KC Reporter

A man from Florissant, Missouri, appeared in court following an indictment accusing him of possessing firearms after a prior felony conviction. Jerald Cortez Harris, Jr., aged 27, faces charges as a felon in possession of firearms. The federal grand jury in Jefferson City returned the indictment on May 13, 2025.

The unsealed indictment details that between March 14 and March 27, 2025, Harris allegedly possessed two firearms: a Glock model 30 .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun and a Beretta model APX A1 Compact 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. Under federal law, individuals with prior felony convictions are prohibited from possessing firearms.

"The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations," the release states. "Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Kummerer is prosecuting the case. The investigation was conducted by the Columbia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration among law enforcement agencies and communities. On May 26, 2021, an updated strategy for PSN was launched by the Department to strengthen efforts based on core principles such as fostering community trust and setting strategic enforcement priorities.