KC Reporter

A Kansas City man has pleaded guilty in a federal court to his involvement in an illegal firearms trafficking conspiracy. Fedo A. Manning, 24, admitted to conspiring to sell firearms to individuals prohibited from possessing them due to federal law before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips.

Manning acknowledged his participation in an agreement to sell at least 22 firearms to known felons and individuals prohibited by law. His role involved serving as a straw purchaser, buying firearms from licensed dealers for resale to prohibited persons. Between May 2022 and January 2023, Manning purchased at least 40 firearms, with seven linked to crimes in the Kansas City area.

One of these firearms, an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15, .223-caliber pistol was recovered at a February 2024 Super Bowl victory celebration where a shooting occurred. The weapon, capable of holding 30 rounds, was found with several live rounds remaining in the magazine.

Manning faces up to 15 years in prison under federal statutes. Actual sentencing will be determined by the court based on advisory guidelines and other factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled following a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence, and enhancing neighborhood safety.

Project Safe Neighborhoods is based on principles of fostering community trust, supporting prevention programs, strategic enforcement, and measuring results.