'Dangerous felon' in Hampton with gun crime history gets nearly 5 years in prison
HAMPTON — A local man with a history of gun crime convictions has been sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of ammunition.
Sean R. Meola, 51, of Hampton, was sentenced Wednesday to 46 months on the charge as well as an additional 10 months for violating probation as part of a negotiated plea deal with prosecutors.
Meola could have faced up to 10 years in prison if the case went to trial.
“This dangerous felon committed multiple prior gun-related crimes and yet continued to possess ammunition while on federal supervised release," stated U.S. Attorney John Farley. "Such unlawful conduct threatens public safety and will not be tolerated."
Meola was arrested by Hampton police after officers responded to a domestic disturbance at his home Jan. 17, 2021.
Hampton police said when they arrived, they encountered an injured woman, who reported Meola had assaulted her and threatened to shoot her two days earlier.
Previous story: Hampton man charged with domestic violence
The victim also told police that Meola had a 9mm handgun.
Police obtained a search warrant for Meola's home, where officers seized 18 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Meola is legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior felony convictions for bank robbery and using a firearm during a crime of violence.
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Hampton police charged Meola with two counts of domestic violence. The federal charges were brought forward with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Meola pleaded guilty Aug. 16, 2021.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Hampton man with gun crime past sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison
