GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – Matthew Cameron Day Bolden, 24, and William Henry Watson, 22, both of Battle Creek, Michigan, pled guilty on January 28 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan to one count of theft of firearms from a federally licensed dealer.
The crime took place on September 6, 2014, when Bolden, Watson, and their accomplice, James Maurice Lucas, 19, broke into U.S. Lumber Company in Battle Creek, armed with two semiautomatic pistols. The trio shattered display cases containing semiautomatic pistols and revolvers, stealing a total of 26 firearms.
“Stealing firearms from a federally licensed dealer is not only a dangerous crime in and of itself, but those stolen firearms can later pose a deadly threat to the public,” said U.S. Attorney Patrick Miles.
Twenty-four of the stolen firearms have been recovered, and Bolden and Watson face up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.00. Lucas, who previously pled guilty to the crime, will be sentenced in March.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) conducted the investigation along with the Battle Creek Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin M. Presant is prosecuting the case.
“Anytime guns are stolen, the community is placed at risk,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Steven Bogdalek. “Theft of firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer is one of the most serious federal crimes as the guns typically end up in the hands of violent criminals.”
Bolden and Watson will be sentenced in June. Their accomplice, James Maurice Lucas, was previously sentenced in November 2014.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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