JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A Jefferson City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for drug-trafficking and illegally discharging a firearm.
Ardaris Webb Cheatham, 34 years old, of Jefferson City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 13 years in federal prison without parole.
Cheatham pleaded guilty on Apr. 17, 2018, to possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Cheatham admitted that as Jefferson City Police Department SWAT Team served and executed a search warrant at Cheatham’s residence, he fired one round at the SWAT Team as he retreated further into the residence. The bullet fired by Cheatham did not strike an officer. He then attempted to escape his residence through a basement door, but officers stationed outside the residence apprehended him. Approximately twenty-seven pounds of marijuana was hidden in various locations within the residence. Officers also found a Beretta.40 caliber pistol.
This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
