jury convicts kC man of illegal firearm,
faces at least 15 years in prison
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Beth Phillips, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Mo., man was convicted by a federal jury today of illegally possessing a firearm.
Robert Montgomery, 39, of Kansas City, was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that Montgomery was in possession of a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol on June 21, 2010. Police officers were investigating a shooting that occurred in the area of 13th Street and Highland in Kansas City, Mo., on that date when they received a report of a suspect in the area who was driving a red Dodge. A Kansas City police officer saw a red Dodge with a freshly broken window and bullet holes and attempted to stop the vehicle. Montgomery, who was driving the vehicle, refused to stop. Montgomery’s vehicle struck a parked vehicle near 13th and Garfield and he fled on foot. Montgomery was taken into custody after a short pursuit. When officers searched his car, they found the pistol on the passenger seat.
It is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Montgomery has a prior federal felony convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm, as well as prior felony convictions for distribution of a controlled substance and assault.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City deliberated for approximately 20 minutes before returning the guilty verdict to U.S. District JudgeOrtrie D. Smith, ending a trial that began Monday, Dec. 5, 2011.
Under federal statutes, Montgomery is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $250,000. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Barnes and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara M. Holzschuh. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Project Ceasefire
Project Ceasefire, launched in October 1999, is a cooperative initiative by federal and local law enforcement and the Kansas City Crime Commission that targets for federal prosecution persons who unlawfully use or possess firearms.
