KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Beth Phillips, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and for illegally possessing a firearm.

Christopher P. Heizman, 40, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Heizman to forfeit to the government $13,392 in drug proceeds that was seized by law enforcement officers.

On Oct. 22, 2010, Heizman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. He also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

Heizman was arrested on Nov. 12, 2008, following a foot chase. When Heizman saw police officers approaching him in front of his residence, he pulled a Taurus .45-caliber pistol from his waistband and threw down the weapon before fleeing with a black bag. After officers apprehended Heizman, they searched the bag he was carrying and found methamphetamine, marijuana and $3,992 in cash. Officers also searched Heizman’s residence and found $10,000 in cash, nine handguns and rifles, ammunition, and a bag containing methamphetamine.

Co-defendant Joseph N. Wilson, 30, of Kansas City, Mo., also pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and awaits sentencing.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rudolph R. Rhodes IV. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

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