Coxsackie, NY – Shawn Ubrich, 50, is facing serious time after admitting he illegally possessed an AR-15 rifle. The conviction means he shouldn’t have had a firearm at all, and now he’s looking at a decade behind bars.
Federal prosecutors revealed Ubrich, of Coxsackie, New York, pled guilty to the charge today. The offense occurred on October 5, 2021, in Greene County, a rural area south of Albany. Details on why Ubrich had the weapon are scarce, but the fact remains: a convicted felon was packing serious heat illegally.
U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman’s office is handling the prosecution, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin S. Clark leading the charge. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), led by Special Agent in Charge John B. DeVito, spearheaded the investigation, alongside the New York State Police under Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli. The feds are making it clear they’re not tolerating illegal gun possession in the state.
Ubrich isn’t just facing jail time. He’s agreed to forfeit the AR-15 itself, meaning the government will seize the weapon. If Chief U.S. District Judge Brenda K. Sannes accepts the plea deal on April 27, 2023, Ubrich could be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in prison, plus a hefty fine of up to $250,000. On top of that, he’ll face up to 3 years of supervised release after he gets out.
The sentence, however, isn’t automatic. Judge Sannes will consider federal sentencing guidelines and other factors when deciding Ubrich’s fate. This case highlights the ongoing federal crackdown on individuals illegally possessing firearms, particularly those with prior criminal records. The ATF and state police are working together to keep these weapons off the streets.
Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing when it occurs. This isn’t just about one AR-15; it’s about enforcing the laws meant to protect communities from gun violence, and holding those who break those laws accountable.”
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