Ricky R. Wadsworth, Felon Firearm Transfer, Michigan 2014

SOUTH BEND, Indiana - In a shocking case of firearm trafficking, Ricky R. Wadsworth, a 47-year-old man from Sturgis, Michigan, has been sentenced to 57 months imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release for transferring a firearm to a felon.

The crime, which took place in 2014, involved Wadsworth and his accomplice, Shannon Brown, who was also sentenced to 18 months imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release for being in possession of a firearm as a felon. According to documents, Brown and Wadsworth engaged in a conversation with a convicted felon about selling firearms to him.

The duo's efforts culminated in Brown finding a supplier and making available seven firearms of various types to a buyer who was a convicted felon. However, they only sold one firearm, a Norinco Model SKS 7.62 caliber semi-automatic rifle equipped with a folding bayonet, extended magazines, and 132 rounds of ammunition, to the felon in a grocery store parking lot in Michigan City, Indiana.

Brown, who has a history of crime, has three felony convictions for possession of methamphetamine, two convictions for possession of marijuana, and one conviction for purchasing precursors to make methamphetamine. Wadsworth, on the other hand, has eleven prior felony counts of conviction and seven misdemeanor counts of conviction, including trafficking or possession of controlled substances, theft, burglary, and weapons offenses.

The case was investigated by the ATF with assistance from the Hammond Police Department, Michigan City Police Department, and New Buffalo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Donnelly handled the case.

The sentencing took place on August 23 and 24, respectively, by United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio.

The case highlights the dangers of firearm trafficking and the importance of law enforcement in preventing such crimes. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in such activities.

Defendant Information:

• Defendant: Ricky R. Wadsworth
• Crime: Transferring a firearm to a felon
• City and State: Sturgis, Michigan
• Date: 2014
• Sentence: 57 months imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndin/pr/michigan-couple-sentenced