News Release
U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney
District of Rhode Island
June 30, 2009
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Gun Possession
Damon Foster, 34 of New York, New York has pled guilty to a single count indictment charging him with possessing two firearms after having been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.
Acting United States Attorney Luis M. Matos announced the guilty plea, which Foster entered on June 30, 2009, before Chief Judge Mary M. Lisi in U.S. District Court in Providence. At the plea hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard W. Rose said the government could prove that on January 30, 2009 the Providence Police Department went to 47 Burnside Street in Providence, Rhode Island, seeking to arrest Foster who had two outstanding warrants and because they had information that he may be in possession of firearms. Foster was found at that address where he had been visiting with a friend for about a week. He was arrested on the outstanding warrants and brought to the Providence Police Department.
Police obtained consent to search the apartment from its tenant. From Foster’s belongings, police seized two firearms: a 9 mm semi-automatic Sturm Ruger & Company semi-automatic pistol, serial number 303-65259 and a HiPoint .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, serial number 487084. Both weapons were loaded.
Foster was held without bail pending sentencing, which is scheduled for October 16, 2009. The maximum sentence is 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. ATF conducted the investigation with the Providence Police Department and it is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard W. Rose.
Contact: 401-709-5000 USARI.Media@usdoj.gov