Marshall, MO – A Marshall man has been charged with possession of methamphetamine, discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing firearms after a prior felony conviction.
James Joseph Elsea, 62, was previously charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in a criminal complaint filed in Jefferson City, MO, on May 2, 2025.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the complaint, Pettis County officers served a ‘no knock’ state search warrant at Elsea’s residence on May 2, 2025. An officer was attempting to cut through a security bar on the door when four rounds were fired at the officers from within the residence.
Pettis County communications subsequently received a 911 call from Elsea, who stated that he had just shot someone. Two Pettis County deputies were injured by shots fired during the search warrant.
According to the affidavit, ATF agents responded to the scene and seized a Taurus model PT111 G2A (G2C), 9mm semi-automatic handgun, which was loaded with one round in the chamber and five rounds in the magazine. Agents also seized a Mossberg, model MC1SC, 9mm semi-automatic handgun.
Elsea is a previously convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Kummerer. It was investigated by the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Mandatory Facts
Defendant: James Joseph Elsea
Criminal Charges: Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing firearms after a prior felony conviction
City and State: Marshall, MO
Exact Date: May 2, 2025
Sentence or Outcome: Currently pending
Related Federal Cases
- Joshua Sangrait, Methamphetamine Conspiracy, Missouri 2018 · California
- Montez Jackson, Gun and Cocaine Possession, Missouri 2020 · Texas
- Carlos D. Bell, Jr., Felon in Possession of Firearms, Missouri 2022 · Maryland
- Cevone Weeden, Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, Missouri 2020 · District of Columbia
- Floyd Barber, Drug Trafficking and Weapons Charges, Missouri 2023 · District of Columbia
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug Trafficking|Violent CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent Crime