KC Reporter

A Kansas City man has been sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for illegal firearm possession. Devon D. Martin, 29, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Greg Kays and will serve his term without parole.

Martin had previously pleaded guilty on November 14, 2024, to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted to possessing a Smith and Wesson, SD9 VE, 9mm pistol on June 19, 2024.

The incident occurred when detectives from the Independence Police Department Street Crimes Unit and SWAT team were conducting surveillance to locate Martin due to outstanding felony and parole violation warrants. Officers attempted to apprehend Martin, who fled on foot. During the pursuit, he dropped a stolen pistol loaded with twelve live rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. Additionally, Martin was found with approximately seven grams of methamphetamine and two grams of fentanyl powder.

Federal law prohibits individuals convicted of a felony from possessing firearms or ammunition. Martin's criminal history includes three prior felony convictions for resisting arrest by fleeing, two felony convictions for possession of controlled substances, two prior felony convictions for stealing, as well as convictions for tampering with a motor vehicle and distribution of narcotics.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Jennings prosecuted the case following an investigation by the Independence Police Department.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy on May 26, 2021, emphasizing community trust and legitimacy while supporting organizations that work to prevent violence.