KC Reporter

A Springfield man, Timothy S. Brandkamp, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for illegal firearm possession. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes, who classified Brandkamp as an armed career criminal due to his previous felony convictions.

Brandkamp, aged 64, pleaded guilty on March 13, 2024, to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted to possessing a Taurus 9mm pistol and about 12 rounds of ammunition between October 14 and October 20, 2022.

His arrest occurred on October 14, 2022, following a violation of the conditions of his supervised release from an unrelated federal case. While incarcerated, Brandkamp instructed a relative to remove items from his residence that were prohibited for felons. This relative informed authorities, leading U.S. Probation and Parole officers to discover the loaded firearm under a bedspread in Brandkamp's bedroom.

Federal law prohibits individuals with felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition. Brandkamp's record includes a federal felony conviction for methamphetamine possession with intent to distribute, which led to his supervised release after serving 13 years in prison. Additionally, he has two prior felony convictions for selling methamphetamine and other convictions related to drug offenses and assault.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony M. Brown prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration among law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched a strategy on May 26, 2021, focusing on building community trust, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.