Bean Town Times

A North Andover man has been charged with allegedly possessing over 30 firearms and explosives despite being a convicted felon. Daniel Medina, aged 64, faces charges of unlawful possession of a machine gun, unlawful possession of explosives, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. He is currently held on related state charges and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.

The charges stem from an incident on July 1, 2024, when law enforcement responded to an explosion near Medina's residence. Damage to two vehicles was observed along with a piece of mail addressed to Medina beneath one vehicle's damaged door. It is alleged that the damage and materials found were consistent with homemade explosive devices using ball bearings or shrapnel. Witnesses reportedly saw Medina fleeing toward his home after the explosion.

A subsequent search of Medina’s residence led to the seizure of 32 firearms, including rifles, pistols, shotguns, antique firearms, and approximately 9,000 rounds of ammunition manufactured outside Massachusetts. Law enforcement also found firearm parts, magazines for various calibers, shrapnel accessories like BBs and ball bearings, multiple firework containers, books on building firearms and manufacturing explosives and drugs, as well as containers with powders identified as potassium chlorate and aluminum powder—similar to those used in the explosion.

Medina's previous conviction in 2002 for assault and battery prohibits him from possessing firearms or explosive materials. The penalties for these charges include up to 15 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; up to 10 years each for illegal possession of a machine gun or explosive material; fines up to $250,000; and three years supervised release per charge.

The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy alongside James M. Ferguson from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives' Boston Field Division. The investigation received support from local police departments and other authorities.

It is important to note that all details are allegations at this stage. Daniel Medina remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.