In a stern reminder of the law's intolerance for repeat offenders, Frank Escobar, Jr., a 35-year-old man from San Bernardino with a track record of domestic violence, has been handed a 15-year federal prison sentence for possession of ammunition. The sentencing took place Wednesday, as reported by the Justice Department.
United States District Judge Hernán D. Vera imposed the sentence on Escobar, who has been under federal custody since August last year. His guilty plea came in November 2023 after a May incident where he illegally held three rounds of .25-caliber ammunition and four rounds of 12-gauge shotgun ammunition. The evidence, which included two fired .25-caliber cartridge cases, was discovered at the shared family home after a reported domestic dispute.
Given Escobar's criminal history — four felony domestic violence convictions — federal law prohibits him from owning firearms or ammunition. Prosecutors highlighted the gravity of the offense, stating, "Possession of a firearm by an abuser significantly increases the risk of death for a victim of domestic violence…While in possession of a firearm that he was legally prohibited from possessing, [Escobar] fired the gun multiple times in close proximity to his family members inside their shared residence." These words underscore the danger posed by Escobar's actions.
The investigation of this matter was a collaborative effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the San Bernardino Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kelsey A. Stimson from a General Crimes Section prosecuted the case, ensuring that a repeat offender faced the consequences of his unlawful actions.
