Christopher W. Abrams, Possessing a Sawed-Off Shotgun, Missouri 2024

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City man was handed a stiff sentence in federal court yesterday for illegally possessing a sawed-off shotgun.

Christopher W. Abrams, 52, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Brian C. Wimes, to fifty-four months in prison without parole for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for possession of an unregistered firearm.

On February 10, 2024, officers were called to the area of Independence Avenue and Van Brunt Boulevard regarding a possible armed robbery. Upon arrival, officers encountered Abrams. During a frisk of Abrams, officers located a sawed-off, Winchester, Model 37, 12-gauge, single-shot shotgun inside the front waistline of his jeans. The shotgun’s stock had been cut down to a wood pistol grip, with black duct tape. The barrel had multiple saw marks and appeared to have been cut short. The shotgun was loaded with a live shotgun shell.

Abrams, who is a convicted felon, had been found guilty of twelve prior felony offenses before today’s hearing.

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, and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of law enforcement to repel the invasion of violent crime and protect our communities from its perpetrators.

Abrams’ sentence marks a major victory in the ongoing effort to keep our streets safe from gun violence and other forms of violent crime.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/pr/kansas-city-man-sentenced-4-12-years-illegally-possessing-sawed-shotgun