A 26-year-old Kansas City man, Kentrail M. Collins, pleaded guilty in federal court today to his involvement in a string of armed robberies across Missouri. The crime spree, which spanned four days in January 2023, targeted gas stations and convenience stores, leaving a trail of fear and stolen goods in its wake.
Collins admitted to conspiring with others to commit the robberies, personally participating in five armed holdups between January 5th and 8th, 2023. Among the businesses he targeted were a Petromart in Columbia, a Breaktime in Boonville, a Casey’s in Oak Grove, another Casey’s in Joplin, and Lamarti’s Truck Stop in Lamar.
In addition to the robbery charges, Collins pleaded guilty to brandishing a firearm during the crimes and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Authorities recovered a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol with an extended magazine from Collins. His prior felony convictions for burglary, robbery, and resisting arrest prohibited him from possessing any firearms…