Arthur Steven Stewart, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, New Mexico 2024

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico - An Albuquerque man has been sentenced to 46 months in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition following an altercation at Adam Food Market in Albuquerque on January 24, 2024.

Arthur Steven Stewart, 46, was found guilty of possessing a small pistol during an argument at Adam Food Market on Central Avenue. Surveillance footage from the Albuquerque Police Department's Real Time Crime Center captured the incident, which involved another individual producing a knife.

Despite opportunities to disengage, Stewart retrieved a loaded pistol and reapproached the other individual, pointing the firearm at him. APD officers arrived on the scene and apprehended Stewart, recovering a loaded pistol from his pocket.

Stewart, who was on probation for a previous robbery with a firearm enhancement conviction, initially claimed he had found the gun in the street and was attempting to return it to its owner.

Upon his release from prison, Stewart will be subject to two years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico and the Second Judicial District Attorney's Office secured the sentencing. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman made the announcement today.

The case was investigated by the Albuquerque Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Haynes is prosecuting this case as part of an agreement with the Second Judicial District Attorney's Office.

Through the agreement, Assistant District Attorneys are designated Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) in the United States Attorney's Office, prioritizing federal charges against those who drive violence in the Albuquerque metropolitan area.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/us-attorneys-office-and-second-judicial-district-attorneys-office-secure-sentencing