Joseph Zarky, Gun Possession, Missouri 2021

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Joseph Zarky Admits Gun Crimes, Faces Probation

A Kirkwood man has pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm after being previously committed to a mental institution, as part of a plea agreement that will keep him out of prison but ensure he receives the treatment he needs for his mental health issues.

Joseph Zarky, 24, pleaded guilty in front of U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig to the charges, which stemmed from a series of encounters with police in which he was found with firearms and other items, including a bloody knife and animal parts.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Zarky was first encountered by police on June 1, 2021, in Webster Groves, where he was acting erratically and was in possession of multiple firearms, ammunition, and plastic bags containing animal body parts. He was later involuntarily committed to a hospital for treatment, but continued to try to purchase firearms after his release.

On July 28, 2021, police conducted a traffic stop and found Zarky in possession of a .22-caliber revolver and a 9mm pistol. He was again taken to the hospital and later ordered to be involuntarily committed to a hospital for treatment.

On September 30, 2021, police found Zarky in a wooded area with a knife with animal blood on it, and he was again taken to the hospital and later ordered to be involuntarily committed to a hospital for treatment.

As part of the plea agreement, Zarky has agreed to participate in the Janis C. Good Mental Health Court program, which will provide him with treatment, counseling, and resources to address his persistent mental health issues. He will also be subject to a location monitoring program and will reside in a residential facility approved by the U.S. Probation Office for five years.

The plea agreement is designed to ensure that Zarky receives the treatment he needs, while also preventing him from purchasing firearms in the future. The felony conviction will serve as an additional barrier to prevent him from buying guns in the future, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.