Two KC Men Sentenced in Scheme to Steal Firearms from Vehicles

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Two Kansas City, Mo., men were sentenced in federal court today for their roles in the thefts of more than 100 firearms from numerous vehicles in the Westport entertainment district and elsewhere in the metropolitan area, which were later sold on social media accounts.

Rayquan Duane Pettaway, 25, and Roy Rushing, 27, were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays. Pettaway was sentenced to 11 years and eight months in federal prison without parole; the court ordered the federal sentence be served consecutively to Pettaway's sentence in two unrelated cases in Cass County, Mo., and Harris County, Texas. Rushing was sentenced to nine years and two months in federal prison without parole; the court ordered the federal sentence be served consecutively to Rushing's sentence in two unrelated cases in Jackson County, Mo., and Cass County. The court also ordered Pettaway and Rushing to pay $1,500 in restitution, for which all of the defendants in this case are jointly and severally liable.

On Oct. 26, 2023, Pettaway pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy to receive, possess, and dispose of stolen firearms and to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Pettaway admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to break into vehicles and steal firearms and other items. Conspirators used social media to advertise the stolen firearms for sale, which included sales to individuals who were prohibited by law from possessing firearms. According to court documents, Pettaway and his co-conspirators stole more than 100 firearms obtained from vehicle break-ins from June 18 to Nov. 19, 2021.

Pettaway also admitted that he was in possession of a Glock 9mm handgun and a Glock .40-caliber handgun when he was arrested on July 11, 2021.

Police patrol cars converged on a location in the Westport entertainment district when officers saw Pettaway and co-defendant Drevion Hooker, 22, of Kansas City, Mo., acting suspiciously. Hooker attempted to flee on foot but was detained. Pettaway fled in a silver Chevrolet Impala at a high rate of speed. Investigators attempted to follow and eventually located the Impala south of 39th Street and Central Street. Pettaway fled from the vehicle - which had sustained damage - and was apprehended. Officers found the Glock 9mm handgun on the floorboard of the driver's seat and the Glock .40-caliber handgun in the front passenger's seat of the vehicle.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Pettaway has a felony conviction for felony assault and unlawful use of a weapon.

On July 26, 2023, Rushing pleaded guilty to possessing stolen firearms. Rushing admitted he was in possession of a Radical Firearms AR-type rifle, a Glock .40-caliber handgun, and a Glock .45-caliber handgun, all of which had been reported as stolen, on Nov. 4, 2021. Federal agents found seven firearms, including the three stolen firearms, when they executed a search warrant at Rushing's residence.

Hooker was sentenced on Sept. 4, 2024, to seven years and one month in federal prison without parole.

Co-defendant Bobby Lamb, 22, was sentenced on July 27, 2024, to 11 years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the conspiracy and to possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and possessing a stolen firearm.

The final defendant in this case, Treyon Bloodsoe, 22, of Kansas City, Mo., is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, Oct. 3. Bloodsoe pleaded guilty on Oct. 26, 2023, to his role in the conspiracy and to possessing a stolen firearm.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stefan C. Hughes. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.