ALBANY, Georgia – A man from Americus, Georgia, who was prohibited from owning a firearm due to a past conviction, was arrested and sentenced to more than seven years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm after he was arrested for stealing a rifle from a local Walmart. was sentenced. He sold guns in the area for cash and drugs.
Brandon Michael Hatfield, 31, was sentenced to 85 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on September 28 after pleading guilty in May to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was sentenced to three months of supervised release, followed by three years of supervised release. 25. Hatfield is not eligible for parole.
“Illegal gun trafficking at all levels directly contributes to violence on our streets by providing weapons to dangerous people,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Law enforcement is working to reduce the number of firearms in the hands of criminals to improve safety in Americus and all communities in the Middle District of Georgia.”
“The illegal acquisition and sale of firearms is a serious crime that incites and exacerbates the violence that plagues many communities here and abroad,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Bo Korotka. “This investigation demonstrates the collective resolve of ATF and our law enforcement partners.” Work together to create a safer community. ”
According to court documents, Hatfield attempted to steal a Rossi .22LR caliber rifle from a Walmart in Americus, Georgia, on November 18, 2022, but was stopped by a Walmart employee before leaving the store with the weapon. Ta. An investigation by Walmart’s security team revealed that Hatfield stole five rifles from the store on five separate occasions between November 1st and November 16th. Hatfield admitted to stealing the firearms and exchanging them for money and drugs.
Hatfield has been convicted of several felonies in Decatur County Superior Court, Indiana, including methamphetamine trafficking, escape and burglary. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
The incident was investigated by the ATF and the Americus Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew LeDavid is prosecuting this case for the government.