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Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
District of Kansas

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Barry Grissom
, United States Attorney
Contact: Jim Cross

Wichita Man Indicted on Drug and Firearms Related Charges

Stephen Barnhart, 49, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of attempted manufacture of methamphetamine, two counts of possession of materials used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, one count of possession and distribution of chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, five counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a user of controlled substances, and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in September 2011 and December 2014 in Sedgwick County, Kan.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:

  • Attempted manufacture of methamphetamine: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000.
  • Possession of materials used to manufacture methamphetamine: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each county.
  • Possession and distribution of chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
  • Possession with intent to distribute cocaine: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million.
  • Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: A maximum penalty of five years (consecutive) and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
  • Unlawful possession of a firearm by user of controlled substances: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
  • Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine: Not less than five years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $2 million.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jacobs is prosecuting.

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Kansas City Field Division