Lawrence Rutherford, Illegal Firearm Possession, Massachusetts 2023

Agency: ATF
Category: Weapons
Source: <a href="https://www.atf.gov/news/press-releases/worcester-man-sentenced-illegal-possession-firearm" style="color:#cc0000;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Official Press Release

WORCESTER, MA – Lawrence Rutherford, 42, of Worcester, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced today for illegally possessing firearms and a massive cache of ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni handed down a 78-month sentence, followed by three years of supervised release.

The case stems from a June 2019 raid on Rutherford’s residence. Federal agents discovered two loaded .22 caliber pistols and a staggering 613 rounds of ammunition. Rutherford, already a convicted felon, was clearly in violation of federal law prohibiting him from owning such weapons.

Prosecutors revealed that Rutherford’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions – each carrying a sentence of more than a year – making him ineligible to possess firearms or ammunition. The details of those prior convictions were not immediately released.

“This sentencing sends a clear message: those with a history of violent crime who attempt to arm themselves will face serious consequences,” stated Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led the investigation, with crucial support from the Worcester Police Department.

James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Boston Field Division, emphasized the agency’s commitment to keeping dangerous weapons out of the hands of convicted felons. Interim Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier also lauded the collaborative effort that brought Rutherford to justice.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Greg A. Friedholm and John T. Mulcahy of the Criminal Division successfully prosecuted the case, securing the conviction and lengthy sentence. The raid and subsequent legal proceedings highlight the ongoing federal efforts to combat gun violence and hold repeat offenders accountable in Massachusetts.

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