Antonio Eldridge, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, New York 2016

A Buffalo man has been indicted on a federal charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to the indictment, 27-year-old Antonio Eldridge displayed a firearm to children on March 11, 2016. As a convicted felon, Eldridge is prohibited from legally possessing a firearm. The Buffalo Police Department received information that the defendant had displayed a firearm to children, leading to an investigation that resulted in the recovery of a Winchester Model 69A .22 caliber rifle hidden under a mattress in the children's residence.

The investigation was conducted by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Delano A. Reid, New York Field Division.

Eldridge had previously been issued an order of protection to keep away from both the children and the residence. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Contact: Barbara Burns, (716) 843-5817 or (716) 551-3051.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/buffalo-man-indicted-gun-charge-1