CONCORD – Sean R. Meola, 51, of Hampton, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of ammunition and 10 additional months for a supervised release violation, United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 17, 2021, Hampton police officers responded to a domestic disturbance at Meola’s residence. Officers encountered an injured victim who reported that Meola had assaulted her and threatened to shoot her approximately two days earlier. The victim reported that Meola had a 9mm handgun. Officers obtained a search warrant for Meola’s residence. Officers seized 18 rounds of 9mm ammunition from the residence. Meola is legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition by virtue of prior felony convictions.
At the time of the offense, Meola was on federal supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He has prior federal convictions for bank robbery and using a firearm during a crime of violence.
Meola previously pleaded guilty on August 16, 2021.
“To protect the public from violent crime, it is imperative that we keep firearms and ammunition out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Farley. “This dangerous felon committed multiple prior gun-related crimes and yet continued to possess ammunition while on federal supervised release. Such unlawful conduct threatens public safety and will not be tolerated. As this case demonstrates, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute violent criminals whose conduct threatens the residents of New Hampshire.”
“Keeping firearms and ammunition out of the hands of dangerous criminal offenders is one of the ATF’s top priorities,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge ATF Boston Field Division. “This is especially important when it comes to individuals who commit domestic violence. ATF is committed to aggressively pursuing individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, this is another way we prevent gun violence in our communities.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Hampton Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.
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