KC Reporter

A man from Portageville, Missouri, has been convicted by a jury for trafficking methamphetamine and illegal possession of firearms. Michael C. Patton, 36, was found guilty on January 14 of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms.

Patton was a passenger in a Ford sedan stopped by Springfield police officers on May 12, 2021. A search of the vehicle revealed a backpack on the front passenger floorboard containing a loaded Beretta firearm and 344 grams of pure methamphetamine alongside Patton’s Missouri identification. Additionally, officers discovered another backpack in the backseat floorboard containing a loaded revolver.

Federal law prohibits individuals with felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition. Patton's prior felony convictions include stealing and possession of methamphetamine and cocaine with intent to sell.

Under federal statutes, Patton faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole and could receive up to life imprisonment. The sentencing will be determined by the court based on advisory guidelines and other statutory factors following a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

The jury deliberated for approximately two and a half hours before delivering guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes after the trial that commenced on January 13.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron A. Beaver and Jessica R. Eatmon are prosecuting this case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Springfield Police Department.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that unites various levels of law enforcement with communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a strategy to strengthen PSN based on fostering trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.