Nov. 10, 2010

REPEAT OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS ON FEDERAL FIREARMS CHARGE

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Michael D. Welch, 34, Kansas City, Kan., has been sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for a firearms violation, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Welch pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of ammunition after a felony conviction. In his plea, Welch admitted that on March 10, 2010, he was caught shoplifting ammunition from Cabela’s in Kansas City, Kan. Because of his prior felony convictions, Welch was prohibited from possessing ammunition and firearms.

Welch’s criminal record shows that he was:
Convicted in 1994 on a charge of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Convicted in 1994 on a charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Convicted in 1994 on a charge of third degree grand theft auto and unoccupied burglary.
Convicted in 1995 on a charge of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of cocaine.
Convicted in 1996 on a charge of strong armed robbery and aggravated battery and bodily harm.
Convicted in 2001 on a charge of strong armed robbery.

At sentencing, the judge also considered evidence that while Welch was in custody on the federal charge he assaulted an officer of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Grissom commended the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead for their work on the case.