Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman announced today that Filmel Williams, Jr., age 20, of Brownstown, Michigan, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge James G. Carr to nine years imprisonment after Williams pleaded guilty to transportation of a stolen firearm, possession of a stolen firearm and ammunition, possession of counterfeit United States currency, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

According to court documents, in 2018, Secret Service agents learned of a scheme involving the defendant, in which Williams and others would use online classified ads to purchase firearms, including pistols and assault rifles, from victims in Northwest Ohio in exchange for counterfeit currency. After acquiring the firearms, Williams and others would transport the weapons to the Detroit area and offer them for sale.

After learning of this scheme, law enforcement arranged for a controlled sale of a firearm to Williams and the other defendants. Williams and his driver arrived at the scene of the sale, and Williams was arrested as soon as he exited the vehicle. Law enforcement agents found counterfeit currency in Williams’ possession. Simultaneously, the driver of the vehicle struck a police vehicle, fled the scene, and struck another police vehicle on I-75 during a high-speed pursuit.

At the time of his arrest, Williams had accrued convictions of larceny, possession of a controlled substance, interfering with a police investigation, and brandishing a firearm.

This case was investigated by agents with the United States Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Melching.

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