A Denver man has been convicted by a federal jury in Springfield, Missouri, for trafficking fentanyl and illegally possessing firearms. Jason S. Thompson, 50, was found guilty of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms.
The incident occurred on August 30, 2024, when officers from the Nixa Police Department approached Thompson as he camped in a minivan at the parking lot of a Walmart in Nixa, Missouri. According to authorities, Thompson initially gave officers false identification information. When officers attempted to arrest him, he fled on foot but was quickly apprehended. After providing his real name and details, officers discovered that Thompson had an outstanding federal probation and parole warrant.
A search led to the discovery of cocaine and over $1,000 in cash on Thompson’s person. In his vehicle, police found two loaded firearms, drug paraphernalia, and nearly 140 grams of fentanyl pills.
Thompson’s criminal record includes previous felony convictions for methamphetamine distribution with intent to distribute, being a felon in possession of a firearm, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and theft.
After two hours of deliberation following a trial that began January 5th before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts. Sentencing will be determined by the court after completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. Under federal law set by Congress for these offenses, Thompson faces between 15 years and life imprisonment without parole; however actual sentencing will be based on advisory guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron A. Beaver and James J. Kelleher along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Lucas prosecuted the case. The investigation involved the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Nixa Police Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence through cooperation among law enforcement agencies at all levels alongside community organizations working toward violence prevention.
