Brockton/East Bridgewater Outlaws President Faces Up to 10 Years in Prison for Possession of Unregistered Firearm

BOSTON - In a shocking turn of events, Bruce Sartwell, a/k/a “Monster,” 48, of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, has pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered firearm and 153 rounds of 5.56 caliber ammunition.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, on October 30, 2019, following the execution of a federal search warrant, Sartwell was arrested and charged. The search warrant was part of an investigation into Sartwell's importation of firearms and other suspicious items.

On October 19, 2019, agents intercepted a package originating in China and addressed to Sartwell that was declared as a “Fuel Filter” but actually contained a firearm silencer. A review of importation records revealed that Sartwell had received approximately 65 shipments from Asia, many of which were labeled as innocuous items that could have been more easily and cheaply purchased in the United States.

During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Sartwell is the Regional President of the Brockton/East Bridgewater Chapters of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club.

The search of Sartwell's residence uncovered a hidden compartment in the garage containing a ghost gun - a firearm without any manufacturing or serial numbers. Additionally, 153 rounds of 5.56 caliber ammunition, two firearm silencers, and other firearm-related items were found.

Sartwell pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an unregistered firearm, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for November 10, 2020.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth G. Shine and Linsey Weinstein are prosecuting the case.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Customs and Boarder Protection, Massachusetts State Police, East Bridgewater Police Department, Bristol County Sheriff's Office, and the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Agency provided assistance with the investigation.