HOLYOKE, MA – Joe Anthony Montaner-Vazquez, 25, of Holyoke is headed to federal prison for five years after being convicted of illegally possessing a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni handed down the sentence yesterday in Springfield, adding three years of supervised release to the term. The case highlights the continued federal crackdown on individuals prohibited from owning weapons due to prior felony convictions.
The bust went down in May 2022 when Montaner-Vazquez attempted to evade Holyoke police. During the attempt to flee, officers discovered he was carrying a Glock 9-millimeter pistol and a full magazine of 20 rounds. This wasn’t a first offense; Montaner-Vazquez’s criminal history already disqualified him from legally owning firearms or ammunition.
According to court documents, Montaner-Vazquez pleaded guilty in April 2023 to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charge carries a significant penalty, reflecting the serious nature of the crime and the potential danger posed to the public when prohibited individuals are armed.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy, along with James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Boston Field Division, and Holyoke Police Chief David Pratt, jointly announced the sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of the Springfield Branch Office led the prosecution, building the case against Montaner-Vazquez.
Federal officials emphasized this case is part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a Department of Justice initiative designed to reduce violent crime. PSN aims to target the most dangerous offenders and work with local programs to prevent future crime, providing both enforcement and rehabilitation efforts.
The ATF continues to work with local police departments like Holyoke’s to identify and prosecute individuals who violate federal gun laws. The five-year sentence sends a clear message: possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon will not be tolerated, and those who do so will face serious federal consequences.
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