U.S. Department of Justice

United States Attorney
District of Maine

Federal Building
100 Middle Street
6th Floor, East Tower
Portland, Maine 04101

(207) 780-3257

www.justice.gov/usao/me

For Immediate Release

February 26, 2009

New York Man Convicted by Jury of Federal Drug, Firearm Charges

Portland, Maine — United States Attorney Paula D. Silsby announced that following a three-day jury trial in U.S. District Court in Portland, Durrell Williams, 23, of Queens, New York, was found guilty on February 25 on all counts of a 13-count indictment. Williams was charged with conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, conspiracy to make false statements in firearm transactions, conspiracy to illegally deal in firearms, aiding and abetting false statements in firearm transactions, and possession of firearms by a prohibited person.

Evidence introduced at trial showed that Williams transported crack cocaine from the Queens, New York area and along with several other individuals sold it in Portland in 2005 and 2006. Williams, who was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction, also recruited several “straw purchasers” to purchase firearms on his behalf from licensed firearms dealers in the Portland and Lewiston area. Williams then transported the firearms to New York for resale. Several of the firearms obtained by Williams in Maine were later recovered by the New York City Police Department in 2006.

Williams faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence on the crack cocaine charge. Williams faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment on the firearms charges.

United States Attorney Silsby praised the investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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