North Carolina Felon Michael Cornwell Sentenced to 8+ Years in Federal Prison for Gun Charges
NORTH CAROLINA — A convicted felon has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison after law enforcement uncovered a cache of illegal firearms, ammunition, and drugs in his possession.
Michael Anthony Cornwell, 30, received a 106-month federal prison sentence, followed by two years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson for the Western District of North Carolina following a months-long federal investigation into firearm violations.
Guns, Ammunition, and Drug Paraphernalia Found at Cornwell’s Home
Federal authorities discovered a loaded .40 caliber Glock, gun magazines, a sight, digital scales, marijuana, and ammunition inside Cornwell’s home, according to a release from the Department of Justice.
Cornwell was prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous felony convictions, but an ongoing investigation led to the issuance of an arrest warrant and eventual seizure of the illegal materials. He later pleaded guilty to the charges on January 10.
A Pattern of Repeat Offenses by Prohibited Individuals in NC
Cases like Cornwell’s are not isolated in North Carolina, where federal prosecutors have ramped up efforts to target violent and repeat firearm offenders. In the past year, the Western District has seen an uptick in similar cases, including:
- A Charlotte man sentenced for stealing 18 handguns and 2 long guns from a licensed dealer earlier this year
- A Union County suspect charged with illegal possession of modified weapons after a parole check
- Ongoing ATF and DOJ operations focused on Project Safe Neighborhoods and Operation Take Back America
Federal Sentencing Meant to Curb Recidivism and Gun Violence
“These prosecutions are key to keeping guns out of the hands of those who have repeatedly shown they are willing to break the law,” U.S. Attorney Ferguson said during the press briefing.
As part of the plea deal, Cornwell accepted full responsibility for violating his parole and was handed the maximum sentence permitted under federal guidelines. The case also involved coordination with local law enforcement and federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Nationwide Push Against Illegal Firearms
Cornwell’s sentencing fits into a broader strategy under the Biden administration to reduce violent crime and gun offenses through federal-level enforcement. In 2024 alone, the DOJ reported over 12,000 prosecutions involving felons in possession of firearms, with more than 4,000 of those resulting in sentences exceeding five years.
Officials say federal prison terms like Cornwell’s are intended to serve as both punishment and deterrent — particularly for those previously convicted of violent crimes or drug trafficking.
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