Lansing Man Gets 57 Months for Illegal Gun Possession

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — In a stark reminder of the consequences of violating federal gun laws, 48-year-old Tom Allen Manuel, a Lansing resident, has been sentenced to 57 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, Manuel’s sentence was imposed on March 1, 2024, after he pleaded guilty on February 6, 2024, to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charge stems from an incident on October 27, 2023, when Manuel was found carrying a loaded pistol, despite being a convicted felon.

“Mr. Manuel has a 30-year record of violent criminal behavior,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “He has blatantly disregarded the law and repeatedly committed crimes while serving his sentence for past offenses. The people of Lansing deserve protection from such conduct, and my office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to help keep our communities safe from violent offenders.”

The grand jury charged Manuel with carrying a loaded pistol, an offense that carries stiff penalties in Michigan. At the time of his arrest, Manuel had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for violating bond on a pending armed robbery charge in Lansing Circuit Court.

Manuel’s lengthy criminal record, which spans three decades, played a significant role in the District Court’s decision to impose a longer sentence. “Accountability matters,” said ATF Detroit Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “Tom Manuel is a convicted serial violent offender who knowingly possessed an illegal firearm. Mr. Manuel is going to have a lot of free time to reflect on his consistent track record of illegal activity. Our community is a safer place today with Mr. Manuel off the streets.”

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy VerHey, and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Lansing Police Department. The sentence serves as a warning to those who would disregard federal gun laws and pose a threat to public safety.

As the investigation and prosecution of Manuel’s case demonstrate, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the ATF are committed to keeping communities safe from violent offenders. By holding individuals accountable for their actions, we can work towards a safer and more just society.

Manuel’s sentence is a stark reminder of the consequences of violating federal gun laws. As we move forward, it is essential that we continue to prioritize public safety and work towards a future where communities are free from the threat of violent crime.