KC Reporter

A Springfield, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene and Polk Counties, Mo., and illegally possessing five firearms.

Jeffrey S. Durbray, 61, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips on Monday, July 16, to 15 years in federal prison without parole.

On Dec. 19, 2023, Durbray pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

Durbray admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene and Polk Counties from March 5 to Oct. 10, 2019. Durbray also admitted he possessed five firearms in furtherance of the drug-trafficking conspiracy.

According to court documents, Durbray is responsible for the distribution of more than six kilograms of methamphetamine in the Springfield area.

A confidential informant conducted two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Durbray in April 2019. On April 24, 2019, a deputy with the Greene County Sheriff’s Department stopped a Chevrolet Malibu in which Durbray was a passenger because it was missing a front license plate. The deputy searched the vehicle and found two firearms hidden behind a panel under the dash in the front of the center console. Law enforcement officers also found $2,003 in cash and four cell phones inside the vehicle. In the trunk, officers found cocaine, methamphetamine, a third firearm, and an additional $2,050 in cash. Durbray admitted the methamphetamine and the cash were his.

On Oct. 10, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Durbray’s residence. Officers found a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol, ammunition, and 681.6 grams of methamphetamine Officers searched an RV and found a loaded Smith & Wesson .500-caliber revolver; a Ruger .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol with a loaded magazine; a Hi-Point 9mm semi-automatic pistol; a Heritage .22-caliber revolver; ammunition; and $1,423 in cash. In a white Subaru on the property officers found ammunition and $2,401 in cash. Officers also searched Durbray who possessed a taser; bubble pipe; two cell phones; and $10:7900in cash.

Under the terms of his plea agreement Durbray must forfeit to the government$14:6140in total seized by law enforcement officers at his residence as well as his interest if any:in4$0530seized by law enforcement following car stop on April242019

Durbray was on parole for two previous drug-trafficking convictions at time federal offense

Durbray is fourth final defendant be sentenced this case Zachary L Day39and Drake A Cox69both Springfield each sentenced12years federal prison without parole William E Kurek52of Springfield sentenced10years federal prison without parole

This case prosecuted Assistant U S Attorneys Jessica R Eatmon J D Hatcher investigated Drug Enforcement Administration Springfield Police Department Missouri State Highway Patrol Greene County Sheriff Department