KC Reporter

An Independence, Missouri man has pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally possessing a firearm as both a convicted felon and an illicit drug user. Dustin Edward Talbott, also known as “Chunky Dunker,” 40, entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays.

According to the court proceedings, Talbott admitted that he was aware of his status as a convicted felon and an illicit drug user when he knowingly possessed a Ranger Model 101-11A .22 caliber rifle in Independence, Missouri.

The incident leading to Talbott’s arrest occurred on April 8, 2024. An officer with the Independence Police Department observed a Chevy Cobalt with stolen license plates at approximately 1:36 p.m. The driver, later identified as Talbott, parked at a convenience store where officers detained him and two passengers after backup arrived. During the investigation, officers found that Talbott had an outstanding warrant for his arrest and lacked a valid driver’s license. Because the vehicle could not legally be driven without valid plates, police decided to tow it.

Before towing the car, officers conducted an inventory search and discovered the .22 caliber rifle on the floorboard between the driver’s seat and door. They also found a methamphetamine pipe on the driver’s side floorboard and two syringes in a passenger-door compartment. A box of .22 caliber ammunition was located in the glove box.

At the scene, Talbott denied owning the firearm but admitted to previously placing it in the trunk of the vehicle. Later during an interview with detectives, he stated that another person had fired the rifle into a homeless camp earlier that morning. He also acknowledged using methamphetamine—referred to by its street name “ice”—and confirmed his status as a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms.

Under federal law, Talbott faces up to 15 years in prison without parole for these offenses. The actual sentence will be determined by the court following completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Kirkpatrick are prosecuting this case, which was investigated by the Independence Police Department.

The case is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative led by the Department of Justice focused on combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and addressing violent crime through coordinated efforts involving Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).