Liberian citizen sentenced in gun possession case

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- A Liberian citizen previously living in Saratoga Springs has been sentenced after pleading guilty to a gun charge, according to the Department of Justice. Mana Sambola, 41, will spend one year and nine months in prison.

On May 22, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Sambola’s apartment. At the apartment, deputies found a Glock 43 pistol, an Anderson manufacturing AM15 assault rifle and four boxes of ammunition. According to the Department of Justice, the gun was emblazoned with the names of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: "Death," "War," "Famine," and "Pestilence."

Prior felony convictions prevented Sambola from legally possessing both firearms and ammunition. He pleaded guilty to illegally possessing two firearms as a felon in August 2024.

Following a sentencing hearing, it was found that he had the Glock in connection with three crimes. The DOJ said they were straw purchasing a firearm, making a false statement to a firearms dealer, and distribution of a controlled substance.

Following his prison sentence, he was also sentenced to three years of probation. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Warren County District Attorney’s Office and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.