KC Reporter

A Kansas City man has admitted guilt in a federal court for his involvement in a series of armed robberies across Missouri. Kentrail M. Collins, aged 26, entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to multiple charges including conspiracy to commit robbery and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Collins acknowledged his participation in the armed robberies that took place from January 5 to January 8, 2023. He confessed to robbing three businesses on January 5: Petromart in Columbia, Breaktime in Boonville, and Casey’s in Oak Grove. On January 8, he also committed robberies at Casey’s in Joplin and Lamarti’s Truck Stop in Lamar.

During these crimes, Collins was found with a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol equipped with an extended magazine. As someone with previous felony convictions for burglary, robbery, and resisting arrest, it is illegal under federal law for him to possess firearms or ammunition.

On January 9, 2023, Collins was involved in a high-speed chase after initially stopping for a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper but then fleeing the scene. The pursuit ended when Collins crashed his vehicle and attempted to escape on foot but was eventually apprehended by the trooper who discovered the Taurus pistol inside the car.

Collins faces significant penalties under federal statutes which include a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years without parole up to life imprisonment without parole. The final sentencing will be determined based on advisory guidelines following an investigation by the United States Probation Office.

The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan A. Baker and was investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies including the FBI and various local police departments across Missouri.