KC Reporter

A federal jury in Kansas City, Missouri, has convicted Brandon R. Haywood, 47, on charges related to drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession. The verdict was delivered on September 24, 2025, following a two-day trial before U.S. District Judge D. Greg Kays.

Haywood was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The case began when law enforcement responded to a report of sexual assault at a store in Independence, Missouri, on February 4, 2023. Haywood was identified as the suspect. He returned to the same location on February 15, 2023, where officers arrested him. His vehicle was seized for a search warrant. Upon searching the vehicle, investigators found a Glock Model 23 .40 caliber handgun, Haywood’s wallet, and about 30 grams of cocaine in the center console. At the time of his arrest, Haywood had previously been convicted of voluntary manslaughter in Jackson County Circuit Court.

After reviewing evidence presented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashleigh Ragner and Jessica Jennings and an investigation by the Independence Police Department, the jury reached guilty verdicts on all counts.

According to federal statutes, Haywood faces up to life imprisonment without parole. The actual sentence will be determined by the court after consideration of advisory sentencing guidelines and statutory factors once a presentence investigation is completed by the United States Probation Office.

"This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashleigh Ragner and Jessica Jennings. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department."