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Press Release

Albuquerque man charged with being a felon in possession of firearms

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

              ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jay Bickford, 48, of Albuquerque, appeared in federal court for a detention hearing on November 24, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Bickford will remain in custody pending trial.

              According to a criminal complaint, on Aug. 21, Bickford allegedly was driving a motorcycle with no plate or temporary tag, resulting in a traffic stop by law enforcement. A query through the National Crime Information Center revealed that the motorcycle had been reported stolen, leading to a search of Bickford’s backpack in which the investigating officer allegedly found a loaded handgun.

              As a previously convicted felon, Bickford cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition. If convicted, Bickford faces up to 10 years in prison.

              A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

              The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force investigated this case as part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Legend, a coordinated federal and local law enforcement initiative to fight gun and dangerous crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Tierney is prosecuting the case.

Updated December 1, 2020

Topics
Operation Legend
Firearms Offenses
Press Release Number: 20-229