Indictment: Man Stole 22 Firearms During Burglary at Kansas Pawnshop

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was indicted today on federal charges that he stole 22 firearms from a pawnshop in Overland Park, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Darrin Taylor, 54, who is homeless and has been living in Overland Park, is charged with one count of theft from a federally licensed firearms dealer. Taylor is alleged to have burglarized Penguin Pawn & Gun at 10229 West 75^th Street in Overland Park, Kan., and taken the guns.

If convicted, he could face a penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Overland Park Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting.        

OTHER INDICTMENTS

James Pugh, 58, Lawrence, Kan., is charged with one count of bank robbery. The indictment alleges that on Jan. 21, 2020, he robbed the Landmark Bank at 2710 Iowa St. in Lawrence, Kan.

If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Lawrence Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting.

Amber Dawn Johnson, 26, Hobbs, N.M., and Angel Estrada, 34, Hobbs, N.M., were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The defendants are alleged to have transported 38 pounds of methamphetamine and 39 pounds of cocaine to Kansas.

According to court records, on July 16, 2020, the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped two vehicles traveling together near milepost 102 in Chase County, Kan. A trooper found the drugs in one of the cars.

If convicted, the defendants could face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million on each count. The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.

Cody Justice, 31, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Sept. 17, 2020, in Wyandotte County, Kan.

If convicted, he could face not less than five years and not more than 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $5 million on the drug charge, not less than five years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other firearm charge. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead is prosecuting.

Michael E. Thomas, 54, is charged with escaping from federal custody at the Grossman Residential Reentry Center in Leavenworth, Kan. The crime is alleged to have occurred March 10, 2020.

If convicted, he could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshal Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug is prosecuting.

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.