A 34-year-old Plaistow, N.H., man was sentenced Monday to four years in prison for possessing two firearms after he was barred from owning them because of a previous drug felony conviction.
Jonathan Balamotis, who previously pleaded guilty last February, was sentenced by U.S. District Chief Judge Samantha Elliott, who also ordered three years of supervision when he completes his prison time.
“Despite being a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms, the defendant chose to disregard the law and is now being held accountable for his actions,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Greco added, “ATF enforcement operations prioritize habitual offenders. A recidivist who seeks out a firearm poses an immediate and obvious danger to public safety.”
While conducting another investigation, court records show, Plaistow Police and ATF agents learned Balamotis attempted to purchase a gun June 25, 2025.
According to records, Balamotis was previously sentenced to two to four years in New Hampshire State Prison for arson and second-degree assault. After he was sentenced, prosecutors said he committed nine separate probation violations. Balamotis was also sentenced in 2015 and 2017 for possession of a Class A drugs.