U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger | U.S. Department of Justice
A Hudson County resident has been indicted for a firearms offense, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna. Richard Sharp, 25, from Bayonne, New Jersey, known on social media as “Famous Richard,” faces charges of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Sharp was apprehended and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court where he was detained.
According to the case documents and court statements, on July 4, 2024, law enforcement responded to an incident at a gas station in Bayonne. The investigation revealed that during an altercation there, Sharp allegedly brandished a firearm with an extended magazine and threatened other individuals present. A few days later, Sharp reportedly posted a video on social media showing him dancing with the same type of weapon.
On July 12, 2024, law enforcement conducted a judicially authorized search of Sharp’s home and vehicle. This led to the recovery of a loaded Beretta M9 semi-automatic handgun with a defaced serial number and an extended magazine containing about 24 rounds of ammunition.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition carries a potential penalty of up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense.
Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna acknowledged the efforts of special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Newark Field Division under Special Agent in Charge Brian J. Driscoll. He also expressed gratitude towards the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office led by Prosecutor Esther Suarez and the Bayonne Police Department under Police Chief Robert Geisler.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Nadel from the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark is representing the government in this case.
The indictment's charges and allegations are accusations only; Sharp remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Defense counsel for Richard Sharp is Areeb Salim, Esq.
