Laron J. Wainwright, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Missouri 2015

State: Missouri
Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
Source: <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/pr/jury-convicts-kc-man-illegal-firearm-3" style="color:#cc0000;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DOJ Press Release ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Â Ã¢â‚¬â€

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A Kansas City man has been found guilty of illegally possessing a firearm, putting him on the path to a lengthy prison sentence. Laron J. Wainwright, 43, was convicted by a federal trial jury of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, on April 5, 2015, Kansas City police officers were dispatched to the area of 11th Street and Prospect Avenue to investigate suspicious drug activity in the park. When they contacted Wainwright, he fled and led officers on a pursuit through the park. As Wainwright ran onto Prospect Avenue, an officer saw the loaded Jimenez 9mm semi-automatic handgun fall onto the street.

Wainwright has a history of felony convictions, including three for distribution of a controlled substance, two for possession of a controlled substance, and one for unlawful use of a weapon. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone with a felony conviction to possess a firearm or ammunition.

Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City deliberated for about two hours before returning the guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips. The trial began on Monday, Aug. 20, 2018.

Under federal statutes, Wainwright is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress, but the exact sentence will be determined by the court.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stefan C. Hughes and Matthew Moeder. It was investigated by the Kansas City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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