Oakland Man Sentenced To Nearly Six Years In Federal Prison For Unlawful Firearms And Ammunition Possession

OAKLAND - Michael Tatum was sentenced yesterday to 70 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White handed down the sentence.

Tatum, 35, of Oakland, pleaded guilty on Jan. 23, 2024, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). In pleading guilty, Tatum admitted that, during a search of his residence in February 2022, law enforcement found that he illegally possessed five loaded firearms, including two loaded assault rifle-style firearms, two firearms loaded with high-capacity magazines, and one stolen firearm, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Law enforcement also seized $148,531.05 in U.S. currency from Tatum's residence. At the time, Tatum had a prior felony conviction.

Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King made the announcement.

In addition to the 70-month prison term, Judge White ordered Tatum to serve a three-year period of supervised release and to forfeit his interest in the recovered firearms, ammunition, and currency. The defendant will begin serving the sentence on July 22, 2025.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Dahlke and Charles Bisesto prosecuted this case with the assistance of Laurie Worthen and Amala James. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI and California Highway Patrol.