Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that Avelino Johnson, 41, was sentenced yesterday to 84 months in prison for possession of a stolen firearm. Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents, on January 31, 2020, Johnson was arrested in Wilmington after unsuccessfully attempting to enter a victim’s home, banging on the door, and turning the doorknob. He was in possession of a stolen firearm and later tested positive for phencyclidine, also known as PCP.

“Mr. Johnson chose to violate federal law by possessing a stolen firearm while under the influence of drugs,” stated U.S. Attorney Weiss. “His behavior not only placed the victim in grave danger, but also the public at large. I wish to thank our law enforcement partners for their outstanding work in this case.”

“Anyone in possession of a stolen firearm and anyone possessing firearms while under the influence of drugs is a danger to public,” said ATF Baltimore Acting Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr. “The combination of the two is especially concerning. We are grateful that no one was hurt because of this defendant’s actions. ATF and our law enforcement partners will continue to work relentlessly to identify and arrest anyone who threatens the safety of our communities.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth Mandelbaum prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Wilmington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.