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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

News Release

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Contact: Los Angeles Field Division

Felon in Possession Receives Hefty Prison Sentence

LOS ANGELES – A Gardena man was sentenced to prison followed by supervised release after being charged with firearm- and drug-related charges, then later pleading guilty.

Michael Anthony Lopez, 22, was sentenced last week to 12 years in prison and five years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to possession and intent to distribute methamphetamine 21 U.S.C. 841 (a).

Lopez is a convicted felon for previously carrying a loaded firearm and evading a police officer in July 2014, in violation of California Penal Code Section 25850 (c)(4) and in violation of California Vehicle Code Section 2800.2 (a). As a result, he became prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition. 

Lopez was originally charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, 18 U.S.C. 922 (g), possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime U.S.C. 924 (c) and possession and intent to distribute methamphetamine.

In May 2016, Lopez was charged with possessing a 9 mm pistol and 10 rounds of ammunition. In January 2017, Lopez was charged with possessing a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol, a .22-caliber revolver, plus ammunition for both firearms. In April 2017, Lopez was charged with possession of a 9 mm pistol and ammunition, possession of a .45-caliber pistol, possession of methamphetamine, and intent to distribute methamphetamine.

ATF recognizes the role firearms play in violent crimes and focuses on armed violent offenders and career criminals, narcotics traffickers, violent gang activity, and domestic and international arms traffickers.

ATF targets, investigates and recommends prosecution of these offenders to reduce the level of violent crime and to enhance public safety. ATF also strives to increase state and local awareness of available federal prosecution under federal statutes.

For more information, follow ATF on Twitter & Instagram @ATFHQ and Facebook at HQATF.

Los Angeles Field Division