Lansing man sentenced to 57 months in prison on felony gun charge

Lina PortmanJune 6, 2024

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Tom Allen Manuel was initially charged on December 19, 2023, with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm knowing it had an obliterated serial number.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten announced Wednesday that a 48-year-old Lansing man was sentenced to 57 months in prison for gun possession.

Tom Allen Manuel was initially charged on December 19, 2023, with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm knowing it had an obliterated serial number.

Manuel pleaded guilty to the first charge on February 6, 2024.

“Mr. Manuel has a 30-year history of violent criminal behavior,” Totten said. “He blatantly violated the law and committed crimes on multiple occasions while serving time for past offenses. Residents of Lansing deserve to be protected from such behavior, and my office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to help protect our communities from violent offenders.

Manuel was charged with carrying a loaded pistil on October 27, 2023 by a grand jury. He was then a convicted felon. He also had an outstanding arrest warrant for bail jumping in connection with an armed robbery charge pending in Lansing Circuit Court.

Manuel received a longer sentence than usual because he has a 30-year criminal record for violent crimes. The district court expressed concern that he remained a danger to the community.

“Responsibility matters. Tom Manuel is a convicted serial violent offender who knowingly possessed an illegal firearm. said ATF Detroit Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “Mr. Manuel will have plenty of free time to reflect on his ongoing history of illegal activity. Our community is a safer place today with Mr. Manuel off the streets.