Kansas City Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a Glock 9mm caliber handgun.

Sergio Marquez, 35, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Brian C. Wimes, to almost 13 years (155 months) in prison without parole for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On Dec. 12, 2024, Independence, Mo., Police Department officers noticed a Mercedes vehicle that had been spray-painted black, had tinted windows, and had tags assigned to a different vehicle. Police officers attempted to pull over the vehicle for further investigation and a high-speed chase ensued. The Mercedes vehicle went westbound on U.S. 24 highway and reached speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour. On Independence Avenue near the Winner Road intersection, the Mercedes vehicle crashed while attempting to avoid stop-sticks deployed by police. Marquez had difficulty exiting the vehicle after the crash and was seen by multiple officers tossing a firearm under the vehicle while he was on his hands and knees. Marquez had a large laceration on the right side of his neck. Officers provided medical assistance until EMS arrived. Law enforcement officials later recovered the Glock 19 semi-automatic handgun that Marquez had thrown under the Mercedes vehicle. Marquez had previously been convicted of a felony offense. It is against federal law for a convicted felon to knowingly possess a firearm.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford It was investigated by Independence, Mo. Police Department.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.