PHOENIX, Ariz. — Eric Thomas Scionti, 36, of Tempe, has been sentenced to 47 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegal firearm possession and animal cruelty, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.
United States District Judge John J. Tuchi handed down the sentence on Tuesday after Scionti pleaded guilty to Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person and Animal Crushing in two separate cases.
Illegal Firearms Discovered During Search
On January 18, 2023, federal agents executed a search warrant at Scionti’s residence, where they seized:
- Six firearms
- 1,826 rounds of ammunition
Scionti was previously convicted of multiple Arizona state felonies, making it illegal under federal law for him to possess firearms or ammunition.
Shocking Animal Cruelty Uncovered
In a separate investigation, on September 29, 2023, agents obtained authorization to search Scionti’s email records. During the search, investigators uncovered:
- 168 videos
- 89 digital photographs
The disturbing content showed Scionti torturing and mutilating live pigeons, leading to the additional charge of Animal Crushing.
FBI Leads Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) spearheaded the investigations, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handling the prosecution.
Scionti will serve his 47-month sentence in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, as part of his sentence for the combined firearm and animal cruelty offenses.
