Doug Mulligan, an 80-year-old Massachusetts resident, pleaded guilty on Mar. 24 in federal court to possessing a firearm as a prohibited person, according to U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. Sentencing is scheduled for July 7 before U.S. District Judge Joseph N. Laplante.
Mulligan’s case highlights concerns about felons gaining access to firearms and interfering with law enforcement investigations into gun trafficking. Authorities say that such actions can undermine public safety efforts and hinder the work of responsible firearms dealers.
Creegan said, “Despite knowing that he was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms, the defendant chose to disregard federal law.” She continued, “Even more troubling, he used his position at a licensed firearms business to tip off individuals about federal law enforcement activity, undermining an active investigation into transnational, illicit firearms trafficking. Our office will continue to prosecute those whose actions enable criminals’ access to guns, and those who seek to interfere with law enforcement efforts to protect public safety.”
ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Greco said Mulligan “repeatedly disregarded warnings he was prohibited from possessing a firearm and therefore could not work in a gun store.” Greco added that Mulligan “used his association with a federal firearm licensee to not only evade restrictions on his own possession of firearms, but to obstruct a federal investigation into other guns being trafficked to prohibited persons.” He also said this conduct “undermines both public safety and the diligent, responsible work of countless law-abiding firearm licensees across the country who endeavor to play by the rules and keep guns out of the hands of criminals.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), working with Canadian authorities including Sûreté du Québec and Ontario Provincial Police as well as other U.S. agencies, uncovered an operation smuggling dozens of weapons from New Hampshire into Canada.
As part of this probe, Mulligan—an employee at American Trikes & Motorsports—admitted leaving a note on suspected traffickers’ car stating “ATF is watching u,” warning them about ongoing federal activity. Surveillance footage showed him handling and purchasing a firearm for American Trikes & Motorsports despite having been previously convicted of felony offenses.
The charge carries up to 15 years in prison along with fines up to $250,000 dollars; sentencing will be determined based on guidelines set by statute.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives led the investigation alongside Homeland Security Investigations; Keene Police Department provided assistance during proceedings.
