Chad Gabris, Firearm and Witness Tampering, Mililani HI, 2024

MILILANI, HI – Chad Gabris, 41, a registered sex offender and documented gang member, is headed back to prison after a federal judge slammed him with a 52-month sentence for possessing a firearm and attempting to corrupt witnesses. The feds say Gabris, already on parole, was caught with a Glock .40 S&W and 70 rounds of ammunition – a clear violation of federal law for a convicted felon. This isn’t just about a gun; it’s about a repeat offender flouting the law and trying to cover his tracks.

The bust went down after investigators discovered the weapon in Gabris’s vehicle back in October 2019. Ballistics tied the firearm to Gabris through his DNA and palmprints found on ammunition packaging. But the charges escalated when Gabris allegedly tried to rope in family members to lie for him. According to court documents, he pressured his mother and the mother of his children to falsely claim the gun wasn’t his and that his mother had acquired it illegally. He even dangled the promise of bailing her out if she got caught in the lie.

Gabris’s history is a laundry list of offenses. Prior convictions include two counts of sexual assault and two counts of vehicle burglary. Federal prosecutors weren’t shy about highlighting this pattern of criminal behavior during sentencing. They argued that Gabris represents a clear and present danger to the community, and the 52-month sentence reflects that assessment. This wasn’t a first-time offense; it was a continuation of a long-standing disregard for the law.

Senior United States District Judge Susan O. Mollway didn’t hold back, ordering the 52-month sentence to run *consecutive* to any remaining time on Gabris’s state parole violation. That means he won’t get a “free pass” after serving his federal time. He’ll continue to answer for his previous crimes. Beyond the prison term, Gabris will face three years of supervised release upon his eventual return to the streets. The feds say that’s to monitor his behavior and prevent further offenses.

Gabris’s ties to the “La Familia” prison gang also factored into the sentencing. While not directly charged with gang-related activity in this case, his association raised red flags for the court and prosecutors. The feds believe gang affiliation contributed to his willingness to engage in witness tampering and disregard for the law. This case underscores the ongoing effort to crack down on illegal firearms possession and hold accountable those who try to obstruct justice.

Federal prosecutors emphasized this case is part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a nationwide initiative focused on reducing gun violence and making communities safer. They’ll continue to work with local law enforcement to identify and prosecute individuals like Gabris who pose a threat. The message is clear: possessing illegal firearms and attempting to intimidate witnesses won’t be tolerated. This isn’t just about one conviction; it’s about sending a message to anyone considering similar actions.