Middletown Police arrested a father and son last Friday after 79 firearms were seized from their Middletown home.
The Middletown Police Department executed a search warrant and an arrest warrant at 107C Lawrence Street. The warrants were the result of an investigation into Jeremy Speck, 43 years old, who was believed to be in possession of several firearms. Jeremy was convicted of a crime of violence in Texas, charged as Deadly Conduct. This conviction classifies Jeremy as a person prohibited from possessing firearms.
Jeremy’s son, Xavier Speck, 24 years old, was also focused on during the investigation as it was believed that he was purchasing the firearms for his father, knowing that Jeremy had been denied the legal ability to make the purchases.
With the assistance of the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force and Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), entry was made into the apartment at about 7am. Both Jeremy and Xavier were detained without incident and the apartment was searched.
View this post on Instagram
While searching the apartment, investigators located 47 firearms in Jeremy’s bedroom including a loaded handgun within his reach from the bed and an unsecured fully loaded AK-47. A large quantity of ammunition and a bullet-proof vest were also located in the room. Firearms were also found in Xavier’s bedroom and the living room area of the apartment.
In total, 79 firearms, a large quantity of ammunition and a bullet-proof vest were removed from the apartment.
Xavier admitted to investigators that he had purchased firearms for his father knowing that Jeremy was legally prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms.
Jeremy was charged with 51 counts Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of a Crime of Violence, 2 counts of Providing False Information in Attempting to Purchase a Firearm, and 1 count of Possession of Body Armor by a Person Convicted of a Crime of Violence.
Xavier was charged with 4 counts of Providing False Information to Purchase a Firearm.
Jeremy and Xavier were transported to Newport County District Court to be arraigned on their charges. Jeremy was released after posting bail of $15,000 with surety. Xavier was released after posting bail of $2,500 with surety.
Both are scheduled to appear in Superior Court in June.
Like Newport Buzz? We depend on the generosity of readers like you who support us, to help with our mission to keep you informed and entertained with local, independent news and content. We truly appreciate your trust and support!
