KC Reporter

A Kansas City man has entered a guilty plea in federal court for his involvement in a conspiracy to steal merchandise from various stores across six states. Gary Bailey, 24, admitted guilt before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to charges of conspiring to transport and possess stolen property and interstate transportation of stolen property.

Bailey confessed that from March 2023 to January 2024, he participated in burglarizing at least 23 stores located in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. The stolen goods were brought back to Kansas City where they were either sold or distributed among family and friends. The total loss suffered by the victimized businesses is estimated to exceed $418,000.

Another conspirator, Donald Bennett, had previously pleaded guilty on April 22, 2025. He faced similar charges along with an additional count of money laundering.

As part of his plea agreement, Bailey will be required to pay restitution to the affected businesses. The exact amount will be determined during his sentencing hearing. According to federal law, Bailey could face up to ten years in prison without parole. However, the final sentence will be decided by the court based on advisory guidelines and other factors following a presentence investigation conducted by the United States Probation Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Constance is prosecuting this case which was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Olathe Police Department with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies across several states.