Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Tucson Man Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Illegal Possession of Firearm
TUCSON, Ariz. — Michael Elton Tillman, 55, of Tucson, was sentenced last week by U.S. District Judge Rosemary Márquez to 63 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Tillman pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm on March 27.
On May 5, 2022, Tillman, a convicted felon, sold a loaded Arsenal 7.62x39 mm pistol and 100 rounds of ammunition for $1,000 to a federal agent. After the sale, agents executed a search of Tillman’s apartment and found a loaded Taurus 9 mm pistol, 9 mm ammunition, .380 caliber ammunition, 7.62x39 mm ammunition, narcotics, narcotics paraphernalia and bulk United States currency. Analysis of the firearms and ammunition confirmed they passed through interstate commerce. Prior to possessing and selling the pistol to the agent, Tillman had been convicted of multiple Arizona felonies, including manslaughter.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Bolling, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
###