Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Buffalo, NY--U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Mashama Hill, 38, of Niagara Falls, N.Y., who was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, was sentenced to 48 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that on February 13, 2011, the defendant became upset with other patrons at a card table at the Seneca Niagara Casino and threatened to leave and return with a gun. The incident was reported to security and a short time later, Hill was observed on video surveillance returning to the casino in different clothing. Security personnel approached the defendant and ultimately located a loaded firearm.

The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Cannon, New York Field Office, the New York State Police - Seneca Niagara Gaming Detail, under the direction of Captain Daniel B. Hart and security personnel from the Seneca Niagara Casino.

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