Columbia Man Admits to Gun Offense

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to possession of a firearm after a prior felony conviction.

Gerrell Eugene Lawrence, 30, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., admitting that he possessed a Glock 27, .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun on Oct. 1, 2025, in Columbia, Mo. Due to a prior felony conviction, Lawrence is not permitted to possess a firearm.

Under federal statutes, Lawrence is subject to up to 15 years’ imprisonment for his possession of a firearm after a prior felony conviction. This maximum sentence is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes, but Lawrence’s ultimate sentence will be determined by the court based on advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Kummerer. It was investigated by the Columbia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.