A North Andover man has been sentenced to over five years in prison for possessing over 30 firearms and explosives as a convicted felon. Daniel Medina, 65, was sentenced to 63 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris. In December 2024, Medina pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a machine gun, unlawful possession of explosive materials, and felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
The charges against Medina originated from an incident on July 1, 2024. Law enforcement responded to a report of an explosion near Medina's residence, where they observed damage to vehicles and a piece of mail addressed to Medina beneath one of the damaged cars. Investigation of the damage revealed use of items typically found in homemade explosive devices. Witnesses reported seeing Medina running toward his residence following the explosion.
During a search of Medina's residence, authorities seized more than 32 firearms, 9,000 rounds of ammunition, 75 magazines, and various associated parts. Also found were books related to the building of firearms and manufacturing of explosives. Containers included potassium chlorate and aluminum powder, consistent with material found in the explosion.
As Medina has a past conviction for assault and battery in 2002, he is prohibited from possessing firearms, ammunition, and explosives. The incident was initially charged by criminal complaint in October 2024.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division, announced the sentencing. The investigation received assistance from the North Andover Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, and the Essex County District Attorney's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm handled the prosecution.
