Convicted Felon Displayed Firearms On Social Media And Is Sentenced To Federal Prison

Raheem Tyler, 24, of Manchester, was sentenced today to 34 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between July 7 and 23, 2021, the defendant took videos of himself carrying a handgun, which he posted on social media. Through investigation, law enforcement was able to determine the defendant’s location. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the apartment where the defendant was when he posted the July 23, 2021 video of himself with the gun. The search led to the seizure of the handgun. The defendant later admitted that he had carried the gun. The defendant was legally prohibited from possessing a gun because he was a convicted felon based on multiple convictions, including a 2017 robbery in Manchester.

“Felons who possess firearms, especially those like the defendant who was convicted of a violent crime in his past, pose a serious threat to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “The defendant was apprehended and convicted due to the diligent efforts of the Manchester Police Anti-Crime Unit, whose mission is the reduction of violent crime and apprehension of violent criminals. The U.S. Attorney’s office will continue to work with local law enforcement to keep our communities safe from felons in possession of firearms.”

“I am very pleased with this sentence, as it sends a clear message that violent criminals have no place in our community,” says Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg. “I would like to commend the detectives in our Anti-Crime Unit for their commitment to this case. This positive resolution is a testament to their hard work.”

This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande.