Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

NEWARK, N.J. – A Jersey City, New Jersey, man made his initial appearance today on charges stemming from his arrest for illegally possessing two loaded firearms, another handgun, and ammunition, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Davone Adams, aka “Dikim Adams,” 42, appeared by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor and was released on home confinement. He is charged by indictment with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. He was also charged by complaint today with being in possession of another handgun and more ammunition.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Feb. 23, 2021, Adams, who had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of at least one year in prison, was found by law enforcement officers to be in possession of one Ruger, Model P95, 9-millimeter Luger pistol loaded with 10 rounds of 9-millimeter ammunition, as well as one Windam Weaponry, Model WW-15, .223/5.56-millimeter rifle loaded with 30 rounds of 5.56-millimeter ammunition. An additional Ruger handgun and additional ammunition were found today at his residence.

Each count of illegally possessing a firearm carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai; and the Belleville Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Minichini, with the investigation leading to the charges.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensured that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassye Cole of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment and complaint against the defendant are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.