KC Reporter

A Kansas City resident, Roberto Rosales Gonzales, has entered a guilty plea in federal court for illegally possessing a significant amount of methamphetamine and firearms. The 24-year-old Mexican national admitted guilt before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays on charges related to drug distribution and firearm possession used in drug trafficking activities.

Law enforcement authorities conducted a search at Gonzales's residence on March 21, 2024. The search resulted in the discovery of 59 firearms, including two suspected machine guns, a silencer, assorted ammunition, and an inert hand grenade. Additionally, authorities seized approximately 114.1 grams of suspected fentanyl pills, about 1.3 kilograms of methamphetamine, 31.4 grams of suspected heroin, and over $22,000 in cash.

Federal law stipulates Gonzales faces a mandatory minimum prison term of 15 years, with the potential for a life sentence without the possibility of parole. However, the exact sentence will be determined by the court, considering advisory guidelines and statutory factors following a presentence investigation carried out by the United States Probation Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh is leading the prosecution of this case. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a collaborative effort among various law enforcement levels and community members aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. Initiated on May 26, 2021, the program emphasizes trust-building, community support, strategic enforcement, and measurable outcomes to enhance neighborhood safety.