A federal judge has handed down a harsh sentence to a Norwich man for his role in a firearms crime.
Bennyjamin Wheeler, a 20-year-old resident of Norwich, New York, has been sentenced to spend 8 months behind bars for unlawfully possessing a short-barreled rifle, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and local law enforcement officials.
As part of his guilty plea, Wheeler admitted to knowingly possessing a Spikes Tactical AR-15 style rifle at his apartment in Norwich on August 6, 2024. The firearm, which had a barrel length of less than sixteen inches, was not registered to Wheeler in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
Senior United States District Judge David N. Hurd also sentenced Wheeler to a 3-year term of supervised release, to begin after his imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), New York Police Department (NYPD) and the New York State Police, with assistance from the Chenango County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown prosecuted the case.
Wheeler’s actions have sparked concern among local residents and law enforcement officials, highlighting the importance of adhering to federal firearms regulations.
As Wheeler begins his prison sentence, the community can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that those who break the law will be held accountable.
Bennyjamin Wheeler, Unlawfully Possessing a Short-Barreled Rifle, New York 2024
Related Federal Cases
- Robert Twiss Charged with Unlawful Rifle Possession, New York NY, 2023 · New York
- Syracuse Man, Possessing Unregistered Firearm Silencers, New York 2024 · Illinois
- Mana Sambola Admits to Unlawfully Possessing Firearms as Felon, Albany NY, 2023 · Washington
- Bowman, Gun Shop Owner, Sued for Gun Theft, New York, 2023 · New York
- Federal Defendant Sentenced for Weapons Possession, New York NY, 1983 · Washington
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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