A North Tonawanda man has been sentenced to 24 months in prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Abimael Mercado, 36, was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm after law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at his home on May 11, 2016.
During the search, officers found a shotgun and 11 shells in Mercado’s bedroom. As a previously convicted federal drug felon, Mercado is prohibited from legally possessing firearms and ammunition.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Wei Xiang, who handled the case, Mercado’s conviction stems from his unlawful possession of a firearm. ‘The defendant was previously convicted of a federal drug felony, and is prohibited from legally possessing firearms and ammunition,’ Xiang stated.
Mercado’s sentence was handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. on an unspecified date.
The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Timothy Howard, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen.
Mandatory facts: Defendant’s real full name is Abimael Mercado. The exact criminal charges are being a felon in possession of a firearm. The city and state are North Tonawanda, New York. The exact date of the crime is May 11, 2016. The sentence is 24 months in prison.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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