Government asks for 9-year sentence for Joplin man on weapons charge

In a sentencing memorandum filed today in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, the U. S. attorney asked for a 9-year sentence for Tanner Enochs, 31, Joplin, who pleaded guilty October 16 to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Given the defendant’s significant criminal history, and apparent belief that he is above the law, a meaningful sentence is appropriate to deter both the defendant and others from engaging in such crimes. A sentence of 108-months’ imprisonment will unquestionably prevent the defendant from committing additional crimes for the length of his incarceration. Presumably, the recognition that there is a serious consequence for failing to abide by the law will deter the defendant from committing future illegal acts.

Enochs' criminal history was detailed in the memorandum.

The defendant now appears before the Court having been convicted of a felony offense for the third time since 2019. 

In addition to the felony convictions, the defendant has been convicted of nearly 20 misdemeanor offenses. The defendant is currently the subject of multiple arrest warrants issued in connection with prosecutions in other jurisdictions. 

At the time of the offense, the defendant was on probation for three counts of possessing a controlled substance, second degree burglary, and unlawful use of a weapon.

Enochs was initially arrested May 17, 2023 by the Joplin Police Department following a pursuit that began with Enochs on a motorcycle and later continued on foot until he was captured with a stolen gun in a holster.

Sentencing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. June 17 in Springfield.

Information from the probable cause affidavit in the federal case can be found at the link below:

The Turner Report: Change of plea hearing set for Joplin man on federal weapons charge (rturner229.blogspot.com)