KC Reporter

A Jefferson City resident, Robert Michael Matthews, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for illegal possession of a firearm. Matthews, 42, is accused of having a Ruger model American, 9-millimeter pistol on March 13, 2025. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.

According to the indictment, Matthews has previous violent felony convictions, including robbery in the second degree in 2000, unlawful use of a weapon in 2015, and another unlawful weapon use conviction in 2024.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron M. Maness is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, along with the Jefferson City Police Department.

This case is associated with Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering trust and supporting community-based programs. It was renewed on May 26, 2021, to focus on key strategies like building community trust and legitimacy.

"The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence."