SPRINGFIELD, MO – Dakota Mitchell, 21, of Clever, Missouri, has confessed to a dangerous pattern of illegal gun acquisition and violent behavior. The young man pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of conspiracy to traffic firearms, one count of trafficking firearms, and one count of unlawful possession of firearms – a trifecta of charges stemming from a brazen disregard for the law and a clear threat to public safety.
According to court documents, Mitchell conspired with a ‘straw purchaser’ to obtain at least four firearms, despite knowing he was legally prohibited from owning them due to his consistent use of controlled substances. Between April 28, 2023, and July 9, 2024, Mitchell unlawfully possessed six Glock pistols and a Micro Draco pistol. The case unraveled after a series of incidents exposing Mitchell’s volatile tendencies and access to weaponry.
On May 11, 2023, Greene County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a road rage incident at the intersection of Farm Roads 137 and 182. Mitchell, behind the wheel of a BMW SUV, allegedly shot at another vehicle after a disagreement. Officers recovered a loaded Glock 9mm with a high-capacity magazine and a .40 caliber Glock, also loaded, from the vehicle. Later, on January 30, 2024, following a car accident, Mitchell was seen brandishing a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. The victim positively identified him as the driver and the one displaying the firearm.
The trail didn’t stop there. On April 11, 2024, a Glock 9mm pistol was discovered in a vehicle parked at Ozark High School, ultimately traced back to Mitchell. Finally, on July 9, 2024, during an arrest for vandalism, officers found yet another Glock .40 caliber pistol in Mitchell’s possession. During questioning, Mitchell admitted to using a third party to purchase firearms because of his age and prohibited status. He also confessed to daily marijuana use since the age of 11 or 12, alongside occasional use of narcotics and psychedelic drugs.
Federal investigators have linked Mitchell to “FTO,” an area gang known for violent crimes and firearm offenses. The gang frequently relies on straw purchasers to circumvent legal restrictions, as many members are too young, have criminal records, or have histories of drug use. This case highlights a dangerous cycle of illegal gun trafficking fueling gang violence in the region. Mitchell could face up to 15 years in federal prison on each conviction, with the final sentence determined by the court after a presentence investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with multiple local law enforcement agencies including the Christian County Sheriff’s Office, the Flossmoor, Illinois Police Department, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, and the Springfield Police Department. This case is part of the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, a comprehensive program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
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Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Organized Crime|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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