On Feb. 28, Newton resident James Welch was charged in federal court in Boston with illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. Welch has multiple previous felony convictions. 

Welch allegedly had a Taurus G3 semi-automatic 9mm pistol, a magazine loaded with 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition, three loose rounds of 9mm ammunition, a Hammerli Tac-R1 .22 caliber rifle, and a magazine containing .22 LR caliber ammunition. This could potentially lead to a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000, although the ultimate sentencing choice is up to the discretion of the judge. These guns and ammunition were not manufactured in Massachusetts, and there are potential additional legal ramifications due to them being brought over state lines. 

According to reports, Welch initially told agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), who had a search warrant, that his gun was in Waltham and that they would only find drugs in his residence. While officers were searching through the house, Welch allegedly told them they would not be able to find his gun, and that he would show them where it was. While the agents initially refused this invitation, at his insistence, they followed him to his bedroom, where he directed them to a dresser in his closet. This is where the agents found the guns. 

Welch’s prior convictions include a 2014 conviction in Newton District Court for larceny of a motor vehicle, a 2016 conviction in Newton District Court for breaking and entering, a 2017 conviction in Lowell District Court for malicious destruction of property and resisting arrest, and a 2018 conviction in Waltham District Court for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery on a family or household member.