Matthew W. Miller, Ammunition Possession, Nebraska 2023

OMAH, NEBRASKA – Matthew W. Miller, 36, of Weeping Water, Nebraska, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced Monday for illegally possessing ammunition, a move that adds to a growing list of felony convictions. Judge Brian C. Buescher handed down a 37-month sentence, meaning Miller won’t be eligible for parole. Following his release, he’ll face another three years under supervised release.

The case, investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, centers around a seemingly simple transaction: on August 10, 2021, Miller pawned Winchester .357 ammunition at Sol’s Pawn Shop in Omaha. It was that pawn ticket, and the fingerprints on it, that ultimately led to his conviction. Investigators confirmed the ammunition originated from outside Nebraska state lines.

But the ammunition itself wasn’t the core issue; it was who was pawning it. Miller already had a significant criminal history, disqualifying him from legally possessing any firearms or ammunition. Court records reveal a pattern of offenses stretching across multiple Nebraska counties. He’s previously been convicted of felony theft in both Douglas and Washington counties, and faced charges for burglary, also in Douglas County.

The list doesn’t stop there. Miller also has prior convictions for Carrying a Concealed Weapon and, crucially, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person – another Douglas County conviction. This latest sentence underscores the federal government’s commitment to keeping weapons out of the hands of individuals with a proven track record of breaking the law. U.S. Attorney Steven Russell stated the sentence was handed down in federal court in Omaha.

The ATF’s involvement in the case highlights their focus on tracing illegal firearms and ammunition, even when the initial crime appears minor. The agency’s ability to link the pawned ammunition to Miller’s existing criminal record proved decisive. The Kansas City Field Division handled the federal investigation.

Miller’s 37-month sentence serves as a stark warning: repeat offenders attempting to skirt the law when it comes to firearms and ammunition will face serious consequences. The lack of parole in the federal system means Miller will serve the entirety of his sentence before even being considered for release, and the subsequent supervised release period will be closely monitored.

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