Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Unregistered Silencers

A Syracuse man has pleaded guilty to possessing unregistered silencers, a crime that carries a hefty penalty. Anthony Lopes, 29, of Syracuse, New York, admitted to selling three silencers without proper registration, a serious offense that was uncovered by law enforcement.

The silencers, which were sold on February 10 and 13, 2020, did not have serial numbers and were not registered to Lopes in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. This lack of registration is a clear indication of a deliberate attempt to evade the law.

The investigation into Lopes’ activities was a joint effort between the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Syracuse Police Department-Special Investigations Division (SPD-SID). Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe is handling the prosecution of Lopes, who faces serious consequences for his actions.

Lopes’ plea deal is a significant development in this case, as it brings an end to the uncertainty surrounding his fate. However, the sentence he faces is a stern warning to those who would seek to evade the law by possessing unregistered firearms.

At his sentencing hearing on November 10, 2021, before Chief District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby in Syracuse, New York, Lopes will face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. This severe punishment is a reflection of the seriousness with which the law treats this offense.

Lopes’ case serves as a reminder that law enforcement is vigilant and will pursue those who seek to evade the law. By working together, agencies like the ATF and the SPD-SID can bring perpetrators to justice and keep communities safe.

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