Press Release
Tennessee Man Arrested On Gun Charge
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of New York
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051
BUFFALO, N.Y.-- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that David E. Rhoades, 36, of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of a firearm as an unlawful user of a controlled substance. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan A. Tokash, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on August 28, 2016, the defendant attempted to enter Canada at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry. Rhoades was refused entry for possessing a loaded gun. The defendant was escorted by the Canada Border Services Agency (BEST) back into the United States to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The gun was a 9mm pistol for which Rhoades did not have a permit to carry. Drug paraphernalia, including a pill bottle with cocaine residue, a pipe, rolling papers with marijuana residue, and a scale, was also found in the car and seized by officers.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero, Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Rose Hilmey, Acting Director of Field Operations, and by the Canada Border Services Agency.
The fact that the defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Updated September 2, 2016
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