Alexander Wilson, Loaded Firearm Possession, New York 2023

ALBANY, NY – Alexander Wilson, 30, of Albany, has admitted to possessing a loaded firearm despite being a convicted felon. The incident, which unfolded on Interstate 90 back in March, culminated in Wilson discarding the weapon during a pursuit by a New York State Trooper. This isn’t Wilson’s first brush with the law; court records reveal two prior felony convictions, raising questions about how he initially obtained the pistol.

According to investigators, on March 16th, Wilson was fleeing from law enforcement when he made the desperate move of throwing a loaded pistol from his vehicle. The quick-thinking trooper managed to recover the firearm, immediately launching an investigation that involved the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the New York State Police (NYSP). The brazen act is a stark reminder of the ease with which illegal weapons continue to flood the streets.

U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman announced the guilty plea today, alongside statements from U.S. Marshal David L. McNulty, ATF Special Agent in Charge John B. DeVito, and NYSP Acting Superintendent Dominick L. Chiumento. While the agencies tout collaborative efforts, the reality is that repeat offenders like Wilson continue to slip through the cracks, posing a clear and present danger to public safety.

Wilson now faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison. He’s also looking at a hefty fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release lasting up to three years after he completes his prison sentence. U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino will hand down the sentence on April 30, 2024. It remains to be seen whether the judge will consider Wilson’s history when determining the appropriate punishment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal, as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN). While PSN aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence by bringing together law enforcement and communities, critics argue that the program focuses too heavily on enforcement and not enough on addressing the root causes of crime. The DOJ claims this initiative focuses on fostering trust, supporting community organizations, and strategically prioritizing enforcement.

The question remains: will a lengthy prison sentence for Wilson truly make Albany safer? Or is this just another band-aid solution to a much deeper problem of illegal gun proliferation and systemic failures? Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available. The case highlights the constant struggle to keep weapons out of the hands of those legally prohibited from possessing them, and the dangers that pose to the public.

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