Syracuse Felon Sentenced to 77 Months for Possessing a Firearm
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – John Burgos, 30, of Syracuse, New York, was sentenced July 9 th , 2026, to serve 77 months in prison following his conviction for possessing a firearm as a prohibited person.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III and Syracuse Police Chief Mark Rusin made the announcement.
As part of his earlier plea, Burgos admitted that, despite being prohibited from possessing a firearm based on a 2022 robbery conviction, he possessed a firearm on April 16, 2025.
“Now serving 77 months in federal prison, this defendant is facing the consequences of illegally possessing a firearm,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone. “Through the collaborative efforts of the ATF and the Syracuse Police Department, Project Safe Neighborhoods has removed another firearm from the streets and brought this defendant to justice. I look forward to continued collaboration as we work to remove more violent felons and deadly weapons from the community.”
ATF- New York Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo said, “This sentence reflects the unwavering commitment of ATF and our law enforcement partners to proactively identify and hold accountable individuals who illegally possess firearms. I commend the work of our agents alongside the Syracuse Police Department, the New York State Department of Corrections, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the continued efforts to help keep our communities safe.”
NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III said, “Protecting our communities remains a top priority for DOCCS. John Burgos, a parolee, already was located and arrested by Syracuse Area Parole Officers working with the Syracuse Police Department on a Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative detail. Utilizing GPS supervision technology and other investigative efforts, parole staff were able to identify his location, leading to his apprehension and the recovery of an illegal firearm. This highlights the critical partnership between DOCCS and local law enforcement in removing dangerous weapons from our communities and holding those who threaten public safety accountable.”
“The sentencing of John Burgos is strong evidence that convicted offenders who illegally possess firearms will be held accountable. Our continued partnership with the ATF and the United States Attorney’s Office is instrumental in removing illegal firearms from our streets and enhancing public safety,” said Chief Mark Rusin, Syracuse Police Department.
In addition to the 77-month term of imprisonment, United States District Court Judge Anthony J. Brindisi also ordered Burgos to serve a 3-year term of supervision once released.
ATF and the Syracuse Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities .
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office — Northern District of New York — U.S. Department of Justice press release.