U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson | U.S. Department of Justice
Carl Ray Holland, a 35-year-old resident of McAlester, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to 92 months in prison for possessing stolen firearms. The announcement came from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). On November 9, 2022, Holland pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, ATF agents received information on August 1, 2022, about Holland's possible involvement in a burglary at a local firearms business. Although Holland denied his involvement when approached by agents, he consented to a search of his residence. During this search, eight missing firearms were discovered hidden in his refrigerator.
United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson stated: “Enforcing federal firearm regulations is a crucial part of protecting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens and ensuring public safety. Mr. Holland’s attempt to jeopardize public safety by possessing firearms stolen from a licensed dealer is a crime deserving of this sentence.”
Jeffrey C. Boshek II, Special Agent in Charge at ATF Dallas Field Division added: “No one likes a thief, especially one that steals firearms from lawful owners. Mr. Holland tried to be sneaky and play hide and seek with the police. Unfortunately for him, most of the time we find what we are looking for... Because of their efforts, Mr. Holland will now have 92 months in the Federal penitentiary to think of better hiding spots than a refrigerator.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The program emphasizes fostering trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.
The sentencing was presided over by U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Holland will remain in custody pending transportation to a designated Bureau of Prisons facility to serve his non-paroleable sentence.
Assistant United States Attorney Edith A. Singer represented the United States in this case.
Alerts Sign-up