Man Arrested On Peace Bridge With Firearm

BUFFALO, N.Y.- Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jibreel Williams, age 27, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that in the early hours of December 11, 2016, Williams was stopped in a vehicle on the Peace Bridge while trying to re-enter the United States after visiting the duty-free shop. The firearm was recovered during a border search of the vehicle.

The defendant made an initial appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer. Jibreel Williams is being held for a detention hearing scheduled for today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy at 1:30 p.m.

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Hilmey, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James C. Spero.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.