Christopher T. Brown, Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition, New Hampshire 2024

CONCORD, N.H. – Christopher T. Brown, 38, of Dover, New Hampshire, has confessed to illegally possessing four firearms and ammunition, a crime that could land him in federal prison for up to 15 years. Brown pleaded guilty in federal court this week, admitting he knew full well he wasn’t allowed to own guns as a convicted felon.

The case began unraveling on January 9, 2023, when Dover police responded to a domestic disturbance at Brown’s residence. Brown’s spouse contacted emergency services, reporting an argument and that Brown had pointed a gun at his own head. During a subsequent search of the home, officers discovered a small arsenal: two pistols, a .40 caliber rifle, and a brutally shortened 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun, alongside a cache of ammunition.

Brown didn’t just own the weapons illegally; he actively worked to conceal their origins. According to court documents, Brown admitted to enlisting a “straw purchaser” – someone with a clean record – to buy three of the firearms on his behalf. He then allegedly instructed that individual to file a false police report claiming the guns had been stolen, a desperate attempt to cover his tracks.

Federal prosecutors say Brown’s actions represent a blatant disregard for the law and a serious threat to public safety. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) took the lead on the investigation, with crucial support from the Dover Police Department. The agency has been increasingly focused on tracing illegal firearms and disrupting straw purchasing schemes.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case, and will argue for a substantial sentence at the May 14, 2024 hearing before U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe. The potential penalties for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition are severe: a maximum of 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The final sentence will be determined based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant federal statutes.

This case highlights the continued flow of illegal weapons into communities and the lengths to which some individuals will go to obtain them. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, led by Jane E. Young, remains committed to prosecuting those who violate federal gun laws and endanger the public. The ATF Boston Field Division contributed significantly to the investigation.

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