A Hadley man has been taken into custody on charges of illegal possession of ammunition and firearms. Jacob D. Miller, aged 43, faces a charge for one count of unlawful possession of ammunition and firearms, stemming from a previous conviction for a crime carrying a sentence of over one year.
Miller was arrested and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson at Springfield's federal court. He was released under certain conditions.
Court documents reveal that on February 9, 2004, Miller was convicted of felonies in two separate cases in Hampshire Superior Court. One case involved possession of child pornography, resulting in a seven-year probation. The other included two counts of possession of an explosive device, which led to a two-and-a-half-year jail sentence and ten years of probation.
During a recent search of Miller’s home, law enforcement found a box containing approximately 50 rounds of Federal brand ammunition in a bedside table, along with six firearms secured in a safe in a hallway closet.
The court was informed about potential risks related to hazardous materials at Miller’s residence. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) voiced concerns about the risks posed by an accidental release of chemicals or a fire. MassDEP urged a complete inspection and removal of hazardous chemicals. Miller was released on the condition of allowing this inspection.
The charge against Miller could lead to a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, supervised release for three years, and a fine up to $250,000. As stated by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Special Agent Jodi Cohen of the FBI's Boston Division, no guilt is presumed until proven in court.
Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by local police agencies, including the Hadley Police Department and Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow is handling the prosecution.
It is important to note that the details from charging documents are allegations, and Miller is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
