KC Reporter

A Kansas City, Mo., man, Roberto Rosales Gonzales, 23, has been charged in federal court after law enforcement officers discovered a cache of firearms and illegal drugs during a search of his residence.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, Gonzales allegedly sold illegal drugs and firearms to an undercover federal agent and a confidential informant on three separate occasions over a month before the search warrant was executed. During the transactions, investigators observed concerning details. The affidavit notes that during a transaction on March 12, 2024, where Gonzales sold drugs and firearms, children could be heard playing and speaking in the background.

The charges against Gonzales include one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing firearms, including machine guns, in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of illegally possessing machine guns. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The discovery of the illegal activities was a result of an investigation that involved leads generated from the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). This network allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve. The program focuses on fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting violence prevention efforts, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.

The affidavit in the criminal complaint states that investigators found 59 firearms, including two machine guns, assorted ammunition, a firearm silencer, and an inert hand grenade in Gonzales's residence. Additionally, illegal drugs were seized, including suspected fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, and heroin, along with a significant amount of cash.

The charges against Gonzales are allegations at this point, and the evidence supporting them will be presented to a federal trial jury for a determination of guilt or innocence.