Lawrence Rutherford, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, Massachusetts 2019

A Worcester man has been charged with a serious crime after being accused of illegally possessing a firearm. Lawrence Rutherford, 37, was arraigned on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, in federal court in Worcester for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

According to the charging document, law enforcement agents found two guns and more than 600 rounds of ammunition in Rutherford’s home while executing a search warrant there. The search was conducted on June 5, 2019. Rutherford is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions punishable by more than one year in person.

The charging document alleges that Rutherford is guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. This is a serious crime that carries severe penalties. The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.

The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. It is up to the courts to decide Rutherford’s fate.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Steven M. Sargent, Chief of the Worcester Police Department, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Greg A. Friedholm and John T. Mulcahy of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office are prosecuting the case.

The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of firearm possession by felons. It is a serious crime that can have severe consequences. The public is urged to report any information that may lead to the prosecution of individuals who engage in such activities.

Rutherford’s case is a clear example of the importance of law enforcement agencies working together to keep our communities safe. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Worcester Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have all played a crucial role in bringing this case to light.

The charging document is available on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website. For more information, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at [insert contact information].

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