U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman | U.S. Department of Justice
Mana Sambola, a 41-year-old Liberian national, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for the illegal possession of two firearms. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
A search warrant executed at Sambola's apartment on May 22, 2023, resulted in the recovery of a Glock 43 pistol and an Anderson Manufacturing AM15 rifle. The rifle was notably marked with the names "Death," "War," "Famine," and "Pestilence," referring to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Additionally, four boxes of ammunition were found. Due to prior felony convictions related to narcotics and firearms, Sambola is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci presided over a contested sentencing hearing where it was determined that Sambola possessed the Glock in connection with three crimes: straw purchasing a firearm, making a false statement to a firearms dealer, and distribution of a controlled substance. In addition to his prison sentence, Sambola received a three-year term of supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by HSI with support from several agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Warren County District Attorney’s and Sheriff’s Offices, New York State Police, and Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner prosecuted the case.
