A 20-year-old Kansas City resident and known gang member, Ban N. To, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison without the possibility of parole. U.S. District Judge Greg Kays handed down the sentence on Wednesday, Jan. 31. To pleaded guilty to charges of fentanyl trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, and possession of a machine gun, in a case that connects drug trafficking with violent crime.
The authorities initiated an investigation into To’s activities shortly after the Westport shooting. This led to the discovery of his involvement in the distribution of fentanyl. On June 21, 2023, To confessed to possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, as well as carrying firearms during drug-trafficking activities. Additionally, he admitted to possessing a machine gun. During To’s arrest, law enforcement officers conducted a search of a red Toyota Highlander linked to him. The search resulted in the discovery of a cache of weapons, which included a stolen Taurus .45-caliber handgun, a Glock 9mm, a Polymer80 9mm handgun lacking a serial number, and a Glock .40-caliber handgun that had been modified for automatic fire.
After conducting a thorough investigation, it was discovered that nine more firearms were recovered and found to be connected to To. One of these firearms, a Romarm/Cugir Mini-Draco 7.62x39mm pistol, was confirmed through ballistics analysis to have been used in the homicide on April 15. Additionally, To’s DNA was found on the trigger of the weapon, providing conclusive evidence of his involvement in the crime.
To, a member of the notorious Money Gang, a violent gang in the city, is now facing the repercussions of his actions in a case that highlights the connection between drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, and gang-related violence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther played a key role in prosecuting the case, while the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department took the lead in the investigation.
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