SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Beth Phillips, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.

Michael Willoughby, 30, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 17 years and one month in federal prison without parole. Willoughby was sentenced as an armed career criminal due to his prior felony convictions.

On Aug. 2, 2010, Willoughby pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Willoughby admitted that he was in possession of a Taurus .45-caliber pistol on April 2, 2010.

Willoughby was arrested by Ozark, Mo., police officers who were investigating a report of a car parked at the side of the road. Willoughby, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was unable to produce a driver’s license or proof of insurance. Officers ordered Willoughby to get out of the car, at which time they saw the pistol on the driver’s seat.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Willoughby has prior two prior felony convictions for distribution of controlled substances, four prior felony convictions for domestic assault and a prior felony conviction for burglary.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ozark, Mo., Police Department.

 

 

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