KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City area man was sentenced in federal court last week for illegally possessing a firearm.
Hunter A. Fanara, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 96 months in federal prison without parole for being a felon in possession of a firearms, according to the United State's Attorney.
On July 8, 2025, Fanara pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly being a felon in possession of a firearm on Mar. 19, 2024. On that date, Fanara was driving near the intersection of South Crysler and West Haward Avenue in Independence, Mo. An Independence, Mo., Police Department Officer pulled Fanara over for a stop sign violation.
During the traffic stop, Fanara abruptly exited the vehicle and shut and locked the car door. Fanara then walked towards the patrol car with his hands in his pockets. The officer questioned Fanara and learned that Fanara had a revoked license. Fanara reported that the vehicle he was driving belonged to another person and he could not provide consent to search the vehicle, but the officer had not requested to search the vehicle.
Due to Fanara having a revoked license and an outstanding warrant, officers arrested Fanara. Officers later learned that the vehicle had been reported as stolen. Officers conducted an inventory search of the vehicle prior to having it towed and they discovered a loaded Taurus, Model G3, 9mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol, in the driver’s door cubby.
Officers also found multiple baggies containing methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin and a couple of pills. Pursuant to the plea agreement, the defendant admitted that he knowingly possessed the recovered firearm and that he knew he had previously been convicted of a felony offense. In the plea agreement, Fanara also admitted that on Mar. 20, 2025, he knowingly possessed another firearm, specifically an Erma/Excam, Model RX22, .22 LR caliber, semi-automatic pistol, that Independence, Mo. Police Officers recovered during an investigation of another traffic violation involving Fanara.