Indiana Man Indicted for Illegal Firearm Possession in Missouri

Jefferson City, Mo. — A federal grand jury has indicted 34-year-old Kristopher Shawn Martin of Brazil, Ind., on two counts of illegal firearm possession following an October 2016 incident in Columbia, Mo. The charges stem from Martin’s alleged possession of a loaded Browning .380-caliber handgun, a weapon he is prohibited from owning due to prior felony convictions.

According to the indictment, Martin was found in possession of the firearm and accompanying ammunition on Oct. 7, 2016. He now faces one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and a separate count of being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm and ammunition—both federal offenses carrying stiff penalties.

Martin’s criminal history includes felony convictions for cocaine possession, domestic battery, and cruelty to animals. Under federal law, individuals with felony convictions are strictly barred from possessing firearms or ammunition, regardless of the circumstances. The presence of a loaded weapon in this case has elevated concerns among law enforcement officials.

The investigation was conducted by the Columbia, Mo., Police Department in conjunction with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Authorities have not released details on how the firearm was discovered, but sources confirm the probe involved surveillance and forensic follow-up.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence E. Miller is prosecuting the case. U.S. Attorney Tammy Dickinson, who oversees the Western District of Missouri, emphasized that the indictment is not a finding of guilt. “These charges are simply accusations,” Dickinson stated. “Evidence must be presented to a jury, whose sole duty is to determine innocence or guilt.”

Martin remains in federal custody pending trial. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison on each count, plus fines and mandatory supervised release. The case continues to unfold in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

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