Niagara Falls Man Convicted Of Gun Charges

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051
 
BUFFALO, N.Y.—Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jerry Brown, 62, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that on January 12, 2012, law enforcement officers observed the defendant and co-defendant, Guy Lightfoot, conduct a suspicious transaction outside of 1953 Falls Street in Niagara Falls, NY. Brown, who was in his vehicle when officers approached, attempted to flee which led to a car chase. When officers located the defendant’s vehicle, it was vacant. A search of the vehicle uncovered four rounds of 9mm ammunition and a quantity of cocaine and heroin. Officers then searched the surrounding area and located a 9mm, semi-automatic handgun bearing a defaced serial number, on a roof top in close proximity to the vehicle.  The defendant was located and arrested. The serial number on the firearm was restored using magnetic particle and chemical techniques. Investigation determined it was stolen from a private residence in Niagara Falls.

Guy Lightfoot was convicted of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and sentenced to 24 months in prison.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Chief Bryan DalPorto, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in Charge Kevin Kelly.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 12, 2018, before Judge Arcara.