Manchester Man Faces Up to 10 Years for Illegal Firearm Possession

Anthony Pillsbury, a 36-year-old Manchester resident, has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm in New Hampshire. According to court documents, Pillsbury was stopped by a Manchester Police officer on Lowell Street on July 10, 2015, while walking in the area.

The officer, mistaking Pillsbury for another individual with an active warrant, initiated a stop to investigate further. During the stop, the officer discovered a Jennings J-22, .22 caliber firearm in Pillsbury’s back pocket. Further investigation revealed that Pillsbury is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction.

A federal indictment charging Pillsbury with illegal firearm possession was returned by a grand jury in Concord on October 21, 2015. The case is being investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.

Pillsbury’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 9, 2016, in front of U.S. District Judge Paul Barbadoro. At that time, his sentence will be determined by the court following completion of a presentence investigation report by the United States Probation and Pretrial Services Office. The statutory maximum sentence for the offense is ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.

The guilty plea brings to light the serious consequences of violating federal firearm laws. In New Hampshire, it is strictly enforced that individuals with prior felony convictions are prohibited from possessing firearms.

As the investigation continues, it is clear that Pillsbury’s actions have put him at risk of facing serious penalties. His sentencing hearing will determine the extent of his punishment, but one thing is certain: the consequences of violating federal firearm laws can be severe.

A closer look at the case reveals the importance of strict enforcement of firearm laws in New Hampshire. By holding individuals accountable for their actions, law enforcement can work towards creating a safer community for all residents.