Ogden, UT — A federal jury has convicted Michael Anthony Rangel, 42, of Ogden, on charges of unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition. The verdict was returned on Thursday after a trial in which evidence showed that Rangel, a convicted felon, illegally possessed a handgun in 2022.
The charges stem from a traffic stop that occurred in July 2022 when officers from the Ogden Metro Gang Task Force pulled over a vehicle in which Rangel was a passenger. According to court documents, Rangel, fully aware of his status as a convicted felon, was found in possession of a Taurus PT111 G2 pistol, along with ammunition. Under federal law, convicted felons are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition.
Following the stop, law enforcement officers seized the weapon, and subsequent investigations revealed that the firearm had been manufactured outside of Utah and traveled through interstate commerce before being in Rangel’s possession. This discovery triggered the federal charges.
Rangel’s criminal history includes five prior convictions related to drug offenses, dating back to 2004. His extensive record has led to stricter legal consequences, as he was well aware that he was not permitted to possess a firearm due to his felony status.
The case has been actively investigated by the Ogden Metro Gang Task Force, a specialized unit focused on addressing gang activity and illegal firearm possession in the region. The investigation underscored the ongoing efforts to curb illegal gun trafficking and reduce gun violence in Utah.
Rangel will be sentenced at a later date. The maximum penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon is up to 10 years in prison, though sentencing guidelines may vary.
The conviction is a part of broader federal and local law enforcement efforts aimed at curbing illegal gun possession and ensuring that felons are held accountable for violating federal firearm laws.