KC Reporter

A Marshall, Missouri man, James Joseph Elsea, aged 62, has been indicted on charges related to drug and gun offenses. The indictment includes allegations of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing firearms following a previous felony conviction.

Elsea was initially charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm based on a criminal complaint filed earlier this month. According to the affidavit supporting the complaint, officers from Pettis County executed a "no knock" state search warrant at Elsea's residence on May 2, 2025. During the operation, shots were fired from inside the house as officers attempted entry. Subsequently, Elsea reportedly called 911 claiming he had shot someone. Two deputies from Pettis County sustained injuries during the incident.

ATF agents who responded to the scene seized two firearms: a Taurus model PT111 G2A (G2C), 9mm semi-automatic handgun loaded with six rounds total and a Mossberg model MC1SC, 9mm semi-automatic handgun. As a convicted felon, Elsea is legally prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.

The charges against Elsea are currently accusations; evidence will need to be presented before a federal trial jury for determination of guilt or innocence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Kummerer is prosecuting this case. The investigation involved cooperation between the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and enhancing community safety by fostering collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities.