Federal Jury Convicts Ripley Felon for Illegally Possessing Firearm and Ammunition

Memphis, TN – Michael Shane Rogers, 37, of Ripley has been found guilty of illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the guilty verdict today.

According to information presented in court, on August 6, 2018, an ATF Special Agent received information from a confidential informant that Rogers—who was on probation—illegally possessed a firearm as a convicted felon at his house in Lauderdale County.

On August 9, 2018, ATF Special Agents and several Lauderdale County Sheriff's Officers went to the residence on Curve Nanikpoo Road in Ripley, Tennessee. Before law enforcement could reach the door, Rogers came out of the house and stated that he knew why they were there and that he had the "same the thing as last time." (This admission referred to his 2011 arrest for possession of marijuana with intent and a firearm.) Rogers gave written consent to search the property and signed a Miranda waiver.

Investigators found an unloaded .22 caliber rifle behind the front door and .30-06 ammunition in the living room in a nightstand drawer. During a recorded statement, Rogers acknowledged possessing the firearm and ammunition. After being transported to the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office, Rogers gave a second interview acknowledging that he was a convicted felon and possession of the firearm and ammunition. He concluded the interview with "I guess I'm going to federal prison. I had the gun in the house. I knew the risk. It was mine."

As a result of his prior felony conviction, Rogers is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 9, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris, where Rogers faces up to 120 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean G. Hord and Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey Calkins are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Hord is currently assigned from the 25th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

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