Show-Me State Times

An Independence, Missouri man has pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and drug user. Dustin Edward Talbott, also known as “Chunky Dunker,” 40, admitted he knew about his prior felony conviction and drug use when he possessed a Ranger, Model 101-11A, .22 caliber rifle in Independence.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri, on April 8, 2024, an officer with the Independence Police Department saw a Chevy Cobalt with stolen plates. The officer identified Talbott as the driver after he parked at a convenience store. Backup officers detained Talbott and two passengers. Officers found that Talbott had an outstanding warrant and no valid driver’s license. They decided to tow the vehicle due to invalid plates.

During an inventory search before towing the car, police found the .22 caliber rifle on the floorboard between the driver’s seat and door. Officers also discovered a methamphetamine pipe on the driver’s side floorboard and two syringes in a passenger-door compartment. A box of .22 caliber ammunition was located in the glove box.

At first, Talbott denied owning the firearm but later admitted putting it in the trunk earlier. In an interview with detectives, Talbott claimed another person was shooting into a homeless camp that morning using the rifle. He also admitted using methamphetamine—referred to as “ice”—and acknowledged being prohibited from possessing firearms due to his felony record.

Talbott faces up to 15 years in federal prison without parole under federal statutes. The actual sentence will be determined by Judge Greg Kays based on advisory guidelines following a presentence investigation by U.S. Probation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Kirkpatrick are prosecuting this case following an investigation by Independence Police Department.

The prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, which brings together resources from several Department of Justice initiatives aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling criminal organizations, and reducing violent crime through programs such as OCDETFs and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).