Joplin Man Scheduled for Change of Plea Hearing in Federal Weapons Case

A Joplin, Missouri, man with a history of violent felony convictions is scheduled to appear before a federal judge next week for a change of plea hearing in a case involving a loaded firearm discovered after a police chase.

Quincy E. Richards, 38, is slated to appear at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri in Springfield, according to court documents. The hearing, officially termed a "change of plea hearing," indicates that Richards is expected to formally change his plea from not guilty to guilty, likely as part of a negotiated agreement with federal prosecutors.

A Felon in Possession of a Firearm

Richards was indicted earlier this year by a federal grand jury on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). The federal charge stems from a September 9, 2025, incident in Carthage, Missouri, where law enforcement first encountered Richards.

Details of the Incident

According to a detention motion filed on March 23, 2026, a corporal with the Carthage Police Department responded to a call about fraud in progress at a financial institution located at 325 West George E. Phelps Blvd. Upon arrival, the officer observed a man, later identified as Richards, in a gold sedan at the drive-through of Community Bank and Trust. Bank officials reported that Richards was attempting to cash a stolen check.

When the officer attempted to make contact, Richards fled in the vehicle, initiating a police pursuit. The chase ended shortly after when Richards crashed the sedan. He then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot into a nearby wooded area before being taken into custody.

During an inventory search of the vehicle, law enforcement discovered a black backpack in the trunk containing a tan and black Palmetto State Armory 9mm Model Dagger Compact semi-automatic firearm with serial number "JJE71071." One round was in the chamber, though no magazine was in the weapon. Two high-capacity magazines were also found in the backpack: a 40-round magazine loaded with 16 rounds and a 25-round magazine loaded with 14 rounds.

Admission and Prior Convictions

After being read his Miranda rights, Richards agreed to speak with law enforcement and admitted ownership of the firearm. He stated that he had purchased the weapon from a man he knew as "Evertt Glenn Britt". Richards also admitted to being a daily user of methamphetamine, typically consuming two to three grams per day.

Court records show Richards has three prior felony convictions: Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance, Felony Robbery, and Felony Burglary. All three convictions carried sentences exceeding one year in Missouri, making Richards a person prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law.

Federal Law and Potential Consequences

The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm is a serious federal offense. Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), it is illegal for any person who has been convicted of a felony to possess any firearm or ammunition that has been transported in interstate commerce.

While the statutory maximum penalty for a standard violation is up to 15 years in federal prison, Richards could face more severe consequences due to his prior criminal history. His three prior felony convictions, including the violent felony of second-degree robbery, could trigger the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA). Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(e), a defendant with three prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years to life in federal prison.

Prosecutors noted in their detention motion that Richards’ "violent and dangerous criminal history, plus his acts that prove him a flight risk," made him both a danger to the community and a flight risk. They highlighted that when law enforcement attempted to contact him, he immediately fled, leading to a dangerous pursuit that ended with him crashing his vehicle.

What Is a Change of Plea Hearing?

A change of plea hearing is a formal proceeding before a federal judge. At this hearing, the defendant appears before the court to change their initial plea, typically from "not guilty" to "guilty." During the hearing, the judge will ensure that the defendant fully understands the rights they are waiving by pleading guilty and that the plea is being entered knowingly, voluntarily, and with a factual basis. Such hearings often indicate that the defendant has reached a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Conclusion

As Quincy Richards prepares for his upcoming change of plea hearing, the case underscores the serious consequences felons face when found in possession of firearms under federal law. With a violent criminal history and the presence of a loaded weapon during a fraud-related police pursuit, Richards now faces the prospect of significant federal prison time when he appears before the court on June 17, 2026.

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Disclaimer: All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on court documents and public records.