Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Albany Felon Indicted for Possessing a Firearm
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Charles E. Williams, age 34, of Albany, was arraigned today on an indictment charging him with possessing a firearm while a prohibited person.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and United States Marshal David L. McNulty made the announcement.
The indictment alleges Williams possessed a Smith & Wesson .357 caliber revolver in Albany County on November 18, 2021. Federal law prohibits Williams from possessing the firearm as a result of a prior felony conviction. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-release supervision of up to 3 years. A judge imposes a defendant’s sentence based on the particular statute a defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart arraigned Williams arraigned today in Albany, and ordered Williams detained pending trial.
The U.S. Marshals Service is investigating the case, with assistance from the North Greenbush Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting the case.