Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A Springfield man will spend a total of 25 years in federal prison after he had guns while selling drugs three years ago.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office says Kevin Gibbs, 41, was sentenced recently to 240 months in prison on several drug and weapons charges, and another 60 months on another drug trafficking-related charge.
Federal prosecutors believe that Gibbs had a gun in his possession during a drug sale in May, 2023, and that it was likely used during a shooting at a local IHOP restaurant.
A federal judge reportedly believed that Gibbs, a convicted felon, was an armed career criminal, and that the IHOP shooting made an enhanced sentence necessary.
A federal grand jury had indicted Gibbs in September, 2023, on charges including possessing a firearm as a felon, possessing cocaine with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
“Armed felons and drug dealers pose a great risk to the community, and my office will continue to work with local officials to ensure violent offenders are held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory Gilmore, in a news release. “This case is an excellent example of how the federal government can support law enforcement, like the Springfield Police Department, by providing resources that help solve crimes.”
