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Man Accused of Unlawfully Possessing Firearms
Michael Scott Freeman, 42, of Silver City, is facing federal charges for allegedly possessing firearms despite being prohibited from doing so. Freeman was taken into custody pending a preliminary hearing and detention hearing, both of which have yet to be scheduled.
According to a criminal complaint, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) responded to a home burglary in August 2017, during which numerous firearms were stolen from a large gun safe. An individual reported purchasing two firearms and additional cylinders from Freeman in October 2017, suspecting they may have been stolen.
The serial numbers and descriptions of the firearms matched those of two of the firearms allegedly stolen during the burglary. Freeman was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition in August 2017 and October 2017 due to his prior convictions for felony offenses, including unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, escape, and use of a phone to terrify, intimidate or threaten.
Freeman’s prior convictions make him a target for federal prosecution under a federal anti-violence initiative. If convicted of the crime charged, Freeman faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the FBI and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Silver City Police Department, New Mexico State Police and the 6th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa A. Ong is prosecuting the case as part of the federal anti-violence initiative.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is working with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution. The goal of this initiative is to make communities in New Mexico safer places for people to live and work.
Freeman’s case is a stark reminder of the need for stricter firearms laws and increased community involvement in preventing crime. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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