Buckner Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking, Illegal Firearms

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Buckner, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine and for possessing firearms in furtherance of drug distribution.

Charles J. Dunne, 62, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to more than 15 years in federal prison without parole.  Dunne will serve 125 months for drug distribution and 60 months, consecutive, for possessing 29 firearms in connection with his drug distribution.

In early 2023, law enforcement received information that Dunne was distributing large quantities of narcotics from his home.  Between March 2023 and Sept. 2023, law enforcement intercepted numerous individuals who purchased narcotics from Dunne.  After obtaining a search warrant, law enforcement searched Dunne’s home and discovered large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana.  They also discovered dozens of weapons, including six functional hand grenades.  When law enforcement arrived, Dunne ingested a lethal dose of fentanyl.  Law enforcement, assisted by emergency medical services, administered lifesaving care to Dunne. 

On March 27, 2025, Dunne pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense.

Dunne has many prior narcotics-related convictions, including a federal conviction for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine in 1998. 

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Kirkpatrick.  It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Jackson County Drug Task Force.