Previously Convicted Felon From Essex County, New Jersey, Charged With Illegally Possessing Firearm

NEWARK, N.J. – A Newark man appeared in federal court today to face allegations that he possessed a firearm as a previously convicted felon, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced.

Richard D. Williams, 39, is charged by indictment with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Williams was detained after his arraigned this afternoon before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez in Newark federal court.

According to the documents filed in this case:

On Feb. 18, 2017, law enforcement officers spotted a white Infiniti car that fit the same description of a vehicle that had been reported stolen. The police attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop of the Infiniti but it sped away at a very high rate of speed. The police pursued the Infiniti through Newark and into East Orange, New Jersey. Several other police cars and a Newark police department helicopter joined the pursuit.

The police chased the Infiniti until it was traveling east on South Orange Avenue near Bergen Street in East Orange. At that point, the Infiniti crossed into oncoming traffic and collided head-on into an unmarked Newark police SUV, causing both the Infiniti and the SUV to catch fire. The three Newark police officers inside the SUV were able to exit the vehicle safely.

Williams, the alleged driver of the Infiniti, got out of the car and attempted to flee but was caught by a Newark police officer. A N.J. State Trooper who assisted with the arrest searched Williams and allegedly recovered from his waistband a black Amadeo & Rossi special .38 revolver loaded with four rounds of .38 caliber SPL&P Winchester hollow-point ammunition. At the time, Williams had at least one prior felony conviction in federal court.

The felon in possession of a firearm charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick credited ATF special agents, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Marcus S. Watson in Newark, with the investigation. He also thanked the Newark Department of Public Safety, under the direction of Director Anthony F. Ambrose, and the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Col. Rick Fuentes, for their assistance in this case.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason S. Gould of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.

The charge and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defense Counsel: Chester Keller Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark