A Chicopee man has been handed down a 147-month prison sentence last Friday after pleading guilty to charges of robbery, assault, and firearm offenses involving a confidential informant. Hector Laureano, 38, faced U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni, who also imposed five years of supervised release following Laureano's prison term, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The case that brought Laureano to justice unfolded on May 4, 2023, when he assaulted an informant who was carrying out official duties, ultimately stealing $1,400. The weapon used in the crime was a Cobra Model .380 caliber pistol. According to the Office of Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy, the indictment came in December 2023, leading to Laureano's plea in July the following year.
Laureano was convicted on multiple counts: assaulting with a dangerous weapon a person assisting an officer or employee of the United States in the performance of official duties; brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and robbery of money of the United States.
The successful prosecution of this case was the result of a collaborative effort. Assisting Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of the Springfield Branch Office handled the prosecution. With the collaboration of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, further characterizes the commitment of national agencies to ensure that justice is served. James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF's Boston Division, played a prominent role in the investigation that led to Laureano's sentencing.
