Harrisburg Man Receives Over 17 Years for Firearms Conspiracy and Attempted Murder

A Harrisburg man has been sentenced to 210 months in federal prison for his involvement in a scheme to illegally purchase firearms for individuals prohibited from owning them, as well as his connection to an attempted murder case. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Johnny Quinones, 32, was handed down the significant sentence by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson on October 29, 2025.

Quinones was found to have conspired with three other individuals to acquire firearms on behalf of convicted felons and those facing indictments. As a convicted felon himself, Quinones was legally barred from possessing firearms. His conviction in October 2023 stemmed from charges including straw purchasing a firearm, possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon, and conspiracy. The investigation into Quinones gained traction following an incident on August 11, 2020, when Harrisburg Police responded to a shooting victim in the city. Their inquiry eventually identified Quinones, a previously convicted felon, as a key figure. The investigation further revealed that Taashaun Mansfield was the primary individual purchasing the firearms. Over a two-month period, Mansfield acquired seven guns, falsely certifying on official forms that he was the intended recipient of each weapon. Ultimately, these firearms ended up in the hands of individuals legally prohibited from possessing them.

Several co-conspirators in this case have already pleaded guilty to weapons-related offenses and received their sentences. Taashaun Mansfield was sentenced to 37 months in prison, Michael Windham received a sentence of 46 months, and Antonio Godbolt was sentenced to 33 months. The collaborative investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in partnership with the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Consiglio and Richard Euliss prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. This case is part of a broader national initiative known as Operation Take Back America, which aims to combat illegal immigration, dismantle criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime through the coordinated efforts of the Department of Justice.

This sentencing means Quinones will be incarcerated for a substantial period, directly impacting the availability of illegal firearms in the community and holding accountable those involved in enabling felons to obtain weapons. Residents of Harrisburg may see this as a step towards increased public safety by removing individuals and networks that facilitate gun violence from circulation.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Pennsylvania

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