KC Reporter

A Springfield, Missouri man has admitted guilt in federal court for the illegal possession of a firearm. Jayden Isaac Simmonds, 19, entered his plea before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool, acknowledging his status as an unlawful user of controlled substances while possessing a firearm.

Simmonds confessed to having a stolen Smith and Wesson 10mm semi-automatic pistol and disclosed his daily marijuana use and opioid addiction. He also identified himself as a member of the local gang "1500."

An affidavit filed with the original complaint against Simmonds details that investigators conducted test-firing of the pistol, submitting the casings to the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) for analysis. These test-fired cartridges matched shell casings recovered from two separate shootings in Springfield in August 2024. The first incident occurred on August 4, 2024, on West Brower Street, where unknown suspects shot at an occupied residence multiple times without causing injuries. The second shooting took place on August 14, 2024, on North Prospect Avenue during a disturbance resulting in shots fired at another residence with no injuries reported.

Upon arrest, Simmonds informed investigators of his long-term marijuana use since he was approximately 11 or 12 years old and revealed an addiction to opioids and fentanyl usage.

Federal statutes stipulate that Simmonds could face up to 15 years in federal prison without parole. However, this maximum statutory sentence is provided for informational purposes only; the actual sentencing will be determined by the court based on advisory sentencing guidelines and other factors after completing a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan prosecuted this case following investigations by several law enforcement agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Christian County Sheriff's Department; and Springfield Police Department.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement levels and community service organizations.