Massachusetts, New York authorizes arrest Middleborough convicted felon, seize 15 stolen firearms

MIDDLEBOROUGH — The Middleborough Police Department is announcing the recovery of 15 firearms stolen during a July 25, 2026, breaking and entering in Middleborough.

Following the burglary, Middleborough Police detectives immediately began an extensive investigation, working closely with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and other law enforcement partners.

Through a combination of surveillance, digital forensics, cell site location data, ALPR’S, privately owned cameras, interviews, and other investigative techniques, Middleborough detectives developed James Delano, a convicted felon, as a suspect in the theft.

On July 28, 2026, Middleborough detectives, with assistance from agents and task force officers assigned to the ATF Bridgewater Field Office, executed a state search warrant at Delano‘s residence in Middleborough. During the search, investigators seized ammunition and a cellular telephone belonging to him.

Middleborough detectives continued to pursue investigative leads following the execution of the search warrant. Information developed during the investigation led investigators to a residence belonging to members of Delano’s family in Cold Brook, New York.

On August 13, 2026, ATF agents from the Bridgewater and Syracuse Field Offices executed a federal search warrant at the Cold Brook residence. During the search, agents located and recovered 5 of the firearms stolen during the Middleborough burglary, along with multiple rounds of ammunition that had been buried in a wooded area near the residence.

The investigation did not end with the execution of the search warrant. ATF agents subsequently conducted additional investigative interviews in the Cold Brook area, resulting in the recovery of an additional 10 stolen firearms and multiple rounds of ammunition.

As a result of the investigation, the 15 firearms stolen during the July 25 burglary have now been recovered.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts has charged Delano with being a felon in possession of ammunition. He has also been apprehended. Additional charges related to the investigation remain under consideration.

The Middleborough Police Department recognized the dedication and investigative efforts of the Middleborough Police Detective Division, whose work following the initial burglary was instrumental in identifying the suspect, developing investigative leads, and ultimately assisting in the recovery of 15 stolen firearms.

The Department also extended its appreciation to the ATF Bridgewater and Syracuse Field Offices and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.