William Morrison, Jr., a 26-year-old resident of Buffalo, New York, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. Morrison entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara and faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, the incident occurred on July 19, 2024, when Buffalo Police responded to Ashley and Mohr Streets after receiving a report about an individual with a gun. The caller described the suspect as wearing an ankle bracelet and waving a black pistol. The suspect was later identified as Morrison.
The caller also reported that Morrison had entered an Ashley Street residence known locally as a “dope house.” When police arrived at the scene, they saw Morrison running from the back of the residence and apprehended him shortly after. Officers searched the area where he had fled and found a loaded 9mm handgun.
Morrison has a prior felony conviction for a gun charge from November 2019 in Erie County Court, which prohibits him from legally possessing firearms.
The investigation was conducted by the Buffalo Police Department under Commissioner Alphonso Wright and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led by Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller.
Sentencing is set for December 5, 2025 before Judge Arcara.
"U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that William Morrison, Jr., 26, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison."
