Mana Sambola, a 41-year-old Liberian national who previously lived in Saratoga Springs, New York, 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).
The sentencing follows a search warrant executed at Sambola’s apartment on May 22, 2023. Authorities recovered a Glock 43 pistol and an Anderson Manufacturing AM15 rifle. The rifle was marked with the names "Death," "War," "Famine," and "Pestilence." Four boxes of ammunition were also found. Sambola's prior felony convictions related to narcotics and firearms prohibited him from legally possessing these items.
United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci conducted a contested sentencing hearing where she determined that Sambola had the Glock in connection with three crimes: straw purchasing a firearm, making false statements to a firearms dealer, and distributing a controlled substance. In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Nardacci imposed a three-year term of supervised release.
The case was investigated 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.