Written by Joseph Hutnak
The Bristol man accused of breaking into a Portsmouth home and stealing more than a dozen guns in late December, 2012, pleaded guilty to federal charges on Wednesday.
U.S. Atty. Peter Neronha announced the plea by David Welch, 42, to one federal count of being a felon in possession of firearms.
Welch faces up to 10 years in prison at his sentencing, scheduled for Oct. 1.
According to Portsmouth Police, officers responded to a home on Mitchell's Lane for a report of a breaking and entering and theft.
The investigation led to Welch and his son, Justin, and turned up the weapons and more than $25,000 in jewelry at David Welch's home in Bristol.
David Welch admitted in court on Wednesday that he sold some the stolen weapons before his Dec. 27 arrest and had planned to sell the rest, Neronha said.
Charges of breaking and entering and felony larceny against David Welch brought by Portsmouth Police are still pending.
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