Meher Aboolian, Firearms Violation, Iowa 2020

A California man has been sentenced to 7 years in federal prison for violating federal firearms laws in Iowa.

Meher Aboolian, 32, of Glendale, California, was sentenced on August 25, 2020, to 84 months' imprisonment, which is equivalent to 7 years, for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

Aboolian was previously convicted of crimes that prohibited him from possessing guns, including Burglary, False Checks, and Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale.

The incident occurred on November 3, 2019, when Aboolian's vehicle was stopped by law enforcement. During a search of Aboolian, officers found drug paraphernalia and pills, which Aboolian admitted he did not have a prescription for, concealed under his hat. A search of the vehicle revealed additional drug paraphernalia, and items to mask the smell of illegal drugs. Officers also located a stolen gun, a Smith & Wesson Model 669, 9mm pistol, with no visible serial number, and a loaded magazine.

Aboolian was sentenced before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. In addition to his prison sentence, he must also serve a term of 3 years of supervised release following his imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.

Aboolian is being held in the US Marshals custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian, the Department of Justice's violent crime reduction efforts.

The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndia/pr/california-man-federal-prison-violating-federal-firearms-law-while-iowa