Jamestown Man Pleads Guilty To Being A Felon In Possession Of A Gun

CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Douglas Wood, 38, of Jamestown, 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 Seth Molisani, who is handling the case, stated that on March 6, 2018, the Jamestown Police Department was actively engaged in a narcotics investigation operation. Investigators conducted video and audio surveillance of the defendant and learned that Wood was in possession of a silver handgun. Investigators maintained surveillance on the defendant and alerted uniformed patrol officers who approached Wood and spoke with him briefly before he attempted to flee. Following a brief struggle, the defendant was restrained and officers recovered a loaded revolver and 14 additional rounds of ammunition.

Wood was previously convicted: in 2000, in the Nottoway County Circuit Court, Nottoway, Virginia, of Grand Larceny, Unlawful Possession or Use of a Sawed-Off Shotgun, and Burglary; in 2001, in Chautauqua County Court, of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree; in 2004, in Chautauqua County Court, of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree; and in 2007, in Chautauqua County Court, of Robbery in the Third Degree. As a result, the defendant is legally prohibited from 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, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Harry Snellings.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 13, 2019, before Judge Arcara.

# # # #