DETROIT – A man facing charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm was found in the attic of his home in Detroit and was reportedly living with a 15-year-old who claims he is her boyfriend.
According to court documents, authorities were initially searching for a missing 15-year-old girl. On Jan. 14, 2025, officials executed a search warrant at Varsalles Phillips' home in Detroit to look for the girl.
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When authorities knocked on the door and announced their presence, the missing 15-year-old girl answered.
When they entered the home, they immediately saw a loaded Glock 23 pistol with an extended magazine on the mantle in the living room. Police also found another loaded pistol under a mattress in one of the bedrooms—this gun was reported to be stolen.
As authorities continued to search the house, they found Phillips hiding in the attic.
Police also found Phillips' wallet, with his driver’s license inside, in the bathroom. According to police, his driver’s license was the address of the house they were searching.
During an interview with police, Phillips said he was homeless but previously lived at the home that was searched. He claimed he arrived a the house prior and was going to get his hair done. He also told police he was recently discharged from parole.
The 15-year-old girl told police her “boyfriend” stays at the house. She identified her “boyfriend” as Phillips. She also said Phillips was the only person who stayed at the house.
The teen stated she knew about the guns in the house, claimed they weren’t hers and didn’t know who they belonged to.
Stolen guns
Police believe the guns found were manufactured out of Michigan and that the guns traveled in or affected interstate commerce before coming into Phillips' possession.
Phillips' criminal history
Phillips was previously convicted of false pretenses, attempt false pretenses, identity theft and home invasion. Each carried over a year in prison.
So far, Phillips faces charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
