Michael Gray Golding, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Alabama 2021

A Virginia man’s history of felons has finally caught up with him. Michael Gray Golding, 34, was sentenced to three years and one month in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, Golding was arrested by Foley Police Department officers on May 5, 2021. A 911 call reported him to be at a hotel in Foley, Alabama, with an active arrest warrant out of Virginia and likely armed. Officers verified the warrant and secured the area, ordering Golding to exit his vehicle after about an hour.

Golding was taken into custody without incident and officers searched his vehicle, finding a Glock, Model 23, .40-caliber pistol, a sawed-off Remington Model 870 shotgun, and ammunition. Additionally, brass knuckles, drug paraphernalia, and drugs for personal use were discovered.

Golding’s past is marred by multiple felony convictions, including possession of a controlled substance, eluding law enforcement, and possession of a drug with intent to distribute. His failure to appear for sentencing in Virginia led to his active arrest warrant, rendering him prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

Senior United States District Court Judge William H. Steele handed down the sentence, ordering Golding to serve a three-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison. During this time, he may participate in substance abuse treatment. The court did not impose a fine, but Judge Steele ordered Golding to pay $100 in special assessments.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Foley Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Kopf prosecuting on behalf of the United States.

U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement, bringing closure to the case.

Golding’s exact address is not listed in court documents, but he was previously living in Virginia and was convicted in that state before his recent arrest in Alabama.

The mandatory facts for this case are as follows: