Man Convicted of Gun Charge

BUFFALO, N.Y. – A local man has been convicted of a serious gun charge after a jury trial.

According to authorities, Jose Gonzalez, 37, of Cheektowaga, was driving a stolen vehicle when he was stopped by Buffalo Police on Carolina St. Officers discovered a defaced short-barrel shotgun behind the driver seat during a subsequent search of the vehicle.

Gonzalez faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both for his conviction on the possession of a short-barrel shotgun charge.

The defendant was acquitted on a charge of possession of a defaced firearm. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered short-barrel shotgun.

Gonzalez and his co-defendant, Luis Osorio, were arrested on December 14, 2011. Osorio is scheduled to go to trial on December 3, 2013. The conviction is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Resident Agent in Charge Frank Christiano, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 5, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric M. Opanga and Joseph M. Tripi handled the prosecution of the case.

The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat gun violence in our community. As this case moves forward, we will continue to follow the developments and bring you updates.

Grimy Times will continue to provide in-depth coverage of crime stories like this one, shedding light on the individuals and institutions involved.

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