Felon convicted of stealing 5 guns from Georgia Walmart, federal officials say – WSB-TV Channel 2

AMERICUS, Ga. (AP) — A Georgia man will serve more than seven years in prison after pleading guilty to stealing five guns from Walmart before attempting to sell them for cash and drugs.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, Brandon Michael Hatfield stole several guns from a Walmart in Americus, Georgia before he was caught.

The U.S. Department of Justice said Hatfield was stopped by store employees in November 2022 before he was able to leave the store with a .22LR caliber rifle.

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As previously reported, Hatfield stole several guns over several weeks and then “quickly traded them for cash and drugs,” according to U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary.

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“Illegal firearms trafficking at every level directly contributes to the violence on our streets by providing weapons to dangerous people,” Leary said in a statement. “Law enforcement is working to reduce the number of firearms in the hands of criminals to improve safety in Americus and throughout communities in the Middle District of Georgia.”

According to the USDOJ, investigators determined that Hatfield stole five rifles on five separate occasions between November 1 and November 16, 2022.

After he was caught, he admitted to officers that he had stolen the weapons to exchange them for money and drugs.

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“The illegal purchase and sale of firearms are serious crimes that compound and exacerbate the violence that plagues so many communities here and abroad,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “This investigation demonstrates the shared commitment of ATF and our law enforcement partners to work together to create a safer community.”

Officials said Hatfield has a criminal history, including previous convictions for methamphetamine trafficking, escape and residential burglary in Decatur County, Indiana, Superior Court.

Hatfield pleaded guilty in May to possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. On September 28, Hatfield was sentenced to 85 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

He is not eligible for parole.

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