Joshua D. Hughes, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Missouri 2017

A Kansas City, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for illegally possessing a firearm that he brought into the federal courthouse. Joshua D. Hughes, 42, of Kansas City, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo.

The indictment alleges that Hughes was in possession of a Sig Sauer .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun on May 26, 2017. According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Hughes entered the lobby of the U.S. District Court, 400 E. 9th Street, at approximately 10:27 a.m. on May 26, 2017.

A Kansas City police detective noticed that Hughes was obviously impaired as he walked up the steps to the courthouse, the affidavit says, and believed Hughes was under the influence of PCP. Hughes, who was carrying a black backpack, made contact with court security officers and stated, “I’m a felon in possession.” Hughes was frisked, the affidavit says, and officers found the loaded handgun in his boxer shorts.

The backpack Hughes had been carrying was placed in the x-ray scanner. Security officers observed several items which they believed to be contraband, the affidavit says, so they opened the backpack and located a bottle of suspected PCP. Hughes was placed under arrest and transported to an area hospital for treatment due to his level of impairment.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Tom Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced the indictment and cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Caine. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Hughes on May 26, 2017. Hughes’ actions on that day put the safety of everyone in the federal courthouse at risk, and this indictment sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

The incident highlights the importance of courthouse security and the need for vigilance in preventing the introduction of contraband into these facilities. The fact that Hughes was able to bring a loaded handgun into the courthouse is a disturbing reminder of the risks that exist and the need for continued efforts to improve security measures.

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