Erik Burch, Khalid Richardson, and Lamar Stanford, all from Syracuse, have pleaded guilty to their roles in a firearms trafficking operation. The U.S. Attorney's Office announced the guilty pleas of these individuals, each involved in unlawful activities related to firearms.
Burch admitted guilt last week for unlawfully selling a firearm to a prohibited person. Richardson pleaded guilty on June 4, 2025, for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Stanford entered his plea on April 30, 2025, also for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Richardson confessed to selling firearms to a known felon on four occasions in 2022. He revealed that he acquired firearms twice from Stanford and Burch. Both Stanford and Burch admitted to possessing firearms during the sales they conducted with Richardson. Their previous felony convictions barred them from possessing firearms.
Acting United States Attorney John Sarcone emphasized the seriousness of selling firearms to felons: “If you sell firearms to felons, be ready to spend a long time in federal prison. We will not tolerate felons buying, selling, or possessing firearms in the Northern District of New York."
ATF Special Agent Bryan Miller highlighted the dangers posed by illegal firearms trafficking: “This case underscores the serious threat that illegal firearms trafficking pose to our communities."
The charges against Burch, Richardson, and Stanford carry potential sentences of up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined based on statutes violated and U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Sentencing dates are set for November 12 (Burch), October 15 (Richardson), and August 27 (Stanford) before Senior U.S. District Judge David N. Hurd.
The ATF led the investigation with support from the Syracuse Police Department’s Intelligence Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone is prosecuting under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims at reducing violent crime through collaborative efforts.