CHRISTOPHER RYAN ACOBA, 26, of Kent, Washington, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 41 months in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik sentenced ACOBA to the top of the federal sentencing guidelines range noting that ACOBA had failed to “prove he could be trusted” by violating the terms of his release pending sentencing. As described in court documents, ACOBA attempted to flee from federal marshals in October 2006 while on release pending sentencing. When marshals arrived on ACOBA’s street, ACOBA jumped in his car, gunned the engine, swerved around the first marshal’s car, and sideswiped a second vehicle. Two marshals suffered minor injuries.

ACOBA was first arrested in May 2006, after a confidential informant purchased four firearms and cocaine from ACOBA at his Kent residence. ACOBA had more than a dozen firearms in the home, despite the fact that he was prohibited from possessing them because he is a convicted felon. ACOBA was convicted in August 2002, in King County Superior Court for assault, eluding police, and cocaine possession. In February 2002, he was convicted in King County Superior Court of Forgery.

ACOBA pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm in U.S. District Court on August 29, 2006. ACOBA was released from detention pending sentencing. Due to evidence of drug use while on release, a warrant was issued for ACOBA’s arrest. After ACOBA’s attempt to flee, marshals discovered suspected methamphetamine and a pellet gun in his car.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William H. Redkey, Jr.

For additional information please contact Emily Langlie, Public Affairs Officer for the United States Attorney’s Office, at (206) 553-4110.

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