Tyreek Hall, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Massachusetts 2023

BOSTON, MA – A 21-year-old Boston man is facing a significant stretch in federal prison after admitting to illegally possessing ammunition, despite a prior felony conviction barring him from owning firearms or ammo. Tyreek Hall pleaded guilty today to one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition before U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani.

The case stems from a June 9, 2022 incident where officers discovered Hall with a privately made 9x19mm caliber Glock-style semi-automatic pistol – a so-called “ghost gun” lacking a serial number – and eight rounds of ammunition. Hall’s criminal history disqualifies him from legally owning any firearms or the bullets that go in them. The discovery sparked an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Hall was initially charged in September 2022, and the guilty plea brings the case closer to a resolution. Federal prosecutors are now preparing for sentencing, scheduled for January 18, 2024. The charge carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years behind bars, followed by three years of supervised release, and a hefty fine of $250,000.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy, alongside ATF Special Agent in Charge James Ferguson, U.S. Marshal Brian Kyes, and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox, announced the guilty plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is leading the prosecution. The feds are framing this as a win for public safety.

This case is being touted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a broad initiative aiming to reduce violent crime and gun violence by coordinating efforts between federal, state, and local law enforcement. The DOJ claims PSN focuses on building community trust, supporting violence prevention groups, and strategic enforcement. Critics, however, often point to the program as primarily focused on arrests and convictions, with limited impact on the root causes of crime.

Hall’s sentencing will ultimately be determined by Judge Talwani, taking into account U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the final outcome. The proliferation of untraceable “ghost guns” remains a major concern for law enforcement officials across the country, and this case underscores the challenges in keeping these weapons out of the hands of convicted felons.

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