WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Wilmington man known as a ‘Gangster Disciple’ was sentenced to 54 months in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Michael Tyron Bridges, age 27, entered his guilty plea on October 31, 2022.
Bridges’ criminal saga began on July 28, 2020, when he was found with a stolen Sig Sauer rifle and other weapons during a traffic stop. Repeated stops and searches led to additional charges, including possession of a .380 pistol and a Smith and Wesson .357 Magnum.
Despite multiple arrests, Bridges continued his illegal activities. On August 16, 2021, a 9mm live round fell from his lap during another traffic stop, leading to the discovery of a stolen Taurus G2 pistol.
On March 23, 2022, Bridges was linked to a Smith and Wesson handgun found in a parking lot with his DNA on it. He was subsequently arrested on federal charges.
The court found Bridges responsible for possessing at least five firearms and ammunition between July 28, 2020, and March 23, 2022, including stolen weapons with high-capacity magazines. He was also named in a permanent injunction against the 720 Gangster Disciple street gang.
U.S. Attorney Michael Easley announced the sentence following sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The investigation and prosecution were led by the ATF, Wilmington Police Department, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, and Special Assistant United States Attorney William Van Trigt, all part of the Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) initiative.
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Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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