Charges for Jefferson City Man After Weapons Seized

A Jefferson City man has been charged in federal court with illegally possessing firearms after law enforcement officers confiscated 50 weapons from him, including several stolen guns.

32-year-old Jeremy L. Roark was charged with being a felon in possession of firearms. An investigation into Roark began after a Jefferson City pawn shop reported he had tried to sell them six weapons, and discussed having as many as 70 additional firearms for sale.

The United States Attorney's Office says Roark has prior felony convictions for distributing or manufacturing a controlled substance and a prior felony conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol. Roark also has been charged with first degree assault and is on bond in that case.

Press release from the Department of Justice

Tom Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Jefferson City, Mo., man who tried to sell firearms to a local pawn shop was charged in federal court today with illegally possessing firearms after law enforcement officers confiscated 50 weapons from him, including several stolen guns.

Jeremy L. Roark, 32, of Jefferson City, was charged with being a felon in possession of firearms in a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Jefferson City, Mo.

Today’s federal criminal complaint alleges that Roark was in possession of a Colt .45-caliber revolver on Dec. 15, 2017.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the complaint, Roark attempted to sell six firearms to River City Pawn and Gun in Jefferson City on Dec. 15, 2017. The owner told police officers that Roark brought six firearms to the business: a Colt .45-caliber revolver, a Taurus .38-caliber revolver, a Sig Sauer .45-caliber pistol, a Ruger .22-caliber revolver, a Ruger .357-caliber magnum revolver and a Ruger .45-caliber revolver. Roark also allegedly discussed having as many as 70 additional firearms for sale that he could bring to River City Pawn and Gun. The owner didn’t pay Roark for the six guns that were left, and after having no contact with Roark, called the police on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017.

The next day, investigators interviewed Roark, who acknowledged that he had taken the guns to River City Pawn and Gun. Roark also admitted that he had been a weekly user of methamphetamine for approximately two years.

According to court documents, law enforcement officers recovered approximately 50 firearms from Roark during the course of the investigation. At this time, the investigation has determined that four of those firearms were stolen.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Roark has prior felony convictions for distributing or manufacturing a controlled substance and a prior felony conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol. Roark also has been charged with first degree assault and is on bond in that case.

Larson cautioned that the charge contained in this complaint is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt.

This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.