Stacey E. Mendoza, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, New York 2017

ALBANY, NEW YORK – In a shocking turn of events, Stacey E. Mendoza, a 40-year-old Albany woman, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges stem from a disturbing incident on June 21, 2016, where Mendoza fired a 12-gauge shotgun out of the window of a third-story apartment on Clinton Avenue, during a dispute with a neighbor.

According to authorities, Mendoza, who has been in custody since December 12, 2016, admitted to possessing the Winchester Model 1300 pump-action shotgun, which she was not legally allowed to own as a convicted felon. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Albany Police Department.

As part of her guilty plea, Mendoza faces up to 10 years in prison and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, as well as a maximum $250,000 fine. The sentence will be imposed by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino on August 9, 2017.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph A. Giovannetti, who worked tirelessly to bring Mendoza to justice. The ATF and the Albany Police Department also played a crucial role in the investigation, highlighting the importance of interagency collaboration in combating crime.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of gun violence and the importance of adhering to firearms laws. Mendoza’s guilty plea brings an end to a tumultuous chapter in her life, but also serves as a warning to others who may be tempted to disregard the law.

As the investigation continues, it is clear that the authorities will not tolerate any form of illegal activity, particularly when it comes to firearms. Mendoza’s sentence will be a significant blow to those who think they can flout the law with impunity.

The people of Albany can rest easy knowing that justice has been served, and that those who break the law will be held accountable. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.