United States v. Sternquist, 1:22-cr-00473

Kara Sternquist, a.k.a. "Cara Sandiego" and "Kara Withersea," pled guilty to violating 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), a firearms offense prohibiting possession by convicted felons.
The plea and related charges arose from possession of a black 9mm pistol seized in New York City on September 15, 2022.
The court determined that, under applicable federal forfeiture statutes, Sternquist must forfeit all rights to the seized firearm.
The Preliminary Order of Forfeiture mandates surrender of the firearm to federal authorities and outlines the process for addressing any third-party claims to the weapon.
Sternquist is required to cooperate fully in the forfeiture process and barred from contesting the forfeiture.
The order takes effect upon sentencing and remains binding on Sternquist and her successors or assigns, surviving bankruptcy.

Issue	Plaintiff's Argument	Defendant's Argument	Held
Whether Sternquist must forfeit the seized firearm	Forfeiture is mandatory under federal law	Defendant entered guilty plea, no contest	Forfeiture of firearm ordered
Process for third-party claims to firearm	Must follow statutory notice and petition rules	N/A	Third parties may petition court
Defendant's obligation to assist in forfeiture	Defendant must help effectuate forfeiture	No contest	Defendant must fully cooperate
Timing and finality of forfeiture order	Order should become final at sentencing	No contest	Order final at sentencing, part of judgment