Show-Me State Times

A federal jury in Kansas City, Missouri, has convicted Brandon R. Haywood, 47, of drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The verdict was delivered on September 24, 2025, following a two-day trial before U.S. District Judge D. Greg Kays.

Haywood was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The case began when law enforcement responded to a store in Independence, Missouri, on February 4, 2023, for a reported sexual assault involving Haywood as the suspect. On February 15, 2023, Haywood returned to the same location and was arrested by officers. His vehicle was seized pending a search warrant.

During the search of his vehicle, investigators found a Glock Model 23 .40 caliber firearm, Haywood’s wallet, and about 30 grams of cocaine in the center console. Prior to this incident, Haywood had been convicted of voluntary manslaughter in Jackson County Circuit Court.

Following the evidence presented at trial, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts charged against Haywood.

"Under federal statutes, Haywood is subject to a sentence of up to life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the 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," according to information from prosecutors.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashleigh Ragner and Jessica Jennings are prosecuting the case. The Independence Police Department conducted the investigation.