Dalton Patterson, Methamphetamine Distribution, Kansas 2019

WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man who claimed he killed another man in self-defense has been indicted on federal firearm and drug charges.

Dalton Patterson, 26, was charged in a superseding indictment with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and two counts of unlawful possession of firearms by a user of controlled substances.

According to the indictment, on October 18, 2019, Patterson shot and killed Charles Cunningham during a fight. Police said Cunningham physically attacked Patterson, and Patterson shot him.

The federal charges allege that on the day of the shooting, Patterson possessed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment also alleges that while Patterson was a user of controlled substances, he unlawfully possessed a 9 mm Ruger handgun on November 1, 2019, and a .380 caliber Cobra handgun on November 8, 2019.

If convicted, Patterson could face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison on the drug charge, not less than five years on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and up to 10 years on each count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of controlled substances.

The Wichita Police Department investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.

Patterson is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The indictment merely contains allegations of criminal conduct.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ks/pr/indictment-man-who-fired-lethal-shot-was-distributing-methamphetamine