In federal court: Cape Girardeau man found guilty of firearms charges

The U.S. attorney's office released the following information Monday for defendants who appeared before U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr.

Found guilty

Name: Robert E. Simmons

Residence: Cape Girardeau

Charges: Being a felon in possession of a firearm

Summary: According to trial testimony, Simmons was the driver of a vehicle that was stopped for a traffic violation by Cape Girardeau police officers May 4, 2011. He consented to a search of that vehicle and officers found a handgun under the passenger seat. Simmons told an Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent he had acquired the handgun from another felon about four days earlier. Due to his previous felony convictions, Simmons is prohibited from possessing firearms. He was found guilty following a one-day jury trial and now faces a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for Oct. 15.