Brockton Gunrunner Whitfield Charged with Firearm Possession

A Brockton man is facing a serious sentence after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Michael Whitfield, 43, of Brockton, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition in federal court in Boston.

Whitfield is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to a prior felony conviction stemming from 2006.

On March 6, 2023, law enforcement responded to a motor vehicle accident scene in Brockton, where they found Whitfield in a vehicle with significant damage and a broken passenger door window. The airbag had deployed and there was a strong odor of alcohol coming from inside the vehicle.

Upon further search of the vehicle, a Glock 19X .9mm pistol loaded with 18 rounds of ammunition was found on the driver’s side floorboard between Whitfield’s legs.

U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Oct. 8, 2024. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today.

U.S. Attorney Levy stated, “Whitfield’s actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of others. We will continue to pursue individuals who recklessly handle firearms.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police, Brockton Police Department and the Brockton Fire Department.

The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition is a serious offense that will not be taken lightly by the court. Whitfield’s actions have consequences and he will face the full weight of the law.