Middleboro Police and ATF Recover 15 Stolen Firearms in Multi-State Investigation

Middleboro, Mass. — A multi-state investigation involving Middleboro Police and federal authorities has resulted in the recovery of 15 firearms reported stolen during a July break-in, along with ammunition, and the arrest of a convicted felon, authorities said.

According to Middleboro Police, the firearms were stolen during a residential break-in in town on July 25. Detectives subsequently began investigating the theft with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and other law enforcement agencies.

Investigators used several sources of information to identify a suspect, including surveillance footage, digital forensics, cell-site location information, automated license plate reader data, privately owned security cameras and interviews.

Police identified the suspect as James Delano, a convicted felon.

On July 28, Middleboro detectives and ATF agents and task force officers from the agency’s Bridgewater Field Office executed a search warrant at Delano’s Middleboro residence. Investigators seized ammunition and a cell phone that police said belonged to Delano.

The investigation then expanded beyond Massachusetts.

Authorities traced the case to a residence in Cold Brook, New York, where members of Delano’s family were located. On August 13, ATF agents from the Bridgewater Field Office and the Syracuse Field Office executed a search warrant at the New York residence.

During that search, investigators recovered five of the firearms that had been reported stolen in Middleboro. Authorities also located multiple rounds of ammunition that had been buried in a wooded area near the residence.

The investigation continued as ATF agents conducted additional interviews in the Cold Brook area. Those efforts led investigators to the remaining 10 firearms.

Police said all 15 firearms stolen during the Middleboro break-in have now been recovered.

The case also resulted in federal charges against Delano. According to authorities, the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged him with being a felon in possession of ammunition. Additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.

The recovery represents the conclusion of a complicated investigation that crossed state lines and involved local detectives, federal agents and multiple investigative techniques.

Middleboro Police credited the cooperation between local and federal investigators with helping authorities locate the stolen firearms and identify the person they believe was responsible.

The investigation remains active, and authorities indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming.

Source: 1420 WBSM and Middleboro Police