Lowell Felon Pleads Guilty in Illegal Firearm Sales

BOSTON – A previously convicted felon pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with the sale of multiple firearms, including handguns with obliterated serial numbers.

Shayne Sullivan, 25, of Lowell, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.  U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for April 2, 2015.

On March 5, 2014, Sullivan, sold a .357 caliber revolver with an obliterated serial number as well as ammunition to an undercover agent for $600.  Eleven days later, Sullivan arranged for another convicted felon to sell several other firearms, including two revolvers with obliterated serial numbers and a rifle, to another criminal for $1,300.  Sullivan’s prior convictions include, among other offenses, armed robbery with a gun and assault and battery on a disabled person over the age of 65.

The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.   Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Lowell Police Superintendent William Taylor, made the announcement.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Ortiz's Major Crimes Unit.