MANSFIELD, Mass. — Thomas Callan, a 61-year-old Mansfield resident, is facing serious legal battles after authorities raided his home in April, uncovering a disturbing array of weaponry and ammunition. The incident has led to a 10-count grand jury indictment that Callan is contesting in superior court, having pleaded not guilty in Fall River Superior Court on Friday.
The cache of weapons seized from Callan’s residence at 142 Church St., included 23 firearms, numerous large capacity magazines, over 10,000 rounds of ammunition, and materials potentially used to construct improvised explosives. The seizure has drawn significant attention due to its size and the nature of the items recovered.
Initially arrested for failing to appear in court on a larceny charge related to the alleged theft of a Pride Flag in nearby Norton in June, further investigations by the Mansfield police prompted them to obtain a search warrant for his home. This operation not only uncovered the weapons but also brought to light Callan’s affiliation with the sovereign citizens’ movement, a group that fundamentally disavows governmental authority.
During the April raid, authorities discovered a variety of firearms including semi-automatic handguns, shotguns, and rifles. This extensive array indicates prolonged collection and raises concerning questions about their intended uses.
Previously, Callan faced 49 different weapons charges in Attleboro District Court. However, with the transfer of his prosecution to superior court, those charges are expected to be dismissed, consolidating his legal challenges into the current ongoing case.
Callan’s defense, led by attorney Neal Steingold of Providence, argued that many of the weapons had been legally owned and neglected over years as Callan spent time in California, allowing his firearm license to lapse inadvertently.
The court is also considering the implications of holding Callan under a dangerousness statute, which would allow him to be detained for up to 180 days without bail. This measure is typically reserved for cases where releasing the defendant could pose an immediate threat to public safety.
Friday’s arraignment now moves the case further along in the judicial system, with a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Tuesday to determine whether Callan should remain in custody throughout his trial.
The court’s decision at this subsequent hearing will be pivotal, potentially placing Callan in jail for the next six months as he awaits further judicial proceedings. The ongoing case continues to capture the community’s attention, as it underlines significant concerns about civilian stockpiles of weapons and the inherent risks they pose to public safety.