Georgia man pleads guilty to stealing 5 guns from Walmart, court officials say – WSB-TV Channel 2

ALBANY, Georgia — A Georgia man has pleaded guilty to stealing guns from a local Walmart and selling them for cash and drugs.

U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary said Brandon Michael Hatfield, 31, of Americus, attempted to steal a Rossi .22LR caliber rifle from a Walmart on November 18, but was stopped by employees before he can’t leave the store.

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According to the investigation, Hatfield stole five rifles five times from the store between November 1 and November 6. Hatfield admitted to stealing the guns and trading them for cash and drugs.

“Defendant stole multiple guns within weeks, quickly turning them over for cash and drugs and increasing the number of guns stolen from the streets of Americas,” Leary said. “Law enforcement at all levels is working to reduce the number of guns in the hands of criminals in an effort to improve safety within every community in the Middle District of Georgia.”

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Leary said Hatfield was convicted of multiple crimes, including methamphetamine trafficking, escape and residential entry into Indiana.

Hatfield faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, three years of probation and a maximum fine of $250,000. His sentencing is scheduled for September 7.

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