Yemassee man faces federal firearm charges

Henry L. Mulligan, 33, of Yemassee faces charges of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and making a false statement in connection with the attempted purchase of a firearm, according to a release Thursday from acting U.S. Attorney Kevin McDonald. Authorities allege Mulligan pawned a rifle at a Charleston pawn shop in August and lied on a federal form, saying he was not a convicted felon. Felons are prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm. Mulligan's prior convictions include grand larceny, cocaine possession, and breaking and entering into a motor vehicle, McDonald said.

If convicted, Mulligan faces a fine of up to $250,000 and imprisonment for 10 years.

The case has been assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Bianchi of the Charleston office.