Antonio Manning, Firearms Trafficking, Missouri 2025

Kansas City, MO – In a shocking turn of events, a local man has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms and illegal trafficking, resulting in a potential 30-year prison sentence without parole.

According to court documents, Antonio Manning, 23, of Kansas City, MO, admitted to knowingly and willfully joining an agreement to sell firearms to individuals who were prohibited from possessing them under federal law.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, Manning admitted to personally being involved in the illegal sale of at least nine firearms, including one unregistered machinegun. The plea agreement also states that Manning and his co-defendants trafficked at least 22 firearms to known felons or sold firearms that were converted into unregistered machineguns in violation of federal law.

Co-defendants Sheron Manning, Antonio Manning’s brother, and Michael Dewayne Hardy also pleaded guilty to charges related to the case. Sheron Manning pleaded guilty on January 22, 2025, and Michael Dewayne Hardy pleaded guilty on April 7, 2025.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford and was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities across the country.

Under federal statutes, Antonio Manning is subject to a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison without parole. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Antonio Manning’s case is a stark reminder of the dangers of firearms trafficking and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.