An Elizabeth, New Jersey man has been sentenced to five years in prison for illegal firearm possession. Stanley Claiborne, 28, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The arrest occurred on July 14, 2022, when U.S. Marshals apprehended Claiborne near Market and Broad Streets in Newark. He was found with a loaded gun and had prior felony convictions that prohibited him from possessing firearms under federal law.
In addition to the prison term, Claiborne will serve three years of supervised release.
“This case is an excellent example of state and federal authorities partnering together to aggressively combat illegal gun possession in New Jersey," said U.S. Attorney John Giordano.
Juan Mattos Jr., U.S. Marshal for the District of New Jersey, emphasized the commitment to justice: “The arrest of Stanley Claiborne and prosecution for possessing an illegal firearm is a testament to the U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Attorney’s Office commitment to justice and safety for our communities throughout the state.”
U.S. Attorney Giordano credited several agencies for their role in the investigation leading to the sentencing, including special agents from the FBI Newark Field Office and members of the United States Marshals Service's New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force (NY/NJ RFTF).
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and enhance community safety through collaboration between law enforcement and community groups. It is also part of Operation Take Back America, targeting illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clara Kim and Thomas S. Kearney represented the government in this case.
Defense counsel was Lorraine Gauli-Rufo from Verona, New Jersey.