U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the arrest of William Morrison, Jr., a 26-year-old from Buffalo, New York. Morrison has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, which could result in a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is managing the case, explained that on the night of July 19, 2024, Buffalo Police responded to a report of an armed man at Ashley and Mohr Streets. The suspect was identified as Morrison, who was reportedly wearing an ankle bracelet and brandishing a black pistol. He was said to be inside an Ashley Street residence described as a "dope house." Upon arrival, officers saw Morrison fleeing from the back of the residence and quickly apprehended him. A loaded 9mm handgun was found in the yard where he had fled.
Morrison's previous conviction for a felony gun charge in Erie County Court in November 2019 legally prohibits him from possessing firearms.
Following his arrest, Morrison appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and remains detained pending a hearing.
The investigation leading to this complaint involved efforts by the Buffalo Police Department under Commissioner Alfonse Wright and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led by Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller.
It is important to note that charges are accusations at this stage; Morrison is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
