Erie Felon Admits Violating Federal Gun Laws

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Otemeo Dupree Williams, 32 pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 1, 2015, Erie Police officers responded to Marty’s Tavern and caught Williams unlawfully in possession of a loaded Browning Hi-Power .9mm pistol. The serial number and manufacturers stamping on the firearm had been obliterated and the firearm had been reported stolen from a residence in September 2014. Williams’ prior criminal record prohibited him for possession of firearms.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for November 21, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.

The Erie Bureau of Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Williams.