KC Reporter

A man from Strafford, Missouri, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly trafficking firearms and methamphetamine. David Allen Gaunt, aged 57, faces a 16-count indictment in Kansas City, Missouri. The charges replace a previous criminal complaint filed against him on January 16, 2025.

The indictment accuses Gaunt of participating in a conspiracy to traffic firearms from June 21, 2023, to January 23, 2025. The firearms listed include various pistols and shotguns. Gaunt is also charged with trafficking these firearms to individuals legally prohibited from possessing them.

Additionally, Gaunt is accused of being an unlawful user of controlled substances while possessing numerous firearms. He faces multiple counts related to making false statements to purchase firearms, possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and distributing methamphetamine.

An affidavit reveals that Gaunt bought over 50 firearms and falsely denied being an unlawful user of drugs on federal forms. Law enforcement has recovered some of these firearms during investigations. In separate incidents in Springfield and Greene County in mid-2023, several firearms linked to Gaunt were seized during drug-trafficking probes.

During a traffic stop on August 16, 2023, police found six firearms in Gaunt's vehicle. Another traffic stop on November 6, 2024 led officers to discover a pistol on Gaunt and methamphetamine in his car.

These charges are allegations and not proof of guilt. A federal trial jury will evaluate the evidence presented against Gaunt.

The case is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan and investigated by multiple agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Greene County Sheriff’s Department; the Springfield Police Department; and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.