Tony Ross, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Illinois 2022

COLLINSVILLE, IL – A fast-food cook at the Collinsville Jack in the Box is facing a lengthy stretch behind bars after attempting to hide a loaded handgun from police last April. Tony Ross, 27, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison this week after pleading guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm.

The incident unfolded when Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group officers entered the fast-food restaurant to question Ross regarding an unrelated matter. Court documents reveal Ross immediately attempted to conceal a handgun, pulling it from his waistband and shoving it under the deep fryer in a desperate bid to avoid detection. The attempt failed.

This wasn’t Ross’s first brush with the law. He was on parole with the Missouri Department of Corrections at the time of the incident, serving time for a 2018 felony conviction for 2nd Degree Robbery. This history of violence clearly factored into the judge’s decision, as U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe stated, “This offender had a lengthy criminal history related to gun violence.”

Beyond the 7.5 years in prison, Ross will also serve three years of supervised release upon his eventual release. He was also slapped with a $100 fine and $100 in special assessments – a paltry sum compared to the potential danger he posed. The case was spearheaded by the ATF’s Kansas City Field Division, working in conjunction with the Illinois State Police.

“At the core of ATF’s mission to protect the public, is holding accountable those who violate federal firearms laws,” said Butch Hansen, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Kansas City Field Division. ISP Zone 6 Commander Mike Lewis echoed that sentiment, stating that getting “repeat criminal offenders who threaten the safety of our communities off the streets is a top priority.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Burns successfully prosecuted the case, securing the 90-month sentence. While authorities tout this conviction as a win for public safety, it remains a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle to keep guns out of the hands of those with a history of violent crime. The Metro East, like many areas across the country, continues to grapple with gun violence, and this case highlights the constant need for vigilance and effective law enforcement.

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