Scranton Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearm
Jonny Contreras received an 18-month prison term for possessing an unregistered AR-15 style rifle.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Drug Crime
A 36-year-old Scranton resident, Jonny Contreras, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for the possession of an unregistered firearm. The sentence follows his guilty plea entered earlier this year.
Why it matters
The case highlights federal enforcement efforts regarding unregistered short-barreled rifles. Contreras will serve two years of supervised release following his prison term.
Jonny Contreras, age 36, received an 18-month sentence for possessing an AR-15 style rifle with a barrel length under 16 inches. The weapon was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
The players
Jonny Contreras
He is a 36-year-old man from Pike County who was sentenced for firearm possession.
Tatum Wilson
She serves as an Assistant United States Attorney and led the prosecution of this case.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
This federal law enforcement agency investigates crimes involving firearms, explosives, and arson.
Pike County District Attorney's Office
This local agency works to investigate and prosecute criminal activity within Pike County.
The details
Contreras pleaded guilty in May 2026 to charges related to the possession of the unregistered weapon, which was identified during a multi-agency investigation. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside the Pike County District Attorney's Office.
Timeline
January 14, 2025: Contreras possessed an unregistered firearm.
May 2026: Contreras pleaded guilty to the charge.
October 2, 2026: Contreras was sentenced to imprisonment.
Legal Context
The prosecution of this case follows the enforcement patterns established by the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. This conviction reflects the federal government's ongoing mandate to regulate specific firearm configurations through the court system.
This sentencing serves as a reminder of the strict federal penalties associated with unregistered firearm possession. Residents should be aware that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives continues to coordinate with local authorities to pursue these violations.
The takeaway
Federal authorities maintain a zero-tolerance policy for weapons that bypass official registration requirements. Understanding local and federal firearm regulations is essential for compliance and avoiding severe legal consequences.
Further reading
For more information on legal developments in the region, visit the Drug Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The United States Department of Justice.
