Gabriel Figueroa, a 29-year-old resident of New York, has been sentenced to 60 months in prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The sentencing took place on January 28, 2025, and was presided over by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani.
Acting U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus reported that between December 2023 and January 2024, law enforcement officials used a confidential informant to make three controlled cocaine purchases from Figueroa in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Following these transactions, authorities executed a search warrant at Figueroa's residence where they found methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, ammunition, and a Taurus .380 caliber handgun.
The investigation involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives—Allentown Field Office, the Kingston Police Department, and members of the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson led the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. On May 26, 2021, the Department introduced a strategy to enhance PSN by fostering community trust and legitimacy while supporting organizations that prevent violence.