BOSTON, MA – Stephen Skeirik, 39, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, is headed to federal prison for seven years after being convicted of being a felon in possession of both a firearm and ammunition. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf delivered the sentence today, adding three years of supervised release to the term.
The case stems from a February 27, 2020 incident where Skeirik was observed participating in a suspected drug transaction. When approached by law enforcement, Skeirik made a run for it, ditching a loaded Ruger .380 caliber pistol in a neighbor’s yard. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered a stolen Ruger 9mm pistol – also loaded, containing seven rounds of ammunition – alongside tools consistent with drug distribution, cutting agents, and the drugs themselves. The feds weren’t buying his story.
Skeirik’s criminal history disqualified him from legally owning any firearms or ammunition. A prior conviction for felony drug distribution automatically triggered the prohibition. This wasn’t a first offense, and Judge Wolf clearly didn’t take kindly to a repeat offender attempting to arm himself. Investigators believe the weapons were directly linked to his ongoing drug operation.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Boston Field Division, jointly announced the sentencing. The Massachusetts Parole Board, Lawrence Police Department, and Essex County District Attorney’s Office provided crucial support during the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit handled the prosecution.
Federal authorities framed the case as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN),” a multi-agency initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The program emphasizes collaboration between law enforcement and communities, focusing on preventative measures alongside strategic enforcement. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened version of PSN in May 2021, prioritizing community trust, support for local organizations, and measurable results.
Skeirik’s seven-year sentence sends a clear message: convicted felons attempting to possess firearms in Massachusetts will face significant federal penalties. The ATF’s Ferguson stated his agency remains committed to aggressively pursuing individuals who endanger public safety through illegal gun possession. The investigation is now closed, but the ripple effects of this bust will be felt in Lawrence for some time.
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