⏱ 2 min read
Verdell D. Mays, a 30-year-old Kansas man, was involved in a high-speed chase on June 28, 2025, fleeing from Cass County, Mo. Sheriff’s Office deputies at approximately 130 miles per hour on Interstate 49. Mays, who was driving a stolen vehicle, nearly struck a motorcycle and an SUV during the pursuit. The chase ended with Mays’ arrest, and a subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Glock, Model 22C, .40 caliber fully automatic pistol with a machinegun conversion device.
The firearm, which was reported stolen, contained 16 live rounds in the magazine and one live round in the chamber. Additionally, Mays possessed a .40 caliber, 50-round drum magazine with 46 rounds of live .40 caliber ammunition. As a convicted felon, Mays was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
Mays pleaded guilty on December 4, 2025, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machinegun. He was sentenced to nine years in federal prison without parole by U.S. District Judge Stephen Bough. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Jennings and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Cass County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal activities. Mays’ sentence serves as a warning to those who engage in such crimes, highlighting the severity of the consequences for possessing illegal firearms.
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
WeaponsWeaponsWeaponsWeapons