An Americus resident with a criminal history pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm after he was arrested stealing rifles from the local Walmart, which he sold for cash and drugs.
Brandon Michael Hatfield, 31, pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Leslie A. Gardner. Hatfield faces a maximum of 15 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 7. There is no parole in the federal system.