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Press Release

Guilty Verdict Against Essex County, New Jersey, Man For Possessing Firearm As A Previously Convicted Felon

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Jersey

NEWARK, N.J. – A Newark, New Jersey, man was convicted today by a federal jury of possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Caliph Barr, 25, was convicted of possessing a firearm despite his previous conviction in Essex County Superior Court. Barr was convicted today following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark federal court. The jury deliberated for two hours before returning the verdict.

According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial, on June 2, 2014, Barr was found in possession of a Russian Nagant .32 caliber revolver along with six rounds of ammunition.

The charge of which Barr was convicted carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is not yet scheduled.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George P. Belsky, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty verdict.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Courtney A. Howard and David Feder of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.

Defense counsel: Assistant Federal Public Defenders K. Anthony Thomas Esq. & Carol Gillen Esq., Newark

Updated November 9, 2015

Press Release Number: 15-406