Littleton Felon Convicted of Unlawfully Possessing Firearms

            CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that a federal jury found Johnathon Irish, 33, of Littleton, New Hampshire, guilty of one count of being a felon in possession of firearms after a four-day trial.  The verdict was returned late on Wednesday afternoon.          

            In December of 2014, Johnathon Irish previously was convicted of aiding and abetting the making of a material false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm and making a material false statement to a federal agent. In light of his felony convictions, he is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.  Evidence presented at trial showed that between December of 2018 and November of 2019, Irish possessed at least two firearms, a Sig Sauer 1911, .45 caliber pistol and a Catamount Fury, 12 gauge shotgun.

            Irish is scheduled to be sentenced on May 28, 2020.

            “In order to maintain public safety, it is vital to keep guns out of the hands of convicted felons,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “We will not hesitate to bring criminal charges against those who unlawfully possess guns.  I appreciate the efforts of the FBI and State Police for their work investigating this case.”

            “The goal of sentencing is to send a clear message of deterrence and rehabilitation. But it’s a message that Johnathon Irish chose to ignore,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “We thank the jury for its swift and prudent verdict because a felon who possesses a firearm when prohibited from doing so is a potential danger in a society where laws are respected and obeyed.”

            This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the New Hampshire State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Kasey Weiland.