Michael Tatum, a 35-year-old resident of Oakland, has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison following his guilty plea to charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. This was announced after U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White delivered the sentencing.
Tatum admitted guilt on January 23, 2024, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, violating 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). The guilty plea came after law enforcement's 2022 search of Tatum's residence uncovered five loaded firearms, including two assault rifle-style firearms, two weapons equipped with high-capacity magazines, a stolen firearm, and extensive ammunition. During the search, authorities also seized $148,531.05 in cash from his home. Tatum was already a convicted felon at the time of the offense.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King publicly announced the sentencing.
Judge White, aside from imposing the prison term, also mandated Tatum's three-year supervised release and the forfeiture of his interest in the confiscated firearms, ammunition, and currency. Tatum is set to commence his sentence on July 22, 2025.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Dahlke and Charles Bisesto, with additional help from Laurie Worthen and Amala James. The investigation leading to this prosecution was conducted by HSI in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol.