Judge Sentences Randolph County Man For Being A Felon In Possession Of A Firearm

From the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Missouri:

November 2, 2020

ST. LOUIS, MO – United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel sentenced Shon Diegan to 60 months in prison today. The 47-year-old Moberly, Missouri resident pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On September 28, 2019, a Chariton County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a complaint of an armed man trespassing on private property in Salisbury, Missouri. The deputy arrived and found Diegan sitting inside a cattle corral with a rifle by his side. When the deputy entered the corral, Diegan placed the rifle in his lap. The deputy ordered Diegan to put down the rifle and Diegan refused. Diegan told the deputy he was going to shoot himself. The deputy tried to disarm Diegan, but the two began to struggle. Diegan pulled on the rifle sending the muzzle into the dirt where the weapon discharged.

Diegan surrendered after an officer from the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrived to help. Officers took Diegan into custody and seized the rifle in his possession. Investigators learned the firearm was recently stolen.

“I am grateful the brave and well-trained officers came home safely,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.

The Chariton County Sheriff’s Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey Ogden handled the case.

This press release was produced by the US Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Missouri. The views expressed here are the author’s own.