Two men from Northern California received their sentences, while another admitted guilt in federal offenses linked to a law enforcement initiative focused on curbing gun violence.
Sean Robinson, 37, from Stockton, admitted guilt earlier this month for unlawfully having a firearm. In 2022, authorities conducted a search of his home, uncovering a Glock 27 semi-automatic pistol along with a loaded magazine found within a vehicle. A statement from U.S. Attorney Phillip Talbert’s office on Monday revealed that the firearm had been reported as stolen from Sacramento.
Robinson is prohibited from having weapons due to a conviction for elder abuse and for carrying a loaded firearm in public.
Authorities initiated an investigation into Robinson as far back as May 2021, following surveillance footage that recorded him participating in a violent shootout at the Grand Hyatt Hotel close to San Francisco International Airport. In this incident, Robinson and an accomplice tried to steal at least two other cars.
After the shootout, police confiscated a black duffel bag that surveillance footage showed Robinson carrying moments before the gunfire erupted, which held three illegal firearms.
Robinson’s sentencing is set for January 7, 2025. He could potentially receive a lengthy prison sentence of up to 15 years along with a hefty fine of $250,000.
Jacob Harding-Abeyta, a 31-year-old from Vallejo, received a sentence of four years and nine months in federal prison on September 10 for possessing a firearm as a felon and for having cocaine.
In 2014, Harding-Abeyta faced a conviction in Solano County for attempted murder.
During a parole search conducted on October 7, 2020, authorities discovered a loaded .45-caliber Springfield XDS firearm in the bedroom of Harding-Abeyta’s residence.
Authorities uncovered 39 grams of powder cocaine, along with a digital scale, plastic baggies, and various other drug-related items. Investigators discovered evidence on his phone indicating that he was involved in the sale of this and additional cocaine. Furthermore, Harding-Abeyta acknowledged in his plea agreement that he engaged in obstruction of justice by trying to induce a witness to commit perjury during a previous evidentiary hearing related to this case, according to prosecutors.
Soven Leng, 34, from Stockton, received his sentence this month in connection with Project Safe Neighborhoods.
On September 10, Leng received a sentence of two years and six months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm as a felon. His criminal record includes multiple felony convictions for serious offenses such as assault with a deadly weapon, carrying a loaded firearm, possession of a stolen vehicle, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a controlled substance.
In October 2023, authorities discovered that Leng had a Glock-17 9 mm pistol in his possession.
Prosecutors describe a program aimed at uniting various law enforcement agencies with the communities they support, focusing on decreasing violent crime and gun-related incidents, ultimately striving to enhance safety in neighborhoods for all residents.
