Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Convicted Felon Charged with Federal Firearms Offenses
BOSTON – A Templeton man was arrested yesterday and charged with federal firearms offenses.
John Shaw, 30, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm not identified by serial number. Shaw was detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester.
According to charging documents, on Sept. 24, 2019, during the execution of a search warrant at Shaw’s residence, a rifle that did not bear a serial number and three rounds of .223 caliber ammunition, as well as additional rounds of .22 and .45 caliber ammunition were recovered. Shaw was convicted in Winchendon District Court of breaking and entering in the night with intent to commit a felony and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. As a previously convicted felon, Shaw was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
The charge of being a felon in possession provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of unlawful possession of a firearm not identified by serial number provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $10,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Ashburnham Police Chief Lorring Barrett, Jr.; Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent; and Hopkinton Police Chief Edward Lee made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle L. Dineen Jerrett of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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