After a three-day trial, a federal jury has convicted Michelle Stewart, 53, of Webster, for illegal possession of firearms. Acting United States Attorney Jay McCormack announced the verdict. Stewart was convicted of possessing two rifles as a prohibited person. United States District Court Judge Joseph Laplante has scheduled the sentencing for July 11, 2025.
The investigation, leading to Stewart's conviction, began with a search on April 27, 2023. Law enforcement officers executed a warrant at Stewart's residence in Webster, New Hampshire, where they found numerous firearms, including an AR-style rifle and an AK-style rifle. Further examination of cell phone contents revealed a photo dated July 4, 2021, showing Stewart holding an AR-style rifle in front of her home. Additional images dated March 20, 2022, depicted her holding an AK-style rifle in her kitchen.
The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives spearheaded the investigation with support from the Weare Police Department, the Webster Police Department, the Boscawen Police Department, and the New Hampshire State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cesar Vega and Geoff Ward are overseeing the case's prosecution.