Felon Indicted for Possessing Rifle and a Straw-Purchased Handgun
ALBANY, N.Y. – Mana Sambola a/k/a “Coffee,” age 41, a citizen of Liberia residing in Saratoga Springs, New York, was indicted for possessing two firearms and four boxes of ammunition as a previously convicted felon. Christopher Krom, age 36, of Lake Luzerne, New York, was indicted for acting as a straw purchaser for one of Sambola’s firearms.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo, New York Field Office, made the announcement.
According to the indictment and a previously filed criminal complaint, law enforcement searched Sambola’s apartment on May 22, 2023 and found an Anderson Manufacturing AM15 rifle emblazoned with the names of the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse: “Death,” “War,” “Famine,” and “Pestilence.” Investigators also recovered a Glock 43 pistol that Krom purchased on behalf of Sambola, as well as four boxes of ammunition. Sambola has prior felony convictions related to drugs and weapons, and as a result cannot lawfully possess these firearms or ammunition. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The charge filed against Sambola carries a maximum term of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. The charges filed against Krom carry a maximum term of 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart set conditions of release for Krom and ordered Sambola detained pending their trial before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci.
HSI is investigating the case with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Warren County District Attorney’s and Sheriff’s Offices; the New York State Police; and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting the case.
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