Daniel Thomas Sanchez, 36, of Dededo, Guam, has been sentenced to 63 months in federal prison after being convicted for possession of firearms and ammunition as a felon and for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The sentencing took place in the U.S. District Court of Guam.
Sanchez will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and must pay a $300 special assessment fee. According to the announcement from Shawn N. Anderson, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, individuals convicted of federal drug offenses may lose eligibility for certain federal benefits.
The case began on October 13, 2023, when officers from the Guam Police Department (GPD) went to Sanchez’s home during an investigation into criminal activity. They found him asleep in a running vehicle parked at his residence with a loaded 12-gauge shotgun beside him.
On March 5, 2024, GPD officers encountered Sanchez again during a routine traffic stop. He was observed making suspicious movements toward his feet while seated in the backseat of a vehicle. Officers removed him from the car and discovered the grip of a revolver sticking out from a tennis shoe where he had been sitting. A further search led to the recovery of about 14 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, cash, multiple loaded firearms, and ammunition inside the vehicle. Sanchez admitted that he had sold methamphetamine earlier that day. Investigators later found another loaded firearm at his residence.
Due to prior felony convictions for family violence and aggravated assault, Sanchez was legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
“Armed felons and unlawful drug users are grave dangers to our communities,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “Federal law prohibits the possession of firearms and ammunition by such individuals. The Department of Justice will continue to prioritize these prosecutions to prevent violent crime.”
“Drug trafficking and the illegal possession of firearms will not be tolerated in our communities. ATF and its partners in law enforcement are dedicated to safeguarding our citizens, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue these criminals with every resource available,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “Those who choose to traffic drugs and illegally possess firearms will be held accountable for the harm they cause our communities.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives worked together with GPD on this investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Devarup Rastogi prosecuted this case in Guam.
