Previously convicted New Mexico felon sentenced for to 6 months in federal prison for firearms, 'stolen valor' convictions

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A local man was sentenced Nov. 9 in federal court to six months in prison for violating the federal firearms laws and making false representations about having received military medals and decorations.

Special agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated this case.

In addition to his prison sentence Anthony Lee Gambino, 45, of Farmington, New Mexico, must serve three years on supervised release after he completes his prison sentence. According to court filings, Gambino was the owner and operator of Gambino Security Safety Corp., a security company based in Aztec, New Mexico.  An investigation revealed that Gambino was producing commercial videos and photos for his company advertising different types of tactical and firearms training that depicted Gambino armed with a rifle, holstered side arms and handguns.

Gambino also represented to a prospective vendor of his commercial tactical services that he was a combat veteran who had earned medals and ribbons including the Purple Heart.  Court filings indicate that Gambino fraudulently enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps that resulted in an other-than-honorable discharge.  Gambino was never in combat and was neither awarded the Purple Heart nor the Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon.

Gambino was arrested in May 2016 on a criminal complaint charging him with being a felon possessing firearms, and making false representations about receiving military medals and decorations.  Gambino was indicted on the same charges May 25, 2016.  According to the indictment, Gambino was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he previously had been convicted of commercial burglary, failure to appear, and menacing involving a deadly weapon.  According to the indictment, Gambino committed his latest crimes on May 12, 2016, in San Juan County, New Mexico.  San Juan County Sheriff’s Office assisted with this investigation.

On Feb. 7, 2017, Gambino pleaded guilty to the indictment and admitted that on May 12, 2016, he possessed six firearms and multiple rounds of ammunition despite his status as a convicted felon which prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition.  Gambino further admitted that he fraudulently held himself out to be a recipient of a Purple Heart and a Combat Action Ribbon with intent to obtain money, property or other tangible benefit.