Missouri men face firearms charges linked to Kenosha unrest
Michael Karmo, Cody Smith
KENOSHA - Two men from Missouri face federal firearms charges linked to unrest in Kenosha following the police shooting of Jacob Blake on Aug. 23.
According to a news release from the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Michael Karmo, 40, and Cody Smith, 33 were arrested Sept. 1 at a hotel in Pleasant Prairie.
Missouri men face firearms charges linked to Kenosha unrest: Prosecutors shared these images from Michael Karmo's social media
They've been charged with illegal possession of firearms.
According to prosecutors, the Kenosha Police Department advised FBI that a law enforcement agency in Iowa had received a tip that Karmo and an unidentified male were in possession of firearms and traveling from Missouri to Kenosha.
FBI agents subsequently located and detained Karmo and Smith at a hotel in Pleasant Prairie.
Missouri men face firearms charges linked to Kenosha unrest: Prosecutors shared these images from Michael Karmo's social media
After receiving consent to search Karmo and Smith’s vehicle and hotel room, FBI agents recovered an Armory AR-15 assault rifle, a Mossberg 500 AB 12-Gauge shotgun, two handguns, a silencer, ammunition, body armor, a drone and other materials, prosecutors say.
The news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office noted Karmo has prior felony convictions. Smith has a prior misdemeanor domestic battery conviction and acknowledged regular drug use.
Missouri men face firearms charges linked to Kenosha unrest: Prosecutors shared these images from Michael Karmo's social media
Consequently, both were prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition on Sept. 1.
The criminal complaint charges Karmo with violating 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (Felon in Possession of a Firearm).
The criminal complaint charges Smith with violating 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 2 (Aiding and Abetting a Felon’s Possession of Firearms); 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9) (Possession of Firearms and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person – Misdemeanor Domestic Violence); and 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3) (Possession of Firearms and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person – Unlawful User of a Controlled Substance).
Each of these offenses carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 and up to three years of supervision after release from prison.
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