Felon Sentenced to 71 months in Federal Prison for Firearm Possession (DOJ)

Hagåtña, Guam - SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Joseph Ryan Constantino Mallo, age 45, was sentenced to 71 months imprisonment for the crime of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). The Court also ordered three years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

On December 5, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Guam Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop on a black Toyota Camry traveling on Route 10 in Mangilao after observing erratic driving and learning the vehicle's insurance had expired. The driver, Joseph Ryan Constantino Mallo, stated he did not have a valid driver's license. Officers also noted that Mallo appeared extremely nervous and attempted to block their view of the vehicle's center console. With his consent, officers searched the vehicle and recovered a loaded Raven Arms MP-25 pistol from a pouch in the center console. Records confirmed the firearm had been reported stolen in 2017. Both passengers denied knowledge of the firearm.

After being advised of his rights, Mallo admitted he had acquired the firearm two days earlier from an acquaintance who said he needed money. Mallo stated he purchased it for about $100, kept it in the borrowed vehicle for protection, and acknowledged he did not have a firearms identification card and knew he was not permitted to possess a firearm. He denied knowing the weapon was stolen and later provided a signed written statement consistent with his account.

Mallo has a lengthy felony record in both the Superior Court of Guam and the District Court of Guam, including a prior federal conviction for being a Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition.

"Traffic stops are high-risk enforcement activity for police nationwide," stated United States Attorney Anderson. "I applaud GPD and ATF for taking another armed felon off our streets. Repeat offenders can expect federal prosecution and lengthy sentences. We will not tolerate this danger to our communities."

"The unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon poses a serious threat to the safety and security of our communities," stated ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. "This case demonstrates our unwavering commitment to holding prohibited individuals accountable when they choose to disregard the law and place others at risk."

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Guam Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devarup Rastogi prosecuted the case in the District of Guam.