Daniel Lee Marshall, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Texas 2014

A former acquaintance of a well-known Navy SEAL has been found guilty of illegally possessing a firearm, officials announced today. Daniel Lee Marshall, 45, of Conroe, entered a plea of guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

The investigation into Marshall began after authorities received a complaint from former U.S. Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell regarding a possible stolen firearm. Marshall had ingratiated himself to Luttrell’s family by falsely posing as a decorated former special forces operator. Luttrell later discovered one of his pistols was missing and believed Marshall was responsible.

That investigation led to the discovery that Marshall had a prior felony conviction in Brazoria County for forgery and is, therefore, prohibited from possessing a firearm. On April 6, 2014, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Marshall’s residence in Conroe, at which time he was taken into custody. Upon that arrest, authorities discovered several firearms.

Today, Marshall admitted he illegally possessed a .223 caliber semi-automatic rifle and a Mossberg, 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun. U.S. District Judge Gray H. Miller, who accepted the guilty plea, has set sentencing for Dec. 18, 2014. At that time, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated with the assistance of the Walker County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Jocher and Jim McAlister are prosecuting.

Marshall’s actions were a betrayal of trust, particularly given his false claims of being a decorated special forces operator. His guilty plea serves as a reminder that those who deceive and manipulate others will be held accountable for their actions.

The case against Marshall is a stark reminder of the importance of background checks and the consequences of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. As the investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate, law enforcement and the courts will vigorously pursue those who violate the law and put public safety at risk.

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