A Kansas City man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison without parole for illegally possessing a firearm, violating federal law.
Charles E. Williams, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark due to his prior felony convictions.
On March 20, 2018, Williams pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Williams admitted that he was in possession of a loaded Norinco semi-automatic rifle on Aug. 7, 2015.
According to the investigation, police officers were called to the scene of a single-vehicle accident involving a Dodge Charger driven by Williams. Members of the Kansas City Fire Department reported that Williams had been tossing items from the vehicle.
Williams refused to step away from the vehicle and retrieved a red blanket from the trunk, which he threw away from the vehicle. Officers ordered Williams to the ground and attempted to handcuff him, but he became combative and resisted arrest. An officer utilized his Taser, and Williams was eventually arrested and placed in handcuffs.
The loaded Norinco semi-automatic rifle was found inside the red blanket. Additionally, officers discovered a small baggy containing 1.13 grams of cocaine in Williams’ right pant pocket.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Williams has prior felony convictions for murder, armed criminal action, trafficking, and three prior felony convictions for sale of a controlled substance.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad K. Kavanaugh and Emily A. Morgan. The investigation was led by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Missouri through Project Safe Neighborhoods.
The program focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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