KC Reporter

Federal authorities have charged two men, Kurbin Menaugh, 36, and Robert Terry, 44, with offenses related to methamphetamine distribution. The indictment, which was unsealed after Menaugh's arrest and initial court appearance earlier this week in Kansas City, alleges that both men conspired in early September 2021 to possess at least 50 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

Additionally, Menaugh is charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. If found guilty, both defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison. Menaugh could receive an additional mandatory minimum sentence of five years for the firearm charge. The actual sentence will be determined by the court according to federal sentencing guidelines and other legal factors following a presentence investigation.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office: "The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence."

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Kirkpatrick is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Independence Police Department.

The case falls under Operation Take Back America. According to the release: "This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN)."