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Kansas City Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Machine Guns

Law enforcement officials in Kansas City confiscate illegal firearms linked to trafficking activities.

News Summary

Sheron Lamont Manning, a 21-year-old from Kansas City, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges involving the trafficking of machine guns. Over nearly a year, he illegally distributed at least 22 firearms, including a modified Glock .45 caliber pistol. Manning faces up to 30 years in federal prison, with sentencing pending. The case raised significant public safety concerns amid ongoing issues with illegal firearms in communities, highlighting the importance of vigilance against gun-related crime.

Kansas City Man Admits to Trafficking Machine Guns

In a case that has caught the attention of the Kansas City community, a young man from the area has pleaded guilty to some serious charges involving illegal firearms. Sheron Lamont Manning, just 21 years old, appeared in federal court on January 23, 2024, where he owned up to conspiracy charges linked to the trafficking of firearms, including some particularly dangerous ones modified to fire like machine guns.

What Happened?

According to the information revealed during the court proceedings, Manning found himself involved in a scheme that illegally distributed at least 22 firearms over a span of time, from May 24, 2022, to April 20, 2023. This alarming pattern saw Manning participating in the sale of several firearms, including a modified Glock .45-caliber pistol, which had been transformed into a machine gun. He sold this weapon to a confidential informant working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for a hefty sum of $1,200 back on November 18, 2022.

Details of the Sales

During this troubling sale, Manning didn’t just stop at one gun. He reportedly offered to sell even more fully automatic firearms to the informant, who, as it turns out, was a felon and not legally permitted to possess firearms. This raised serious red flags about the operations that Manning was engaged in.

The range of firearms involved in these sales was particularly concerning. Among them were:

An AR-15 style, multi-caliber pistol that had its serial number obliterated and converted into a machine gun.
Two Glock .40-caliber pistols, which were also modified to function as machine guns.
Another AR-15 style, multi-caliber pistol that had not been described in detail but was part of the illegal dealings.

Consequences Ahead

Manning’s admissions have put him in a precarious situation. Under federal law, he could face a substantial sentence, with a maximum of 30 years in a federal prison without the possibility of parole. However, the exact length of his sentence will be determined during a hearing after a thorough presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office is completed. This means Manning will have to await the court’s decision, which will take into account various advisory guidelines and factors relevant to his case.

Who is Involved?

The case is being tracked closely by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford, who is tasked with leading the prosecution. The investigation that unveiled Manning’s operation was carried out by the ATF, a dedicated agency that looks to enforce laws regarding firearms and combat illegal trafficking.

The Bigger Picture

This situation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues with illegal firearms in communities. Authorities are increasingly focused on cracking down on individuals who see fit to break the law by selling such dangerous weapons. The ramifications of trafficking firearms extend well beyond individual cases; they pose a risk to public safety and elevate the potential for violence in communities.

For Kansas City residents, the outcome of this case emphasizes the importance of vigilance in protecting local neighborhoods from crime related to firearms. With sentencing yet to be scheduled, eyes will be on the courtroom to see what justice will unfold for Manning and the alarming activities of which he was a part.