Liberian Citizen Admits to Unlawfully Possessing Two Firearms as a Felon

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Mana Sambola a/k/a “Coffee,” age 41, a Liberian citizen residing in Saratoga Springs, New York, pled guilty today to illegally possessing two 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.

A search warrant executed at Sambola’s apartment on May 22, 2023, led to the recovery of a Glock 43 pistol; an Anderson Manufacturing AM15 assault rifle; and four boxes of ammunition. Sambola has prior felony convictions that prevent him from lawfully possessing those firearms and ammunition. 

Sambola faces 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.  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.

HSI investigated 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.