SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A 36-year-old Carthage man pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to illegally possessing a firearm after a felony conviction, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.
Skylar Wyrick pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps Jr., federal prosecutors announced Oct. 13.
The case stems from a traffic stop by Carthage police on Oct. 3, 2025, after Wyrick was stopped for failing to display a front license plate, according to prosecutors.
During the stop, officers found drug paraphernalia, a gun magazine and ammunition on Wyrick, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Officers then searched the vehicle and found additional drug paraphernalia, substances identified as illegal narcotics and a KelTec P-32, .32-caliber firearm.
Wyrick has prior felony convictions for second-degree robbery and first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle. Both convictions carried prison sentences exceeding one year, making him prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law, according to the announcement.
Wyrick faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The court will determine the sentence after considering the applicable sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the U.S. Probation Office completes a presentence investigation, prosecutors said.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Springfield Police Department and the Carthage Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney is prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal initiative that brings together law enforcement agencies and communities to address violent crime and gun violence.
