GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten announced Wednesday that a 48-year-old Lansing man has been sentenced to 57 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Tom Allen Manuel was initially charged on Dec. 19, 2023 with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm knowing it had an obliterated serial number.
Manuel pled guilty to the first charge on Feb. 6, 2024.
“Mr. Manuel has a 30-year record of violent criminal behavior,” said Totten. “He has blatantly disregarded the law and repeatedly committed crimes while serving his sentence for past offenses. The people of Lansing deserve protection from such conduct, and my office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to help keep our communities safe from violent offenders.”
Manuel was charged with carrying a loaded pistil on Oct. 27, 2023 by a grand jury. He was a convicted felon at that time. He also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for violating bond on a pending armed robber charge in Lansing Circuit Court.
Manuel was given a longer sentence than usual since he has a 30-year criminal record for violent crime. The District Court said they were concerned that he remained a danger to the community.
“Accountability matters. Tom Manuel is a convicted serial violent offender who knowingly possessed an illegal firearm.” said ATF Detroit Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “Mr. Manuel is going to have a lot of free time to reflect on his consistent track record of illegal activity. Our community is a safer place today with Mr. Manuel off the streets.”
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