Michael Whitfield, Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition, Massachusetts 2023

BROCKTON, MA – A wrecked car and the smell of tequila led Brockton police to a loaded handgun and a man already barred from owning one. Michael Whitfield, 42, is now facing federal charges after officers discovered a Glock 19X .9mm pistol with 18 rounds of ammunition at the scene of a motor vehicle accident on March 6th, 2023.

The crash, details of which were released Friday by federal prosecutors, left Whitfield’s vehicle heavily damaged, with the airbag deployed and the passenger side door window shattered. First responders reported a strong odor of alcohol and an empty tequila bottle on the floor, but the discovery of the firearm escalated the situation into a federal case.

According to charging documents, the Glock was found on the driver’s side floorboard, wedged between Whitfield’s legs. The problem? Whitfield has a prior felony conviction dating back to 2006, making it illegal for him to possess firearms or ammunition. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts, is prosecuting the case.

Whitfield was arrested this morning and is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston at 12:30 p.m. today. He’s been charged with one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, a charge that carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years behind bars, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Boston Field Division, announced the charges. The investigation received assistance from the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, the Massachusetts State Police, the Brockton Police Department, and the Brockton Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is leading the prosecution.

It’s important to remember that the details outlined in the charging documents are allegations at this point. Whitfield is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Weapons

Lucas Sumler, Felony Firearm Possession, New Jersey 2016

Apr 18, 2017

Weapons

Mitchell A. Ellis, Illegal Firearm Possession, Florida 2022

Apr 9, 2026

Weapons

Adam Michael Webber, Firearms Dealing and Tax Evasion, Utah 2023

Dec 7, 2017

Weapons

Gabriel Detrant, Gun Possession, California 2024

May 9, 2024