Albuquerque man charged with firearms possession

            ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Shawn Connell, 41, of Albuquerque, was charged in federal court on Feb. 8 with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Connell has been released from custody pending trial.

            According to a criminal complaint, on the morning of Sept. 26, 2020, a Bernalillo County Deputy Sheriff allegedly observed Connell driving erratically and made a traffic stop. At first, Connell allegedly refused to comply with the Deputy’s commands, but eventually got out of his vehicle and was detained. A check revealed that Connell’s driver license had been surrendered.

            Among the items found during an inventory of Connell’s vehicle was a handgun. As a previously convicted felon, Connell cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition. If convicted, Connell faces up to 10 years in prison.

            A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

            The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niki Tapia-Brito is prosecuting the case.