Austin A. Richardson, a 25-year-old man from Rockford, Illinois, pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition in federal court on June 20, 2019. According to the guilty plea, Richardson had been previously convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The crime occurred on September 20, 2017, when Richardson and another individual took a Taurus 9mm pistol to a firearms retailer and shooting range in Loves Park, Illinois. Richardson shot the pistol numerous times at the shooting range and purchased approximately 50 rounds of ammunition from the retailer.
Austin A. Richardson faces a maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release of up to three years following imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence will be determined by the United States District Court, guided by the Sentencing Guidelines.
Richardson’s guilty plea was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Timothy Jones, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Talia Bucci.
Austin A. Richardson’s case serves as a reminder of the dangers of firearm possession by convicted felons. Firearm laws are in place to protect public safety, and those who violate these laws can face severe consequences.
The case against Austin A. Richardson is a result of an ongoing effort by law enforcement to crack down on firearm-related crimes in the Northern District of Illinois.
Austin A. Richardson’s sentencing is scheduled for June 20, 2019, at 2:00 p.m..
Defendant’s Name: Austin A. Richardson
Criminal Charges: Illegally Possessing a Firearm and Ammunition as a Convicted Felon
City and State: Rockford, Illinois
Exact Date: September 20, 2017
Sentence or Outcome: Guilty Plea, Maximum Sentence of 10 Years’ Imprisonment
Dollar Amounts: Up to $250,000 Fine
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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