Man pleads guilty on weapons charge

A Jefferson City man pleaded guilty Friday in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Jeramie Ingram, 24, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matt J. Whitworth. Sentencing will take place at a later date. Ingram faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison and a possible fine of up to $250,000.

According to court documents, the Jefferson City Police Department received information on July 31 from a confidential informant that Ingram, a convicted felon, always carried a gun. At approximately 1:30 p.m., Ingram was observed walking on McCarty Street near the Jefferson City Police Department.

An officer saw Ingram walking, approached him and asked if he could speak with him. Ingram agreed, stopped and began talking to the officer. The officer advised Ingram that "the word on the street" was that he carried a firearm. Ingram became increasingly tense, and seemed to shield his right side. Ingram stated he did not have a gun, but denied consent to search.

Based on the reliable information received, the officer advised Ingram that he would be patted down. As the officer began to conduct the pat down, Ingram cupped his right front jean pocket and moved that side away from the officer. The officer placed his hand on Ingram's right front pocket and felt what the officer recognized to be a small semi-automatic pistol. Ingram pushed the officer away and tried to run. A struggle ensued, but Ingram was ultimately taken to the ground.

After Ingram was handcuffed, a Smith and Wesson, Bodyguard .380 caliber pistol was removed from his right front pocket. The magazine contained six rounds, which matched the bullet in the chamber. The exterior serial number was obliterated making it necessary to obtain the serial number from the internal assembly. The firearm was determined to have been stolen from a residence in Holts Summit between Feb. 27 and March 1.

Officers interviewed Ingram at the Cole County Jail, where he said he knew it was illegal for him to possess firearms. He said he got the firearm a couple months ago from a guy who was trying to get rid of it. Ingram said he paid $120 for the firearm and the serial number was scratched when he bought the gun. Ingram said he knew the gun was likely stolen and that he needed the gun because he had problems with "some guys."

Ingram was previously convicted of felony possession of a controlled substance in 2010 and felony distribution/possession of a controlled substance in 2011.