TODD P. GRAVES

JUNE 1, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UPDATE: PROJECT CEASEFIRE
CLINTON, MARSHALL, GRANT CITY, KC FELONS INDICTED FOR ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF FIREARMS

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Todd P. Graves, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that several felons were indicted by a federal grand jury today, in separate and unrelated cases, for illegally possessing firearms. Today's indictments are part of Project Ceasefire, the district's ongoing anti-crime initiative.

* William H. Albin, 38, of Clinton, Mo., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Kansas City for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The federal indictment alleges that Albin was in possession of a Savage 30-06 rifle on April 14, 2004. Under federal law, Graves explained, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Albin has seven 1991 criminal felony convictions for forgery and passing bad checks and two 1986 criminal felony convictions for forgery and receiving stolen property.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda L. Sybrant. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

* Joe L. Welch, 28, of Marshall, Mo., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Kansas City for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The federal indictment alleges that Welch was in possession of a Montgomery Wards 20-gauge shotgun on Jan. 1, 2004. Under federal law, Graves explained, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Welch has two 2001 criminal felony convictions for driving while his license was suspended and assault.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda L. Sybrant. It was investigated by the Saline County, Mo., Sheriff's Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

* Jarrod W. Hill, 38, of Kansas City, Mo., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Kansas City for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The federal indictment alleges that Hill was in possession of a Colt Junior Pocket .22-caliber pistol on Aug. 2, 2003. Under federal law, Graves explained, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Hill has a 1998 criminal felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance, a 1997 criminal felony conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, a 1991 criminal felony conviction for burglary and two 1985 criminal felony convictions for burglary and theft.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda L. Sybrant. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

* Roger S. Behrens, 45, of Grant City, Mo., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Kansas City for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Count One of the federal indictment alleges that Behrens was in possession of ammunition on May 12, 2004. Count Two of the federal indictment alleges that Behrens was in possession of a Remington .270-caliber rifle and ammunition on May 12, 2004. Under federal law, Graves explained, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Behrens has a 1994 criminal felony conviction for driving while intoxicated.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jess E. Michaelsen. It was investigated by the Worth County, Mo., Sheriff's Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the NITRO Task Force.

* Seno J. Carter, 44, of Kansas City, Mo., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Kansas City for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The federal indictment alleges that Carter was in possession of a Savage Arms bolt-action .22 caliber rifle on Feb. 24, 2004. Under federal law, Graves explained, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Carter has three 1992 criminal felony convictions for sale of a controlled substance, a 1992 criminal felony conviction for trafficking and a 1982 criminal felony conviction for robbery.

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

Graves cautioned that the charges contained in these indictments 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.

Project Ceasefire

Project Ceasefire, launched in October 1999, is a cooperative initiative by federal and
local law enforcement and the Kansas City Crime Commission that targets for federal prosecution persons who unlawfully use or possess firearms.

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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the United States Attorney
for the Western District of Missouri, is available on-line at
www.usdoj.gov/usao/mow