William Morrison, Jr., a 27-year-old resident of Buffalo, New York, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti said the incident took place on the night of July 19, 2024. Buffalo Police responded to a call reporting a man with a gun near Ashley and Mohr Streets. The caller described the suspect as wearing an ankle bracelet and waving a black pistol. The suspect was later identified as Morrison.
The caller informed police that the individual had entered an Ashley Street residence known locally as a “dope house.” When officers arrived at the scene, they saw Morrison running from the back of the residence and quickly apprehended him. Officers then searched the yard where Morrison had fled and found a loaded 9mm handgun.
Morrison had previously been convicted of a felony gun charge in Erie County Court in November 2019, which prohibits him from legally possessing firearms.
“The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Interim Commissioner Craig Macy, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo,” stated officials.
