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Former KCMO fire captain sentenced to 6 years for illegally selling guns

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A former Kansas City, Missouri, fire captain was sentenced on Monday to six years in federal prison without parole for illegally selling guns.

James Samuels, 55, bought 77 guns from November 2013 to August 2018.

In August, Samuels pleaded guilty to seven charges against him. Those included one count of conspiracy to make false statements during the purchase of firearms, one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license, four counts of selling firearms and ammunition to persons prohibited by law from possessing them, and one count of possessing an unregistered firearm.

Samuels previously admitted he sold 47 of those guns, including 10 to 20 firearms that were sold to convicted felons.

During the investigation, it was found one of those guns was used in the 2016 homicide of Alvino Crawford.

The investigation also found Samuels would sell the guns at a low price and make anywhere from $40 to $50 in profit.

Samuels isn't eligible for parole. In addition to the six years in prison, Samuels also must pay a fine of $11,282. That total is the amount seized by law enforcement at the time of his arrest.

For jurisdictions that utilize the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline, anonymous tips can be made by calling 816-474-TIPS (8477), submitting the tip online or through the free mobile app at P3Tips.com.

Annual homicide details and data for the Kansas City area are available through the 41 Action News Homicide Tracker, which was launched in 2015. Read the 41 Action News Mug Shot Policy.