Frederickton, Missouri Man Sentenced on Federal Weapons Charges

St. Louis, MO – JASON THOMAS MILLS, Frederickton, MO, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison on two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On July 12, 2014, deputies with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office became aware that Mills was keeping a stolen truck at his residence.  The deputies went to the residence and saw the stolen truck.  Shortly thereafter, Mills arrived in another vehicle and the deputies approached him.  Mills attempted to drive away, while the deputies clung to the doors of the vehicle.  When one of the deputies finally pulled the keys from the ignition, Mills exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

Mills ultimately turned, faced the deputies, and stated, “I’m going to shoot you.”  The deputies wrestled Mills to the ground, where they saw a red laser emitting from Mills’ pocket.  Mills reached into the pocket, attempting to retrieve a handgun.  The deputies removed a Smith & Wesson .380 caliber pistol from Mills’ pocket.  A search of the vehicle revealed a digital scale, metal spoons with residue, a baggie containing methamphetamine, a syringe, empty baggies and a plastic bag containing pseudoephedrine pills.

On June 22, 2010, deputies with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department were engaged in a pursuit of a stolen truck.  Mills, the driver of the truck, wrecked the truck and fled on foot.  Inside the truck, deputies found methamphetamine lab components, which Mills used to manufacture methamphetamine, and a pouch containing .38 caliber ammunition.

Shortly thereafter, Mills was observed operating another stolen vehicle in Union, Missouri.  He fled on foot and was found trying to hide in a nearby bush.  A Rossi/Taurus .38 caliber pistol was found in the bush next to Mills.  The pistol, possessed by Mills, was loaded with .38 caliber ammunition identical to that found in the stolen truck.  

Mills pled guilty in September to two felony counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  He appeared today for sentencing before United States District Judge Henry E. Autrey.

This case was investigated by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant United States Attorney Cristian M. Stevens handled the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.