Albany Woman Admits to Illegal Shotgun Blast

ALBANY, NY – A dispute turned explosive on Clinton Avenue in June 2016, and now Stacey E. Mendoza, 40, is paying the price. The Albany woman pled guilty today to unlawful possession of a firearm, admitting she discharged a 12-gauge shotgun from her third-story apartment during an argument with a neighbor.

According to federal prosecutors, Mendoza, already a convicted felon, had no legal right to possess the Winchester Model 1300 pump-action shotgun used in the incident. The details emerged during her guilty plea, revealing a reckless act that landed her back in the system. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Richard S. Hartunian, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict, jointly announced the conviction.

The scene unfolded on the evening of June 21, 2016, when tempers flared and Mendoza allegedly fired the weapon. While no injuries were reported from the shooting itself, the act of discharging a firearm while prohibited is a serious federal offense. Mendoza has been cooling her heels behind bars since December 12, 2016, awaiting the outcome of the case.

Now, Mendoza faces a harsh reckoning. She’s scheduled to appear before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino on August 9, 2017, for sentencing. The maximum penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm carries a hefty price: up to 10 years in federal prison, followed by up to 3 years of supervised release. She could also be slapped with a fine of up to $250,000.

The investigation was a coordinated effort between the ATF and the Albany Police Department, highlighting the agencies’ commitment to removing illegal firearms from the streets. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph A. Giovannetti is prosecuting the case, ensuring that Mendoza is held accountable for her actions. The length of Mendoza’s ultimate sentence will be determined by Judge D’Agostino, considering federal sentencing guidelines and the specifics of the case.

This case serves as a stark reminder that possessing a firearm while a convicted felon is a serious crime with severe consequences. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing when it occurs, providing a clear picture of justice served in the Capital Region.

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