Anthony Montesino Of Bronx, New York Sentenced To Time Served And Two Years Of Supervised Release After Conviction Of Possession Of A Firearm As A Convicted Felon

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Anthony Montesino, 31, of Bronx, New York was sentenced today to a time served sentence for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.  United States District Judge William K. Sessions III also ordered that Montesino serve a two-year period of supervised release.

According to court records, Luis Santiago, Gilbert Bahamundi, Krystal Brace, and Anthony Montesino were involved in the distribution of crack cocaine in the Burlington area during the summer of 2013.  Between June and September 2013, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Brace’s apartment.  On September 11, 2013, a search warrant was executed at Brace’s apartment, where law enforcement encountered Santiago, Brace, Bahamundi, and Montesino.  Law enforcement recovered three handguns --- a Walther .380 caliber pistol, a Glock .40 caliber pistol, and a Ruger .380 pistol.  Also recovered from both Santiago and the apartment generally was a total of approximately $8,000 in cash.    

Investigation determined that all three of the pistols had been straw-purchased
shortly before the execution of the search warrant.  All of the individuals found in the apartment were charged federally: Santiago and Bahamundi were ultimately charged with conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base; Brace was charged with making false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer in connection with the purchase of the Ruger .380 pistol; and Montesino was charged with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.  In addition, John Olsen was charged with making false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer, in connection with his purchase of the Glock handgun.  On November 24, 2014, Santiago was sentenced to 72 months in prison and 4 years of supervised release; on October 27, 2014, Bahamundi was sentenced to 18 months in prison and 4 years of supervised release; and on October 6, 2014, John Olsen was sentenced to 1 year of probation.  Brace has not yet been sentenced.   

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Burlington Police Department, with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin J. Doyle.  Montesino was represented by Ian P. Carleton, Esq.