Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Somerville Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a Firearm
BOSTON – A Somerville man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Fredy Arbaiza, 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 64 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In November 2017, Arbaiza pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In May 2017, law enforcement began investigating illegal activities by Arbaiza. A confidential source reported to law enforcement that Arbaiza had been abusing alcohol, ecstasy, and Xanax pills, and became increasingly violent while under the influence of these substances. The source also informed law enforcement that Arbaiza was selling marijuana out of two Somerville apartments and that he carried a black handgun. Arbaiza told another confidential source that he carried “a Glock police issued” handgun for protection that he bought from a friend for $1000.
On June 15, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a Somerville apartment where Arbaiza stayed and recovered a Glock, Model 17, 9mm pistol with a partially obliterated serial number. In addition, a thirty-round magazine for the Glock pistol, loaded with 23 rounds of 9mm ammunition, was recovered from Abraiza’s pocket. Law enforcement also found various drug paraphernalia in a bedroom used by Arbaiza, including a digital scale, plastic baggies and a bag with a small amount of marijuana.
Arbaiza is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to prior felony convictions, which include various convictions of assault, assault and battery, and resisting arrest. Arbaiza was arrested on June 15, 2017, and charged by a federal criminal complaint.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Somerville Police Chief David R. Fallon; and Chelsea Police Chief Brian A. Kyes made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Crowley of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case.