Albuquerque Felon Kristian Thomas Sentenced to 96 Months for Gun Possession

ALBUQUERQUE – The grim reaper of the streets, Kristian Thomas, 36, was meted out a severe blow to his criminal empire this morning as he received a 96-month sentence for unlawfully possessing a firearm. In a court that never sleeps, justice was served with cold, hard certainty.

Thomas’ descent into darkness began on March 26, 2015, when Albuquerque Police Department (APD) officers apprehended him at the Bridge SW pawnshop, where he was caught red-handed with a revolver tucked away in his trousers. By April 28, 2015, Thomas stood indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, a charge he later admitted to on May 25, 2016.

Thomas’ rap sheet is as long as it is infamous, including convictions for armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and attempted residential burglary. His prosecution was part of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets the ‘worst of the worst,’ aiming to keep repeat offenders like Thomas off the streets for as long as possible.

This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in partnership with APD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman Cairns led the prosecution against Thomas, whose legacy will now include a sentence to federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Under the initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office joined forces with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to ensure that violent or repeat offenders receive the full weight of federal law. Thomas’ sentence is a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those who refuse to heed the warnings.

The grimy streets of Albuquerque have witnessed yet another victory for justice. For Kristian Thomas, it’s time to pay the piper for his transgressions against society. Let this be a lesson for all those who dare to play with fire.