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Felon Caught with Shotgun
Abimael Mercado, a 36-year-old North Tonawanda resident, has been sentenced to 24 months in prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, on May 11, 2016, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Mercado’s home and found a shotgun and 11 shells in his bedroom. The defendant was previously convicted of a federal drug felony and is prohibited from legally possessing firearms and ammunition.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wei Xiang, who handled the case, stated that Mercado’s actions were a clear violation of his rights as a convicted felon. Xiang emphasized that the sentencing was a direct result of a thorough 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.
The investigation, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, involved 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.
Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. presided over the case and handed down the 24-month sentence. The sentence was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr.
Contact Barbara Burns at (716) 843-5817 or (716) 551-3051 for further information on this case.
The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of felons possessing firearms and the importance of law enforcement agencies working together to keep our communities safe.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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