Albuquerque man pleads guilty to firearms charge

              ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Nicholous Phillips, 41, of Albuquerque, pleaded guilty in federal court on Oct. 27 to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

              In the plea agreement, Phillips admitted that on Nov. 15, 2019, he was in possession of ammunition, 561.73 grams of methamphetamine and two partially destroyed pieces of a Glock handgun. Prior to this offense, Phillips had been convicted of eight felonies. As a convicted felon, Phillips cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition. Phillips possessed these items at his home when probation officers inspected the location as part of his supervision following a previous conviction.

              By the terms of the plea agreement, Phillips faces 15 years in prison and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

              The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie Roybal is prosecuting the case.