Springfield Felon Sentenced To 10 Years in Prison for Firearms and Drug Charges

BOSTON – A Springfield man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court for conspiring to illegally possess a firearm and ammunition and for conspiring to distribute cocaine.

Kevin Sligar, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 10 years in prison and ten years of supervised release.  In October 2014, Sligar pleaded guilty to conspiring to illegally possess a firearm and ammunition and conspiring to distribute cocaine.

From April 1, 2012 through July 21, 2012, Sligar operated a narcotics distribution operation in and around Springfield, with three co-conspirators in which they distributed at least 300 grams of cocaine and an indeterminate amount of marijuana.  In connection with the operation, Sligar and a co-conspirator jointly possessed a Hi-Point Model C9, 9mm pistol, even though both had previous convictions. 

During the night of July 21, 2012, Sligar and his co-conspirators were leaving the Polish Festival in Ludlow, Mass. in a Dodge Neon when they encountered another car occupied by three individuals.  While both cars were stopped at a traffic light, an argument broke out between the occupants and Sligar brandished the pistol.  Shortly thereafter, the other car drove away, and the occupants called 911.  The Neon attempted to escape the Springfield Police by driving fast, but ultimately crashed at an intersection, injuring Sligar and his three co-conspirators.  During the search of the Neon, the pistol, which was fully loaded with 9mm ammunition, was recovered.

In a related case, Sligar pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in Hampden Superior Court.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Boston Field Office; and Springfield Police Commissioner William John Barbieri, made the announcement today.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of Ortiz's Springfield Branch Office.