Lansing, MI — Mychal Marcel Borney, a 32-year-old Lansing resident, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan announced Thursday.
The conviction stems from an incident earlier this year when Lansing police responded to reports of multiple gunshots coming from a vehicle. Officers arrived at the scene and found Borney sitting in the passenger seat of the car, where a loaded firearm with an extended magazine was discovered nearby. Additionally, 13 spent bullet casings from the weapon were found scattered on the road.
Borney’s criminal record includes previous convictions for illegal drug possession and home invasion, for which he served two extended prison sentences. Because of his prior felony convictions, Borney was prohibited from legally possessing a firearm.
The case was prosecuted under the federal “Safe Summer 2024” initiative, a program designed to target gun violence and reduce the number of illegal firearms on the streets. The program focuses on prosecuting individuals who possess firearms illegally, particularly those involved in gun-related crimes.
U.S. Attorney Mark Totten highlighted the importance of the program in addressing gun violence across the state. “The Safe Summer initiative is a critical tool in our ongoing efforts to reduce gun violence and hold offenders accountable,” Totten said. “We are committed to prosecuting those who illegally possess and use firearms, and we will continue to prioritize these cases into 2025.”
The firearm found in Borney’s possession was classified as a “crime gun,” meaning it had been fired during a crime. Under the Safe Summer program, cases involving such firearms are given particular attention.
Lansing Police Chief Rob Backus praised the efforts of the department and local law enforcement in combatting gun violence. “This case demonstrates our commitment to reducing gun violence in Lansing and ensuring the safety of our community,” Backus said. “Illegal firearms have no place on our streets, and we will continue working with federal authorities to remove them.”
Borney’s sentencing marks another step in the city’s ongoing fight against illegal gun possession and gun violence. Authorities say the Safe Summer program will remain a central part of their strategy to address these issues throughout 2025.
