Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

BUFFALO, N.Y.-Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that James Smith, 25, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty to being a felon-in-possession of a firearm before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that on February 25, 2016, New York State Parole Officers and others conducted a search at Smith’s residence on Orleans Avenue in Niagara Falls. The defendant was under the supervision of New York State Parole following a July 2010 federal conviction and an August 2014 Niagara County Conviction.

 

As officers entered, Smith attempted to go into the basement. The defendant was stopped and the basement was searched. Officers recovered a Colt, .32 caliber, semiautomatic handgun with a magazine loaded with two rounds of ammunition. As a result of his previous convictions, Smith is prohibited from legally possessing a firearm.

 

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict, New York Field Division; the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Chief Bryan DalPorto; and New York State Parole.

 

Sentencing is scheduled for December 13, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara.