Western District of Missouri

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man who sexually exploited two child victims was sentenced in federal court yesterday.

Yevgeniy Dudko, 53, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 50 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Dudko to a lifetime of supervised release following incarceration. Dudko will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.

On March 20, 2025, Dudko was found guilty of two counts of using minors, identified in court documents as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, to produce child pornography from Nov. 20, 2021, to March 14, 2023, and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography after a bench trial.

Investigators found approximately 1,000 images and videos of child pornography produced by the defendant involving Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Project Safe Childhood

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Olathe, Ks., man pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to stealing 41 firearms from a gun store in Raytown, Mo., and for transporting child pornography on his cell phone into the United States from Mexico.

Frank Guereca, 23, pleaded guilty today to one count of stealing firearms from a federal firearms licensee and one count of transportation of child pornography.

On June 16, 2023, Guereca and two others backed a stolen U-Haul truck into the store of a federally licensed firearms dealer, located in Raytown, Mo., creating a hole in the front of the business.  Thereafter Guereca and the others entered through the hole and took 41 firearms from the business.  One of the stolen pistols was recovered in Tracy, Ca., on Nov. 14, 2023. A second stolen pistol was recovered in Chihuahua, Mexico, on Dec. 19, 2023. A third stolen pistol was recovered in Juarez, Mexico, on Feb. 6, 2024.

Guereca was arrested on April 25, 2024, as he attempted to cross back into the United States from Mexico. Guereca had in his possession a Samsung Galaxy cell phone, which was seized by law enforcement.  Subsequent review of the contents of the phone pursuant to a federal search warrant revealed at least approximately 250 images and 70 videos depicting child pornography, which Guereca transported into the United States from Mexico.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection records, Guereca had previously crossed the border approximately 20 times since the burglary and theft on June 16, 2023.

Under federal statutes, Guereca is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in prison without parole for the firearm theft, and up to 20 years in prison without parole for the transportation of child pornography. The maximum statutory sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Alison D. Dunning. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Raytown, Mo., Police Department.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two Kansas City men have now been sentenced in federal court for bank robbery.  

Rathell Quavon Ross, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 77 months. Ross’s co-defendant Gerrad D. Rivera-Willis was sentenced previously on April 22, 2025, to 72 months in prison for bank robbery.

According to court documents, Rivera-Willis and Ross parked a vehicle near a bank in Kansas City, Mo., entered the bank and threatened its employees and demanded money.  The two defendants left the bank with $2,033 and left in the same vehicle in which they arrived. Law enforcement officers were able to identify the vehicle, which had also been used in a previous bank robbery at a different bank. The vehicle was subsequently located at which point Ross and Rivera-Willis both fled on foot. Ross was found hiding under a tarp nearby in possession of the vehicle’s keys. Officers also tracked the path of Rivera-Willis’s flight from the vehicle with a K-9 and recovered the stolen $2,033 in currency from under a cinder block near where Rivera-Willis was arrested. Rivera-Willis admitted to taking part in the previous bank robbery and was ordered to pay $8,542 in restitution.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean T. Foley. It was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing and transferring three machine gun conversion devices.

Demetrius Harris, also known as “Meech,” 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to two and a half years in federal prison without parole for illegally possessing and transferring machine guns – an Anderson Manufacturing, Model AM-15, multi-caliber firearm containing an AR-type machine gun conversion device, and two AR-type machine gun conversion devices.

On Jan. 24, 2024, Harris sold an AR-style firearm containing an auto sear, two additional auto sears, and ammunition to an undercover agent for $1,060.

Machine gun conversion devices, also known as “switches” or “auto sears,” are used to convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns that fire multiple shots automatically through a single pull of the trigger, enabling more rapid and often less accurate gunfire. Whether or not they are attached to a firearm, these devices constitute machine guns under federal law. It is therefore illegal to possess, sell, or use machine gun conversion devices.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Project Safe Neighborhoods

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Lee’s Summit, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing three shotguns.

Jacob A. Stockbridge, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to six and a half years in federal prison without parole for being a felon in possession of firearms.

On Nov. 20, 2022, Stockbridge was driving a stolen Ford F-150 truck when he struck another motorist after running a traffic light at the intersection of W. 23rd Street and S. Crysler Avenue, Independence, Mo.  Stockbridge fled the wrecked F-150 truck holding a firearm and ran to a nearby gas station where he stole a Nissan Altima.  Stockbridge left behind his wallet, containing his Missouri driver’s license, and his cell phone in the F-150.  The other motorist had to be taken to a hospital for injuries sustained from the collision.

Police investigating the crash found in the F-150’s backseat three shotguns: two Winchester Model 97, 12-gauge shotguns, and a Beretta A391 Extrema 2, 12-gauge shotgun.  All three shotguns and the F-150 truck were reported stolen the day before.  Prior to Nov. 20th, Stockbridge had been found guilty on ten felony offenses in the State of Missouri.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Independence, Missouri Police Department.

Project Safe Neighborhoods

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A St. Joseph, Mo., man has been convicted at trial of conspiracy to commit drug trafficking and money laundering.

Montrez Dixon, 32, was found guilty on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, of one count of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl and one count of conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering.

Three co-defendants have already pleaded guilty in this case.

On July 29, 2020, law enforcement officers recovered a package shipped to Kansas City, Mo. from Arizona, which contained 4,715 fentanyl pills. The investigation revealed that Dixon distributed this package and other packages to the Western District of Missouri, containing thousands of fentanyl pills.  On Nov. 30, 2022, law enforcement officers with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service executed a search warrant on Dixon’s residence in Los Angeles, Ca., where over 7,500 fentanyl pills and a firearm were recovered.  Dixon fled to Fresno, Ca., where he was ultimately arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service.

Under federal statutes, Dixon is subject to a minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for approximately three hours before returning guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark, ending a trial that began Monday, Sept. 15.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen A. Brackett and. John C. Constance. It was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Services, Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department, Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, Buchanan County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, St. Joseph, Missouri Police Department, Kansas City, Missouri Police Crime Laboratory, and DEA-North Central Laboratory.

Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court yesterday for producing and distributing child pornography.

Leonardo Leon, 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Leon to 5 years of supervised release following incarceration.

On March 28, 2025, Leon pleaded guilty to one count of producing child pornography and one count of distributing child pornography.

According to court documents, law enforcement officers learned that Leon was having sex with a 15-year-old minor victim. Investigators learned that Leon had recorded himself having sex with the minor victim, and that he had sent a copy of the video to a friend of the minor victim a week after the minor victim died in 2024.

Leon will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth W. Borgnino. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.

Project Safe Childhood

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national has been sentenced for illegally reentering the United States.

Marcos Martinez-Jimenez, 42, pleaded guilty to unlawful reentry after deportation for an aggravated felony and was sentenced to 25 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays on September 17, 2025.

According to court documents, on February 11, 2025, Martinez-Jimenez was arrested in Kansas City, Missouri, by Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Enforcement & Removal Operations following a vehicle stop.  Martinez-Jimenez was previously convicted of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child Under 14 in Johnson County, Kansas in 2007.  In that case, he was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 61 months’ and upon completion of that sentence he was deported to Mexico in 2011.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Venneman. It was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Chicago Field Office, Kansas City Sub-Office.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Callaway County, Mo., man was charged with nine counts of attempted production of child pornography.

David Lee Maddox, 59, was charged by indictment with nine counts of attempted production of child pornography on Aug. 5, 2025. The charges were made public today following the arrest and first appearance in court by Maddox.

The investigation began on Aug. 8, 2023, when the St. Louis Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) office received a referral from HSI Portland, Me pertaining to the defendant’s apparent communication via Microsoft Skype with known traffickers/sellers of live and recorded child sexual abuse videos operating in the Philippines.  The investigation showed defendant used Skype to receive “shows” from minor victims in the Philippines and paid for the shows by sending money via money transmittal services.  From on or about Sept. 20, 2021, through Dec. 23, 2023, the defendant received “shows” depicting underage females on approximately 20 occasions.  

The charges contained in the indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt.  Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Under federal statutes, if convicted, Maddox faces a federal prison sentence of up to 30 years on each count to be served without parole.  The maximum statutory sentence is provided by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Turner. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance from Holts Summit, MO Police department and Missouri State Technical Assistance Team (STAT).

Project Safe Childhood

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Galena, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender was sentenced in federal court yesterday for receiving and distributing child pornography.

Steven Vincent Sanchez, 56, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 200 months in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Sanchez to spend 15 years on supervised release following incarceration.

On April 22, 2025, Sanchez pleaded guilty to one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography. Sanchez has prior felony convictions for statutory sodomy in the second degree and loitering within 500 feet of a public park, and has been required to register as a sex offender.

According to court records, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a CyberTipline Report after the file sharing service Dropbox discovered a video file containing suspected child pornography. Investigators linked the file to Sanchez and executed a search warrant at Sanchez’s residence in Galena, Mo., on Aug. 7, 2023. Investigators seized several electronic devices and found 234 images and one video depicting child pornography.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Stone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office.

Project Safe Childhood

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a drug-trafficking conspiracy involving 19 defendants and over $1.8 million worth of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Dontrell A. Powell, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 32 and a half years in federal prison without parole for one count each of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Powell pleaded guilty on Jan. 21, 2025.

According to court documents, an investigation into the drug-trafficking organization began on Jan. 17, 2024, when a Trooper with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol searched a vehicle on a car hauler at a truck stop in Oklahoma City, Ok. The Trooper found approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of fentanyl pills hidden in a subwoofer speaker box in the cargo area of a Dodge Magnum. The approximate street value of the drugs was $1,850,000.

Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration removed the fentanyl pills from the Dodge Magnum and replaced most of the methamphetamine with sham methamphetamine before conducting a controlled delivery of the vehicle the next morning.

On Jan. 18, 2024, Dontrell Powell and his brother, Dreshawn Powell, 28, also of Springfield, Mo., arrived at the parking lot in a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLE, which was registered to Dontrell. Dontrell Powell signed for the Dodge Magnum, which had been shipped from California to Missouri under a false name, and drove it out of the parking lot. Agents followed the Powell brothers and two codefendants to Dontrell Powell’s residence, where they were all arrested.

When agents searched Dontrell Powell’s residence they found an Anderson Manufacturing multi-caliber, semi-automatic pistol, two Glock carrying cases, three high-capacity Glock magazines, including a drum-style magazine loaded with 40 rounds of ammunition, several types of ammunition, and approximately $140,000. Agents also located four more large subwoofer boxes at the residence and a loaded Glock, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol in the glove box of Dontrell Powell’s Mercedes.

Dontrell Powell is the second defendant to be sentenced in this case. His brother, Dreshawn Powell, was sentenced on July 21, 2025, to 190 months in federal prison without parole for one count of aiding and abetting the attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Parsons, Kan., Police Department, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, and the Labette County, Kan., Sheriff’s Department.

Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has been indicted for illegally possessing a firearm.

Malik Holman, 27, was charged in a single count indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint filed on Sept. 5, 2025.

According to court documents, on Sept. 4, 2025, Holman was observed by Kansas City Missouri Police Department detectives in possession of a firearm. Officers detained Holman, located the handgun, and placed him under arrest for illegally possessing a firearm. Holman had met with his state parole officer earlier that day.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Holman has a prior felony conviction for robbery.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Siegele. It was investigated by the Kansas City Missouri Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court for possession and transfer of machineguns, including machine gun conversion devices or “switches.”

Davorian M. Fleming, 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 37 months’ imprisonment on Sept. 9, 2025.

On April 3, 2025, Fleming pleaded guilty to possession and transfer of machineguns. Fleming admitted the ‘switches” were machineguns and that he aided his co-defendants in the transfer of the machineguns.

Fleming’s co-defendant, K’Orion A. Duff, 23, also of Kansas City, Mo., was previously sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for his involvement in the distribution of machinegun conversion devices.  Two co-defendants are still awaiting sentencing. 

Under federal law, it is illegal to possess or transfer a machinegun, as that term is defined in Title 26, United States Code, Section 5845(b). This definition includes machine gun conversion devices often referred to as “switches.”  A machine gun conversion device allows a semi-automatic firearm to be modified to function as a fully automatic firearm.  

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashleigh Ragner.  It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.   

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Ks., man was indicted by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.

Damian Mays, 35, was charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana.  He was also charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes and being a felon in possession of firearms. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint filed on Sept. 4, 2025.

On Sept. 2, 2025, Kansas City Missouri Police Department officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Lexus sedan Mays was driving.  Instead of stopping, he fled at high speeds in the Lexus and then ran from officers on foot.  Law enforcement apprehended Mays and recovered a backpack he had thrown, which contained distribution amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana.  In the Lexus, officers found a firearm on the driver’s seat and a second firearm on the driver’s floorboard.  While handcuffed and waiting to be transported to jail, Mays escaped and again fled from law enforcement, first on foot and then in a waiting Buick SUV, causing a crash on Interstate 70 before being taken back into custody.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Siegele. It was investigated by the Kansas City Missouri Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two Independence, Mo., individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.

April Henderson, 46, and Donnell Timley, 51, of Independence, Mo., were indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana, along with possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. Timley was also indicted for being a felon in possession of firearms.

On Aug. 28, 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) executed a search warrant at Henderson and Timley’s residence in Independence, Mo. During the search, agents found 1.1 kilograms of cocaine, 317 grams of powder fentanyl, 100 fentanyl pills, 10 pounds of marijuana, and 8 ounces of suspected liquid PCP. Law enforcement also found five firearms and over $66,000 in cash. Henderson and Timley were arrested and had their initial appearances in federal court on Aug. 29, 2025.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Siegele. It was investigated by the DEA with assistance from other federal, state, and local agencies including Kansas Highway Patrol, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Independence Police Department.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., elementary school teacher has been indicted by a federal grand jury for additional child pornography offenses.

Dennis Adlai Hernandez, 28, was charged in a seven-count federal indictment in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. Hernandez was previously charged in a three-count criminal complaint with transportation of child pornography, production and attempted production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Today’s indictment includes those charges and four additional counts of production and attempted production of child pornography. The offenses charged in the indictment are alleged to have occurred between August 2022 and August 2025.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

The FBI is seeking to identify potential victims of Hernandez. If you or your child believes they were a victim of Hernandez, please call 1-800-CALL-FBI. If you are under the age of 18, please have your parent/guardian call on your behalf. Your responses are voluntary. Based on your responses, you may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information.

The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of federal crimes it investigates. Victims may be eligible for certain services, restitution, and rights under federal and/or state law.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Dunning. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

Project Safe Childhood

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Chicago, Ill., man was indicted by a federal grand jury for transporting 3.5 kilograms of methamphetamine through Kansas City on a train travelling from Los Angeles to Chicago.

Josue Sabillon, 40, was charged in a single count indictment with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint filed on Sept. 8, 2025.

On Sept. 5, 2025, Sabillon was a passenger on the train enroute to Chicago.  According to the affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, a canine trained to detect illegal narcotics alerted to the duffle bag Sabillon had been carrying. Officers searched the duffle bag and found 3.567 kilograms of methamphetamine as well as identification papers connected to Sabillon.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Siegele. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Kansas City Missouri Police Department, and the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a Columbia, Mo., man with possession of a firearm after a prior felony conviction.

Semaj Reshod Clark, 25, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on Aug. 10, 2025, Clark possessed a Taurus G3 9mm handgun in Boone County, Mo. Clark has a prior felony conviction and is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Kummerer. It was investigated by the Columbia, Mo. Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A member of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays for his involvement in an assault against a member of a rival motorcycle club.

Mark A. Crump, also known as “Navajo,” 55, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., pleaded guilty today to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering.

On July 20, 2023, Crump, Jarrid A. Hammer, and another member of the Pagan’s assaulted a lone rival motorcycle gang member at a bar & grill in North Kansas City, Mo.  Hammer told the victim that they were there to shut the victim’s club down, then flipped a table over knocking the victim to the ground.  Once on the ground, Hammer, Crump and the other Pagan’s member began stomping, kicking and punching the victim.  The victim later told law enforcement that those who assaulted him were wearing steel-toed boots.  Crump, Hammer and the other Pagan’s member fled the bar & grill before any law enforcement arrived.  The victim was later transported by ambulance to a local hospital, suffering from a head contusion (bruise on the brain), rib fracture, hemothorax (accumulation of blood in the area between the chest wall and lungs), a left pulmonary contusion (bruising of the lung), pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and a traumatic brain injury.

Hammer pleaded guilty to the assault on June 18, 2025, and is awaiting sentencing.

Under federal statutes, Crump is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national has pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally reentering the United States subsequent to his deportation.

Ibrahim Orozzo-Ramirez, 30, a three-time deported Mexican national, pleaded guilty to a one-count indictment charging him with illegally reentering the United States of America subsequent to his deportation following a 2019 aggravated felony conviction.

Orozzo-Ramirez admitted that he reentered the United States subsequent to a 2019 Jackson County, Mo., conviction for stealing a motor vehicle. Orozzo-Ramirez admitted that after this conviction he was deported on July 17, 2019, from the United States to Mexico via Brownsville, Tx., and that at some later date he reentered the United States without having obtained the consent of the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security for reapplication for admission into the United States of America. Orozzo-Ramirez admitted that he was arrested on Feb. 1, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo., by special agents with the Department of Homeland Security.

Orozzo-Ramirez had been previously deported from the United States on two other occasions; first, on Nov. 17, 2017, from the United States to Mexico via Brownsville, Tx., and again on Nov. 2, 2018, from the United States to Mexico via El Paso, Tx., following a federal conviction for improper entry by an alien before the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico.

Under federal statutes, Orozzo-Ramirez is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years’ imprisonment in federal prison without parole, with up to three years of supervised release following any sentence. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2026, after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Daly. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”) and Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”).

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Ashburn, Va., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing just over a kilogram of cocaine while traveling by bus from Nevada to Virginia.

Kareem M. Strong, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 10 years in federal prison without parole for possessing cocaine to distribute.

On Dec. 13, 2023, Strong was found in possession of a black backpack containing a heat-sealed brick of white powder with an imprint of “ROLEX” on it, while at a Kansas City bus station. Strong and another individual were traveling from Nevada to Virginia when encountered by interdiction task force members and subsequently arrested. The brick, which was submitted to the Kansas City Police Crime Laboratory for testing, weighed 1,004.73 grams and contained cocaine, in the salt form.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national has pleaded guilty in federal court today to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens.

Lisandro Garcia-Ramirez, 23, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lajuana M. Counts to one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. Garcia-Ramirez was arrested on Feb. 20, 2025, traveling on I-70 in Saline County, Mo. Garcia-Ramirez admitted to transporting individuals he knew were present in the United States illegally.

Under federal statutes, Garcia-Ramirez is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of Garcia-Ramirez will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to taking part in a bank fraud scheme. 

Aviance Shepard, 34, admitted that in March 2023, she obtained a $881,324 check belonging to another person which was stolen from the United Parcel Service mail stream. Shepard opened a business account at a local financial institution in the name of the check payee. On March 27, 2023, Shepard deposited the stolen and altered check into the newly opened account.

The next day, on March 28, 2023, Shepard obtained five cashier’s checks in the total amount of $320,000 for herself and others. Shepard also withdrew $20,000 in cash from the account.

On March 27, 2023, the check payor discovered that the check had been lost or stolen from the UPS package and stopped payment on the check. The bank did not receive the stop payment until Shepard had withdrawn $340,000 in cashier’s checks and cash.

Under federal statutes, Shepard is subject to a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison without parole for bank fraud. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of Shepard will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen D. Mahoney. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Postal Inspection Service.  

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to taking part in two separate fraudulent schemes. 

Bianca Cobbins, 42, pleaded guilty to a seven-count Information charging two counts of making a false statement to a financial institution and five counts of aiding in the preparation of a false tax return.

False Statements to a Financial Institution

Cobbins admitted that, in December 2019, she obtained personal information belonging to a victim, including the victim’s legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and credit score. Utilizing this information, Cobbins obtained a fraudulent driver’s license containing the victim’s personal information and a photograph of another individual, Quanisha Capelton. Cobbins and Capelton then utilized the fraudulent driver’s license to apply for a checking account at a local financial institution.

After opening the checking account, Cobbins manufactured two fraudulent paystubs. The paystubs falsely indicated that the above-mentioned victim worked for a healthcare company in Kansas City, Mo., and that the victim’s paychecks were directly deposited into the fraudulently opened checking account. Cobbins and Capelton used the fraudulent paystubs to apply for a consumer loan at the above-mentioned local financial institution.

As part of her plea agreement, Cobbins admitted that the procurement and use of the victim’s personal information to commit fraud resulted in an intended loss of at least $36,128.32.

Quanisha Capelton was previously charged, convicted, and sentenced to the Bureau of Prisons for her use of the victim’s personal information.

Aiding in the Preparation of False Tax Returns

Cobbins, a professional tax preparer, further admitted that for tax years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, she knowingly prepared false federal tax returns aimed at fraudulently inflating her clients’ refunds. In many instances, Cobbins attached fraudulent Schedule C forms to her clients’ returns. The fraudulent Schedule C forms falsely claimed business profits and/or losses in an effort to ensure her clients received the maximum amount of Earned Income Credit.

As part of her plea agreement, Cobbins admitted to preparing at least 55 false federal tax returns, resulting in an actual loss of at least $312,656.00.

Under federal statutes, Cobbins is subject to a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison without parole for each count of making a false statement to a financial institution and is subject to a sentence of up to 3 years in federal prison without parole for each count of aiding in the preparation of false tax returns. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of Cobbins will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas P. Heberle. It was investigated by the United States Secret Service, IRS-CI, and the Lee’s Summit, Mo., Police Department.  

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to taking part in a fraud scheme impacting the U.S. Small Business Administration and numerous state governments.

Cathy M. Kelley, 69, pleaded guilty to knowingly receiving stolen government money. Specifically, Kelley admitted, in September 2020, she received $59,900 in Economic Injury Disaster Loan proceeds from the U.S. Small Business Administration after another individual submitted a fraudulent application requesting the funds. After receipt, Kelley converted the stolen funds to her use and the use of others by purchasing personal items and making large cash withdrawals.

Kelley also admitted that, in 2020 and 2021, she knowingly received stolen unemployment benefits from the State of Washington, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, State of Colorado, State of Florida, State of Kansas, State of California, and State of Nevada. Specifically, knowing the unemployment benefits had been procured by others through fraud, Kelley received the benefits in multiple financial accounts in her name and control as well as through numerous state-issued debit cards delivered to her personal residence. Upon receipt, Kelley converted the money to her use and the use of others. As part of her plea agreement, Kelley admitted that the stolen unemployment benefits contained federal funds and admitted that she received a total of at least $250,000 in stolen funds over her course of conduct.   

Under federal statutes, Kelley is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of Kelley will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 6, 2026.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas P. Heberle. It was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national has been charged by criminal complaint with distribution and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the Kansas City metropolitan area.     

Geovanni L. Cano, 39, was charged in a six-count criminal complaint on Aug. 29, 2025.  Cano was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and five counts of distribution of methamphetamine.   

According to court documents, between January and August 2025, Cano distributed approximately seven kilograms of methamphetamine to law enforcement through six controlled buys conducted in Kansas City, Mo.  Cano distributed the drugs on behalf of a Mexico-based broker.  On Aug. 28, 2025, investigators arrested Cano while he was in possession of approximately 3.7 kilograms of methamphetamines.  A federal search warrant was executed at Cano’s residence in Kansas City, Ks.  Investigators located approximately 18.6 kilograms of methamphetamine in the residence.   

The charges contained in the criminal complaint are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashleigh Ragner.  It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Kansas City, Kansas Police Department; and IRS-Criminal Investigations.   

Operation Take Back America

This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Missouri Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A North Kansas City. Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft.

Aaron Randall Class, 53, was charged in a one-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Aug. 12, 2025. The indictment was unsealed and made public following Class’s arrest. The indictment alleges that on or about Nov. 23rd, 2024, Class knowingly aimed a beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft that was in the aircraft jurisdiction of the United States at the time of the incident.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Under federal statutes, Class is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Branon Chlarson. It was investigated by the North Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Leeton, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm.

William N. Brown, 54, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Brown was sentenced as an armed career criminal due to his prior felony convictions.

On Feb. 13, 2025, Brown pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm as an armed career criminal. Brown admitted he was in possession of a Benelli 12-gauge shotgun with the serial number filed off, on Feb. 26, 2024. The shotgun was modified with both the barrel and butt stock sawed off.

Brown was arrested on Feb. 26, 2024, after witnesses reported seeing Brown walk to a neighbor’s house carrying a machete and a shotgun. Deputies of the Johnson County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office were granted a search warrant to search Brown’s residence and located the shotgun in a seating bench with a storage location.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who is convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Brown has two felony convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm, two felony convictions for unlawful use of a weapon – exhibiting, two felony convictions for tampering, two felony convictions for driving while revoked or suspended, as well as felony convictions for assault, arson, burglary, stealing, possession of a controlled substance, and damage to jail property.

This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Jennings. It was investigated by the Johnson County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Two members of the 2nd American Militia were sentenced on Aug. 27, 2025, in federal court for their roles in a 2022 conspiracy to murder U.S. Border Patrol agents and, related to their shooting at FBI agents during the execution of a search warrant, of attempting to murder federal agents.

Bryan C. Perry, 39, of Clarksville, Tenn., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to a total of 15 consecutive life terms in federal prison without parole for his convictions for one count of conspiracy to murder a federal officer and fourteen counts of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The court also sentenced Perry to concurrent terms of imprisonment of 20 years for his convictions for seven counts of attempted murder of a federal officer, seven counts of assault of a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon, and one count of assault of a federal officer that inflicts bodily injury. Perry further received concurrent sentences of varying terms of imprisonment for his convictions for conspiracy to assault a federal officer, conspiracy to injure an officer, assault of a federal officer that involves physical contact, depredation of government property, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of body armor by a violent felon, and communicating a threat to injure. The court also sentenced Perry to five years of supervised release following his incarceration and a restitution amount of $3,717.98.

Jonathan S. O’Dell, 35, of Warsaw, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to a total of 165 years in federal prison without parole for one count each of conspiracy to murder a federal officer, conspiracy to assault a federal officer, conspiracy to injure an officer, assault of a federal officer that inflicts bodily injury, depredation of government property, possession of a firearm while subject to a court order of protection, communicating a threat to injure, making a false statement, escape from custody, two counts of assault of a federal officer involving physical contact, seven counts each of attempted murder of a federal officer and assault of a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon, and 14 counts of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The Court also sentenced O’Dell to five years of supervised release following his incarceration and a restitution amount of $19,234.63.

On Nov. 7, 2024, Perry and O’Dell were found guilty after a 9-day jury trial in the U.S. District Court in Jefferson City, Mo. The jury deliberated for about two hours and 23 minutes before returning guilty verdicts, ending a trial that began on Oct. 28, 2024. On the morning of the first day of trial, O’Dell pleaded guilty to one count of illegally possessing a firearm while subject to a court order of protection, one count of making a false statement to a federal agent, and one count of escaping from custody.

Evidence introduced during the trial showed that, throughout the summer, and fall of 2022, Perry and O’Dell recruited and attempted to recruit other individuals to join the 2nd American Militia, a group they co-founded, and join in their plan to travel to the United States-Mexico border to go to war with U.S. Border Patrol. Perry posted several videos on TikTok in an attempt to recruit other members into their conspiracy and they advertised a recruitment event in Warsaw.

On Sept. 5, 2022, Perry, bringing at least two stolen firearms, body armor, and gas masks with him, traveled from Tennessee to Warsaw to live with O’Dell. They used O’Dell’s residence as a staging site as they prepared for their trip to the border and collected firearms, paramilitary gear, ammunition, and other supplies.

On Sept. 12, 2022, Perry posted a video on TikTok in which he discussed illegal immigrants coming into the United States from Mexico. Perry stated that the U.S. Border Patrol was committing treason by allowing these illegal immigrants to enter the United States, and that the penalty for treason was death. Perry posted another video on TikTok the next day in which he stated that he was “ready to go to war against this government.”

On Sept. 22, 2022, Perry posted a video on TikTok in which he stated, “we’re out to shoot to kill” and that “our group is gonna go protect this country.” On Oct. 3, 2022, Perry posted a video on TikTok in which he stated, “we were going out huntin’,” that his group was taking their “full kits,” and that they were leaving for the United States – Mexico border on Oct. 8, 2022.

O’Dell and Perry continued to conduct preparatory steps to further their conspiracy, including continuing to recruit others, attempting to acquire other gear, and practicing shooting at targets with firearms.

On Oct. 7, 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at O’Dell’s residence. Federal agents approached the property at about 6 a.m. in vehicles with red and blue lights activated. As the FBI approached, an agent utilized a loudspeaker in the lead armored vehicle, the “Bearcat,” to announce they were with the FBI and that they had a search warrant for the residence. Seven agents were inside or behind the Bearcat. The FBI agent began to repeat the announcement, again stating that they were with the FBI, when gunshots were fired from a front window at the lead FBI vehicle. Perry fired 11 shots from his Voodoo Innovations multi-caliber rifle with an AM-15 lower receiver. Several rounds hit the lead FBI vehicle.

Agents responded by deploying flash bangs around the residence. Agents used the Bearcat to conduct a breach of the front door of the residence using an affixed ram. Agents did not return fire and, after the gunshots ceased, the FBI established a perimeter and began communicating with the persons inside the residence to come out.

O’Dell and his girlfriend came out of the residence and surrendered to authorities. Perry eventually came out of the residence. Perry took down an American flag from the front porch of the residence and walked down the steps while waving the flag. After beginning to walk to the agents, Perry then turned around and moved back to the residence. Agents pursued Perry, who began to fight and swing his fists, striking the agents several times and causing injury to at least one agent before he was taken into custody.

Agents then searched the residence and found six firearms, 23 magazines filled with ammunition, 1,770 rounds of various other ammunition, 11 spent casings, two sets of body armor with corresponding plate carrier vests, one handheld radio, two sniper rests, two gas masks, two ballistic helmets, multiple containers of a binary explosive mixture commonly sold as an exploding target, zip ties, medical supplies, and two 2nd American Militia patches. Agents also found two go-bags that contained food, provisions, and other gear.

Later, on Sept. 29, 2023, while O’Dell was in custody awaiting trial on the charges, he escaped from the Phelps County, Mo. Jail and eventually led authorities on a high-speed chase in Ray County, Mo., before being apprehended.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey Clark and Ashley Turner. It was investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Phelps County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Ray County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Caldwell County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national has been sentenced for illegally reentering the United States.

Jose Raul Falcon-Reyes, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry after deportation and was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes.

Falcon-Reyes was previously convicted of improper entry by an alien in 2015 and was subsequently deported to Mexico that same year. He illegally returned to the United States one month after he was deported. On Feb. 15, 2025, he was arrested in Pettis County, Mo., for this charge.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rudolph R. Rhodes IV. Immigration & Customs Enforcement, and Enforcement & Removal Operations conducted the investigation.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Mexican national pleaded guilty today for his illegal re-entry into the United States after being previously deported.

Carlos Omar Rogel-Sanchez, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of illegally re-entering the United States after being previously deported.

Rogel-Sanchez was arrested on July 5, 2025, by the McDonald County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Office for an outstanding arrest warrant out of Joplin, Mo., for a prior assault. Rogel-Sanchez has been previously deported from the United States on at least four prior occasions.

Under federal statutes, Miller is subject to a sentence of up to two years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the McDonald County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Office.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to a scheme to fraudulently obtain Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) loans, guaranteed by the SBA under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

Rasheda McDaniel, 42, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

According to court documents, on or about March 22, 2021, McDaniel and co-defendant Briauna Adams used the personal identification information of another person to submit an online application for a COVID-19 relief PPP loan in that individual’s name.

The loan application listed a business with Schedule C gross receipts of $147,412 and a net income of $98,562. The true business tax return listed zero taxable income and did not have a Schedule C.

On or about April 2, 2021, the PPP loan was approved and $20,832 was wire deposited. On the same day, $2,000 was transferred to an account controlled by Adams. An amount of $18,830 was transferred to defendant McDaniel’s account.

On or about Feb. 27, 2021, co-defendant Adams submitted an online application in McDaniel’s name, using personal identification information McDaniel provided to Adams, for a separate COVID-19 relief PPP loan.

The application and supporting documents stated that McDaniel was a sole proprietor of a business established July 7, 2017, that had an average monthly payroll of $8,333. As part of the application, a 2019 Form Schedule C was submitted listing gross receipts of $144,080 and a profit of $99,982. McDaniel did not have a business during that time with gross or net income in those amounts.

On or about March 4, 2021, the defendant’s personal account received a $20,832 wire deposit. The same day, McDaniel made a $15,000 cash withdrawal from the account.

McDaniel’s co-defendant, Briauna Adams, pleaded guilty to multiple fraud charges on May 7, 2025, and is awaiting sentencing.

McDaniel faces up to 22 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentence of the defendant will be determined by the court based upon the advisory sentencing guidelines and other factors.  A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Chicago, Ill., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to fraud offenses targeting United States service members.

Dwayne D. Adams, 33, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie Epps, Jr., to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud.

Adams conspired with others that sought to defraud United States military service men and women through the use of social media. Adams is the third and final defendant to enter a guilty plea for his role in defrauding active service members of the United States military.

According to the plea agreement, Adams conspired with others that employed a scheme to defraud United States military service men and women. Service members who had recently joined the United States military were contacted through various social media platforms. Upon communicating with each military member, a person within the conspiracy would use the information obtained from the social media platform and then contact the service member claiming to be a senior military official. In their fake role of a senior military member, Adams and others would tell each service member that they were receiving the wrong salary, and they were owed more money than they were being paid. Adams and others involved in the scheme advised each victim that they needed to return their prior pay using a cash application. Adams and others told the victims that they would receive a higher salary rate from the military once they returned their prior pay. If a service member followed these instructions, the members of this scheme would take the monies transferred and would never return any monies to the victim. Adams conspired with others in this scheme by taking the cash application transfers and conducted financial transactions that transferred the victim’s money to accounts that were accessed by all members of the scheme.

Under federal statutes, Adams is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Branson, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to tax evasion, by knowingly failing to pay more than $825,297.81 between 2013 through 2024.

Burton Cummings, 43, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie Epps, Jr., to one count of tax evasion, failure to pay over taxes owed to the United States.

Cummings, a former business owner, failed to pay his income taxes in their entirety with the exception of 2015. With the interest owed and penalties, Cummings owes a total of $1,604,729.02 to the United States.

According to the plea agreement, Cummings made false statements to IRS Revenue Officers, when he claimed he had no income. Cummings admitted to submitting false forms and collection statements to the IRS to avoid paying his taxes. Cummings failed to file timely tax returns for numerous years and took significant cash withdrawals from his companies, while failing to disclose the income he received.

Under federal statutes, Cummings is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the IRS – Criminal Investigation.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Nevada, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to a fraud scheme in which he embezzled approximately $1.5 million from his employer and to failing to disclose the embezzled funds as income on his federal income tax returns.   

Justin R. Marquardt, 55, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to one count of wire fraud and one count of filing a false tax return.

By pleading guilty today, Marquardt admitted that he stole approximately $1.5 million from his employer’s bank accounts and used those funds for his personal benefit. Marquardt held the title of executive director at his company and by virtue of his position, had access to all company finances and financial accounts from 1994 to 2023. As part of his scheme, Marquardt, without authorization, transferred funds from his employer’s bank accounts to his personal accounts and wrote himself unauthorized checks from business bank accounts. Marquardt spent most of the money on personal expenses, including travel and gambling online and at casinos. To hide his embezzlement, Marquardt omitted these unauthorized transactions from the business’s QuickBooks ledger that he provided to an accountant and tax preparer. Marquardt also recorded false and fraudulent payments as business expenses in the QuickBooks records to conceal his embezzlement.

For tax years 2017 – 2020 and 2023, Marquardt filed United States federal income tax returns on Forms 1040 in which he willfully failed to report his embezzled income.

Under federal statutes, Marquardt is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole on the wire fraud count and up to 3 years’ imprisonment on the filing a false tax return count. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Venneman. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for reimbursing himself $612,000 in fictitious business-related expenses from his employer.

Jeremy M. Ubben, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 33 months in federal prison and 3 additional years of supervised release. The court ordered Ubben to pay $612,000 in restitution to his former employer, $127,589 to the Internal Revenue Service, and $27,038 to the State of Missouri. The court also ordered Ubben to forfeit to the government $40,000 in laundered stolen funds.

On Feb. 5, 2025, Ubben pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, one count of income tax evasion, and one count of money laundering. Ubben admitted that he embezzled $612,000 from his law firm employer between March 2023 and Aug. 2024. According to court documents, Ubben was employed as the firm’s business manager and had full administrator rights to the firm’s online payroll processing program. Beginning in March 2023, Ubben submitted and approved for himself reimbursement requests for fictious business expense expenditures totaling tens of thousands of dollars. Ubben also admitted that he laundered proceeds from his theft through his TD Ameritrade brokerage account.

Ubben admitted that he failed to file a federal income tax return for tax year 2023. During that year, Ubben had taxable income of $262,000. The total federal tax loss for that year is $98,785.30. The total tax loss to the state of Missouri is $27,038.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Constance. It was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Fredericktown, Mo., man was arraigned in federal court yesterday following an indictment by a federal grand jury for attempting to buy a firearm while he had pending felony charges.

William Bruce Branum, 64, was charged in a single count indictment returned by a federal grand jury on July 22, 2025. The indictment alleges that on April 26, 2025, Branum, submitted a false written statement to a Federal Firearms Licensee in Alton, Mo., in an attempt to acquire a firearm.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Under federal statutes, Branum is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony M. Brown It was investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Earlier this week, a federal indictment was unsealed charging Kurbin Menaugh, 36, and Robert Terry, 44, with drug related offenses.  The indictment was unsealed following the arrest and initial appearance of Menaugh.

The indictment alleges that in early September 2021, Menaugh and Terry conspired possess 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The indictment also charges Menaugh with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

If convicted, each defendant faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison.  Menaugh also faces a five-year, mandatory-minimum sentence of incarceration, to run consecutive to any other sentence of incarceration, for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense.  The minimum and maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes.  Any sentence will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors following a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt.  Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Kirkpatrick.  It was investigated by the Independence Police Department.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – R. Matthew Price, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, recognized six local and federal law enforcement officers for their work on significant investigations as recipients of the 2025 Guardian of Justice Award.

The award recipients were honored on Aug. 21, 2025, during the 23rd Annual Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee Training Seminar in Springfield, Mo. The prestigious law enforcement award is presented annually by the Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent Isaac McPheeters was recognized for his investigation of two members of the self-styled 2nd American Militia who conspired to go “to war with border patrol.” The conspiracy to murder Border Patrol officers and immigrants was thwarted after one of the conspirators attempted to murder FBI agents by firing at them as they executed a search warrant on the eve of their planned trip to the United States – Mexico border.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent Jerry Wine, along with ATF Task Force Officers David Schroeder (Greene County Sheriff’s Office), Justin Gargus (Christian County Sheriff’s Office), Eric Pinegar (Springfield Police Department), and Evan Nicholson (Springfield Police Department) were recognized for their efforts in reducing violent gun crime and gang activity in the Springfield, Mo. area.

“I would like to congratulate and commend the agents and task force officers for their effort on these investigations. As a result of their hard work and dedication, these violent individuals are off the streets and citizens of the Western District are safer,” said U.S. Attorney Price.

Conspiracy to Murder Border Patrol

After a two-week jury trial in October and November 2024, Bryan C. Perry, of Clarksville, Tenn., and Jonathan S. O’Dell, of Warsaw, Mo., were found guilty of their 2022 conspiracy to murder officers and employees of the United States government. They also were found guilty of seven counts of the attempted murder of FBI special agents, seven counts of assaulting FBI special agents with a deadly weapon, three counts of assaulting FBI special agents, 14 counts of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of damaging federal property.

Perry was also found guilty of two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possessing body armor by a violent felon, and one count of threatening to injure another person.  Additionally, O’Dell was found guilty of one count of threatening to injure another person and pleaded guilty to one count of illegally possessing a firearm while subject to a court order of protection, one count of making a false statement to a federal agent, and one count of escaping from custody. O’Dell and Perry are scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 26, 2025.

Special Agent McPheeters coordinated with numerous local and federal agencies in Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas, at various stages of the complex investigation. When O’Dell escaped from custody in October 2023, Special Agent McPheeters and the FBI coordinated a wide-ranging search with numerous law enforcement agencies across the state of Missouri resulting in O’Dell’s apprehension within 48 hours.

“Violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated and recognition of the work to stop these individuals from carrying out their planned attack is greatly appreciated. The FBI will do everything it can to ensure the safety and security of all law enforcement from danger,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen Cyrus.

Springfield Area Gun Violence

In November 2021, the ATF started investigating numerous shooting incidents including drive-by shootings and homicides in the Springfield, Mo., area involving juveniles and young adults. The shootings were in neighborhoods or crowded areas, endangering innocent citizens. Using crime gun data, social media profiles, and police reports, the ATF was able to identify multiple suspects responsible for the uptick in violent firearms offenses in the area. To date, approximately seven homicides and multiple drive-by shootings have been linked to these groups and their activities.

Many of the shooting suspects were identified as gang members and/or rappers. The primary gangs involved in these shootings were “F**k The Opps” (FTO) and “Only Da Brothers” (ODB). ATF’s investigations into the gangs have included street investigations, surveillance operations, search warrants, adoption of state firearm cases, examining federal firearm licensee paperwork, analyzing crime gun data, close coordination with local law enforcement and other federal law enforcement agencies, studying and understanding these gangs/groups, their associations and their social media, tracing firearms, submitting firearms to local crime laboratories and the ATF’s Firearms & Ammunition Technology Division, and directly assisting in local violent crime and homicide investigations. The ATF has provided vigorous trial support and have testified extensively at sentencing hearings. 

As a result of the ATF’s investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has indicted numerous gang members or associates, including the two identified leaders of FTO, Ezekiel King and Jardell Williams, both of Springfield, Mo. King and Williams were each sentenced to 78 months in federal prison. Of the gang members indicted, nine have been sentenced to federal prison, two were sentenced to supervised release, and nine are pending sentencing after pleading guilty. The indictment of multiple members of FTO and ODB has coincided with a sharp drop in shooting calls in the Greene County, Mo., area.  

“This case is the gold standard for what can be accomplished when federal, state, and local law enforcement work side by side to confront violent crime,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bernard Hansen. “By leveraging our collective resources through a task force, and utilizing crime gun intelligence tools such as NIBIN, we delivered prison sentences for those violent gang members who threatened the safety of our communities and a significant reduction in crime.”

Guardian of Justice Award

The annual Guardian of Justice Award recognizes a state or local officer as well as a federal agent for investigative excellence, selfless collaboration, tireless trial support, commendable diligence and professionalism, and noteworthy assistance to prosecution. The prestigious law enforcement award is presented by the Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee each year during the law enforcement training seminar.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Grandview, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm.

John L. Arrocha, 50, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 5 years in federal prison without parole.  On Jan. 29, 2025, Arrocha pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On June 2, 2024, Kansas City, Missouri Police officers were called to a business in the 4300 block of Main Street, Kansas City, Mo., on a reported trespasser causing a disturbance.  Upon arrival, officers encountered Arrocha, who refused to leave the business property.  As officers attempted to arrest Arrocha for trespassing, Arrocha resisted while making threats to kill the officers that were arresting him.  During a search of Arrocha following arrest, officers found a North American Arms, Guardian .380 caliber pistol which had been reported stolen out of Claycomo, Mo.  A criminal history check revealed that Arrocha was a convicted felon.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo. Police Department.

Project Safe Neighborhoods

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Somali national pleaded guilty in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of kidnapping resulting in death.

Mahamud Tooxoow Mahamed, 43, who was a permanent resident alien in the United States, residing in Noel, Mo., at the time of the kidnapping, admitted to kidnapping J.M., which resulted in her death.

J.M.’s body was discovered on July 29, 2019, near Missouri Highway 59 between Lanagan, Mo., and Noel, after an individual reported observing a pink suitcase in a roadside ditch with feet sticking out. Law enforcement located J.M.’s severely decomposed body lying next to the pink suitcase. A salesclerk from the African Grocery Store in Noel later reported that Mahamed had purchased a pink suitcase sometime before J.M.’s body was discovered.

J.M. was last seen alive on July 16, 2019, when law enforcement officers responded to a call at her home. J.M. reported to 911 that Mahamed had held her at knife point and tried to force her to have sexual intercourse with him. J.M. repeatedly told the 911 operator that she was worried Mahamed would harm her three young children who were in the apartment with him. The children were identified in court documents as Jane Doe 1 (four years old), Jane Doe 2 (two years old), and Jane Doe 3 (six months old).

J.M. and her children were reported missing on July 17, 2019, after attempts to contact J.M. on the phone and in-person failed.

On approximately July 28, 2019, or July 29, 2019, Mahamed called his cousin and told her he was bringing J.M.’s children to her in Minnesota. When she asked why he was bringing the children, Mahamed noted that something bad had happened and he could be in trouble.

J.M.’s children were located at a residence in Des Moines, Iowa, and taken into state custody on Aug. 8, 2019. The reporting party told law enforcement officers that Mahamed arrived at her Des Moines residence with the children on Aug. 5, 2019. She discovered Mahamed had left in the early morning hours on Aug. 8, 2019, without the children.

After abandoning the children in Iowa, Mahamed left the United States and was a fugitive from justice until he was located and expelled from Guatemala on July 27, 2021. He has been detained in federal custody since his return to the United States.

DNA analysis confirmed that the body was J.M.’s and her blood was discovered on multiple items recovered from a vehicle utilized by Mahamed.

Under federal statutes, Mahamed is subject to a sentence of up to a life term in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI, the McDonald County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Rochester, Minn., Police Department, and the Des Moines, Iowa, Police Department.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo. man was sentenced to five and a half years of imprisonment in federal court today for conspiring to traffic firearms to prohibited persons.

Fedo A. Manning, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips, to 66 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.

On April 17, 2025, Fedo Manning admitted that he knowingly and willfully joined in an agreement to sell firearms to individuals who were prohibited from possessing them under federal law. According to the plea agreement, the conspirators trafficked at least 22 firearms to persons who were known felons or they sold firearms that were converted into unregistered machineguns in violation of federal law.  Fedo Manning agreed that his role in the conspiracy was to serve as a straw purchaser.  He bought federal firearms from federal firearms licensed dealers so that they could later be sold by co-conspirators to individuals who were prohibited from possessing firearms.  Between Jan. 13, 2023, and May 11, 2022, investigators discovered that Fedo Manning purchased at least 40 firearms from federal firearms licensees.  Of those, 33 were Anderson Manufacturing, Model AM-15 firearms.  In the plea agreement, Fedo Manning acknowledged that at least seven of the firearms that he purchased were recovered during investigations of crimes in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

One of the recovered firearms purchased by Fedo Manning was discovered at the scene of the shooting that occurred during the celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory on Feb. 14, 2024.  The recovered firearm was an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15, .223-caliber pistol. The loaded pistol was found along the wall with a backpack next to two AR-15-style firearms and backpacks. Because the pistol was in “fire” position and there were 26 live rounds in the magazine, which is capable of holding 30 rounds, it may have fired several rounds before it was discarded.

On April 14, 2025, co-defendant Antonio Manning, Sr., 23, a brother of Fedo Manning, admitted that he knowingly and willfully joined in an agreement to sell firearms to individuals who were prohibited from possessing them under federal law. According to the plea agreement, the defendants trafficked at least 22 firearms to persons who were known felons or they sold firearms that were converted into unregistered machineguns in violation of federal law.  Pursuant to the plea agreement, Antonio Manning admitted that he was personally involved in illegally selling at least nine firearms and one of those firearms was an unregistered machinegun.  On Aug. 7, 2025, Antonio Manning was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips, to 48 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.  The court also ordered the defendant to pay a criminal forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $11,260.

On Jan. 22, 2025, co-defendant Sheron Manning, another brother of Fedo Manning, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to traffic firearms to prohibited persons and to one count of illegally trafficking a firearm that had been converted into an unregistered machinegun.  On May 21, 2025, Sheron Manning, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips, to 57 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.

On Feb. 21, 2024, co-defendant Dejohuan Mietz Huntley, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to traffic firearms to prohibited persons, to one count of possessing an unregistered machinegun, and one count of knowingly being a felon in possession of a firearm.  On June 26, 2024, Dejohuan Mietz Huntley, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips, to 70 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for being a felon in possession of firearms and possessing a machine gun.

Maurquis D. Jennings, 29, of Kansas City, Mo. was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025.The initial appearance was held today.

Jennings was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and one count possessing a machine gun.  The indictment alleges that on June 8, 2025, Jennings possessed a Glock, Model 20 Gen5, 10mm fully automatic pistol and a Glock, Model 30 Gen5, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol. The indictment alleges that the Glock, Model 20 Gen5 contained a machine gun conversion device that made the Glock firearm a fully automatic pistol.

Machine gun conversion devices, also known as “switches” or “auto sears,” are used to convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns that fire multiple shots automatically through a single pull of the trigger, enabling more rapid and often less accurate gunfire.  Whether or not they are attached to a firearm, these devices constitute machine guns under federal law.  It is therefore illegal to possess, sell, or use machine gun conversion devices.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition.  Jennings has a prior felony conviction for robbery.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Jennings. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lee’s Summit, Missouri Police Department.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., elementary school teacher has been charged in federal court for child pornography offenses.

Dennis Adlai Hernandez, 28, was charged in a three-count federal criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. today.  Hernandez is charged with transportation of child pornography, production and attempted production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.

Hernandez was arrested at his home yesterday during the execution of a federal search warrant.  He remains in custody and is scheduled for his initial appearance today before a federal magistrate.

The complaint affidavit alleges that on Aug. 19, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigations received 19 CyberTipline Reports (“Cybertips”) from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”).  NCMEC made the referral after it received disclosures from Google on August 18th indicating that multiple files of apparent child sexual abuse material had been uploaded to google photos by a particular account that had identifying information consistent with/to Hernandez. The affidavit further alleges that based upon the Cybertips, agents with the FBI sought and obtained a federal search warrant which was executed on the morning of August 20th.   

Under federal statutes, transportation of child pornography carries a minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, production and attempted production of child pornography carries a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment, and possession of child pornography carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.  The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

The FBI is seeking to identify potential victims of Hernandez.  If you or your child believes they were a victim of Hernandez, please call 1-800-CALL-FBI. If you are under the age of 18, please have your parent/guardian call on your behalf. Your responses are voluntary. Based on your responses, you may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information.

The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of federal crimes it investigates. Victims may be eligible for certain services, restitution, and rights under federal and/or state law.

The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Dunning. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

A redacted copy of the publicly filed complaint and affidavit is attached.

Project Safe Childhood

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man who was found with a half-pound of methamphetamine was convicted at trial today of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Jeremy Moran Chambers, 47, was found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and felon in possession of a firearm.

Following the presentation of evidence over three days, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo., deliberated for just over two hours before returning guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes, ending a trial that began on Aug. 18, 2025.

Beginning as early as Dec. 1, 2020, and continuing through Oct. 12, 2022, Chambers, and others, knowingly conspired and agreed to sell and distribute methamphetamine. On July 22, 2021, members of the Springfield, Mo., Police Department served a search warrant at a trailer occupied by Chambers and located a half-pound of methamphetamine and firearms. When interviewed, Chambers told officers that he was exchanging methamphetamine for firearms.

Five other individuals have pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Dusty Lescard, Anne Currie, and Tameka Farmer await sentencing. Tilton Tate and Erik Foster have been sentenced and received 146 months and 215 months imprisonment, respectively.

Under federal statutes, Chambers is subject to a minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and up to life imprisonment in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Brown and Special Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Lucas. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Five individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their alleged roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy that involved the sale of drugs to an undercover agent.  One man was also indicted on firearm charges.

Marcellus W. Anderson, 31, Tyra K. M. McGee, 37, Virgil D. Tillman, 41, and Martin A. Holloman, 40, all of Kansas City, Mo.; and Ricky M. Bowie, 25, of Kansas City, Kan., were charged in a 14-count superseding indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025.  That indictment was unsealed and made public earlier this week upon the arrest and initial court appearance of Bowie.  Tillman and Holloman were also arrested this week.

The superseding indictment replaces the original indictment returned on June 27, which only charged Marcellus Anderson and Tyra McGee, and includes the additional defendants.

The federal indictment alleges that all five defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine between Dec. 1, 2023, and June 11, 2025.

Additionally, Anderson is charged with three counts of distribution of cocaine, one count of distribution of methamphetamine, five counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  According to the indictment, Anderson possessed a Glock, Model 27, .40 caliber pistol on Jan. 29, 2025.

McGee is charged with Anderson in one count of distributing fentanyl and one count of distributing a fentanyl analogue.  Bowie, Tillman, and Holloman are charged with Anderson in one separate count each of distributing fentanyl.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the original complaint that was filed against Anderson and McGee on June 12, Anderson sold cocaine to an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on three occasions, methamphetamine on one occasion, fentanyl on six occasions, and a fentanyl analogue on one occasion.  McGee participated in one of the fentanyl transactions and the fentanyl analogue transaction.  Additionally, Anderson had a Glock, Model 27, .40 caliber pistol in his lap during one of the transactions, which he commented was for protection.  Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition.  Anderson has a prior felony conviction for receiving stolen firearms.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Jennings. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department; and the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Raytown, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for producing child pornography and possession of child pornography.

Cecil Pulluaim, 54, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 35 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Pulluaim to serve supervised release for Life following his incarceration.

Pulluaim pleaded guilty to video recording and possessing images of his sexual abuse of a minor victim.  According to the plea agreement, Pulluaim admitted to recording himself sexually abusing the minor victim on at least 10 separate dates between April 27, 2023, and June 15, 2023.  In connection with their investigation of a report that the defendant had produced child pornography of the minor victim, officers with the Raytown Missouri Police Department located and seized the defendant’s cell phone.  Pursuant to a search warrant, a forensic analysis of the phone by the United States Secret Service located the videos the defendant had produced of the minor victim, along with several photos the defendant made by taking screen shots of those videos.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Luna. It was investigated by the Raytown, Missouri Police Department and the United States Secret Service.

Project Safe Childhood

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to child pornography.

According to an indictment returned last week, Cody Tyler Titus, 24, of Kansas City, Mo., was charged with one count of attempting to access with intent to view child pornography over the internet from Nov. 2, 2022, and Nov. 19, 2023.  Titus was arrested and made his initial appearance in court today.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Under federal statutes, if convicted of attempted access with intent to view child pornography, a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000 is authorized.  The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa A. Moore. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Project Safe Childhood

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., man has pleaded guilty in federal court before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and an illicit drug user.

Dustin Edward Talbott, also known as “Chunky Dunker,” 40, admitted during his plea that he knew he had previously been convicted of a felony offense and that he was an illicit drug user when he knowingly possessed a Ranger, Model 101-11A, .22 caliber rifle in Independence, Mo.

On April 8, 2024, at approximately 1:36 p.m., an Independence, Mo., Police Department officer observed a Chevy Cobalt with a stolen license plate.  The officer saw the driver, who was later identified as Dustin Talbott, park at a local convenience store.  After backup officers arrived at the scene, they detained Talbott and two other passengers. During the investigation, officers learned Talbott had a warrant for his arrest, and he did not have a valid driver’s license.  Officers accordingly decided to tow the vehicle as it could not legally be driven without valid plates.  While conducting an inventory search of the vehicle prior to it being towed, officers found the Ranger, .22 caliber rifle that was on the floorboard between the driver’s seat and driver’s door.  Law enforcement officials also found a methamphetamine pipe on the driver’s side floorboard and two syringes in a passenger-door compartment.  A box of .22 caliber ammunition was found in the glove box.  At the scene, Talbott denied ownership of the firearm, but he admitted to previously putting the firearm in the trunk of the vehicle.  Later, a detective interviewed Talbott and Talbott stated that he was with another person who Talbott claimed was shooting the .22 caliber rifle into a homeless camp earlier that morning.  Talbott also admitted to using “ice,” which is street term for methamphetamine and also that he was a convicted felon who was not allowed to possess firearms.

Under federal statutes, Talbott is subject to a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Kirkpatrick. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo. Police Department.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A St. Louis, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court for his illegal possession of firearm by a convicted felon.

Michael Lamont Miller, Sr., 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas Harpool to 110 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Harpool also ordered that the federal sentence would be served consecutive, or after, Miller completed his state sentences on unrelated matter.

On Feb. 4, 2025, Miller pleaded guilty to a single count indictment, charging him with illegally possessing a firearm on March 30, 2022.

Miller, a nine-time convicted felon, was contacted by Christian County, Missouri, after being stopped for a traffic infraction. When asked if there was anything illegal in his vehicle, Miller admitted that law enforcement would find a firearm within his vehicle.  Law enforcement discovered a Springfield-Armory XDS, 9mm semi-automatic firearm.  Officers observed that firearm was loaded with a full magazine and a round was in the chamber.  Officers also located illegal substances in close proximity to the firearm.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who is convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Branson, Missouri, Police Department, the Christian County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Project Safe Neighborhoods

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.