A federal indictment was unsealed in Charlotte, charging Xana Dayanae Dove, a former Gastonia police officer, with straw purchasing a firearm. The announcement came from Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Dove, 28, who resides in Charlotte, was arrested on Thursday and released on bond after her initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge David C. Keesler.
The announcement was supported by James C. Barnacle Jr., Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, and Alicia Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division.
According to the indictment's allegations, on May 25, 2023, Dove knowingly provided false information to Shooters Express, a licensed firearms dealer in Belmont. She allegedly made a fictitious statement on ATF’s Firearms Transaction Record Form 4473 about being the actual transferee/buyer of a Springfield Hellcat Pro 9mm pistol.
Dove faces charges for making false statements during a firearm purchase and causing a false report during such transactions. If convicted, she could face up to 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will decide any sentence based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
It is important to note that these charges are allegations at this stage; Dove is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson commended the FBI and ATF for their investigation efforts and thanked Homeland Security Investigations along with several state agencies for assisting with Dove's apprehension.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dana Washington is prosecuting the case.
