KC Reporter

A Springfield, Missouri business owner was indicted by a federal grand jury for illegal possession of firearms and providing false information regarding his criminal record during firearm purchases.

Marco Lorimer Denis, 49, faces a three-count indictment. This indictment replaces a previous federal criminal complaint filed on July 26, 2024, and includes additional charges related to firearm acquisitions.

Denis owns Springfield Property LLC, which provides retail and commercial rental space at locations including Plaza Towers in Springfield.

The indictment alleges that Denis possessed eight firearms between December 17, 2020, and July 16, 2024. The firearms include a Standard Manufacturing shotgun, a Maverick by Mossberg shotgun, a Ruger pistol, a Smith & Wesson pistol, a Canik pistol, a Sig Sauer pistol, a Bersa pistol, and a Charter Arms revolver. Federal law prohibits individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence from possessing firearms. Denis has a prior conviction for domestic assault against an individual with whom he shares a child.

Additionally, Denis is charged with two counts of making false statements to licensed firearms dealers regarding the acquisition of the Canik pistol on December 10, 2020, and the Sig Sauer pistol on January 14, 2021. In both instances, Denis falsely claimed he had no prior misdemeanor convictions for domestic violence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Springfield Police Department.

This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and communities. Launched on May 26, 2021, PSN focuses on building community trust and legitimacy while supporting organizations that prevent violence.