John Burgos, 30, of Syracuse, New York, was sentenced on July 9 to serve 77 months in prison after being convicted of possessing a firearm as a prohibited person. The sentencing was announced by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Bryan DiGirolamo of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III, and Syracuse Police Chief Mark Rusin.
Burgos had previously pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm on April 16, 2025, despite being barred from doing so due to a robbery conviction in 2022. “Now serving 77 months in federal prison, this defendant is facing the consequences of illegally possessing a firearm,” said Sarcone. “Through the collaborative efforts of the ATF and the Syracuse Police Department, Project Safe Neighborhoods has removed another firearm from the streets and brought this defendant to justice. I look forward to continued collaboration as we work to remove more violent felons and deadly weapons from the community.”
“This sentence reflects the unwavering commitment of ATF and our law enforcement partners to proactively identify and hold accountable individuals who illegally possess firearms. I commend the work of our agents alongside the Syracuse Police Department, the New York State Department of Corrections, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the continued efforts to help keep our communities safe,” said DiGirolamo.
Martuscello said, “Protecting our communities remains a top priority for DOCCS. John Burgos, a parolee, already was located and arrested by Syracuse Area Parole Officers working with the Syracuse Police Department on a Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative detail. Utilizing GPS supervision technology and other investigative efforts, parole staff were able to identify his location leading to his apprehension and recovery of an illegal firearm.” Rusin added, “The sentencing of John Burgos is strong evidence that convicted offenders who illegally possess firearms will be held accountable. Our continued partnership with ATF and United States Attorney’s Office is instrumental in removing illegal firearms from our streets.”
United States District Court Judge Anthony J. Brindisi also ordered Burgos to serve three years under supervision following his release from prison.
ATF and Syracuse Police investigated this case; Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone prosecuted it as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is an initiative led by U.S. Attorneys’ offices across all federal districts aimed at coordinating law enforcement partnerships against violent crime through rapid response strategies tailored for local needs.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York covers an area exceeding 30,000 square miles across northern and central New York with about 3.4 million residents; it maintains offices in Albany, Binghamton, Plattsburgh and Syracuse; employs about fifty Assistant United States Attorneys plus support staff; prosecutes federal criminal cases; defends civil matters on behalf of the United States; coordinates law enforcement initiatives supporting community wellness; conducts outreach programs fostering public trust; operates as part of United States Department of Justice according to its official website.