SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A local business owner has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of unlawful possession of firearms and making false statements during their acquisition. Marco Lorimer Denis, 49, owner of Springfield Property LLC, faces a trio of charges stemming from an investigation that underscores ongoing issues of firearm ownership legality and enforcement.
The indictment issued in Springfield details serious infractions related to Denis allegedly possessing eight firearms, a direct violation of federal law due to Denis’s prior misdemeanor conviction for domestic assault. The indictment not only revives earlier charges but also introduces two additional accusations related to Denis’s procurement of firearms.
Springfield Property LLC is known in the community for managing retail and commercial rental spaces, notably including facilities at Plaza Towers in Springfield. This heightens interest in Denis’s legal troubles given his prominent business role.
According to the allegations, between December 17, 2020, and July 16, 2024, Denis illegally held an array of firearms comprising different models of shotguns, pistols, and a revolver. This arsenal included a Standard Manufacturing shotgun, a Maverick by Mossberg shotgun, and various pistols from Ruger, Smith & Wesson, Canik, Sig Sauer, Bersa, as well as a Charter Arms revolver.
The legal restrictions Denis allegedly broke are severe due to their implications for public safety. A prior conviction for domestic assault involving a family member automatically disqualifies individuals from firearm possession under federal statutes, aimed at preventing violent offenders from accessing weapons.
Further complicating his legal situation, Denis is accused of falsifying statements on official documents. When acquiring a Canik pistol and a Sig Sauer pistol, he declared he had no past convictions for misdemeanor domestic violence, claims that were reportedly untrue.
The investigation, led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in conjunction with the Springfield Police Department, highlights the rigorous scrutiny of gun purchases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan is prosecuting the case, reflecting its significance on both a local and national level.
This case could potentially ignite further discussions on how businesses and their owners are scrutinized under federal law, particularly in sensitive areas such as firearm ownership. The actions taken by federal authorities may also serve as a reminder of the stringent checks imposed to prevent the escalation of domestic violence through firearm accessibility.
Legal experts suggest that the outcome of this case could set important precedents regarding enforcement of laws prohibiting gun possession among individuals with histories of domestic violence. As the proceedings continue, the community and legal observers will closely monitor how judicial systems manage the complex interplay between business ownership, personal conduct, and public safety.