted her, Vaughn continued to provide false statements. The District Court considered the danger to the community created by Vaughn’s conduct and noted that Vaughn’s lack of criminal history allowed her to purchase these firearms.

After completing the prison term, Vaughn will be required to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

Haythorn pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a felon. His sentencing is currently scheduled for May 23, 2023.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa stated, “Straw purchasing is a serious crime that contributes to the epidemic of gun violence. We will continue to partner with federal and local law enforcement to hold accountable those who illegally purchase firearms.”

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Iowa City Police Department. The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aiming to reduce violent crime and gun violence.

Residents who have information about illegal firearms activity are encouraged to contact the ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867). Anonymous tips may also be submitted to ATF through the ReportIt mobile app.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Weapons

Roberto Prieto, Firearms Trafficking, Illinois 2022

Apr 9, 2026

Weapons

Dannie Wireman, Social Media Firearms Trafficking, Ohio 2024

Aug 6, 2025

Weapons

Ikeem McDole, Federal Firearms Charge, Wilmington DE, 2023

Jun 15, 2023

Weapons

Jorel Hughes, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Louisiana 2023

Apr 9, 2026