Rahshjeem Benson, 36, of Boston, is behind bars and facing federal time after being caught with a loaded revolver in his possession — a crime he’s legally forbidden to commit. Benson was arrested yesterday and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, according to federal prosecutors.
The charges stem from an April 5, 2019 incident when Benson allegedly possessed a Charter Arms Bulldog Pug .44 SPL caliber revolver and five Smith & Wesson .44 caliber SPL cartridges. Because of a prior felony conviction, he is barred under federal law from owning or carrying any firearms or live rounds.
Benson appeared in federal court in Boston today and was ordered held without bail pending a detention hearing set for May 31, 2019. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and as many as three years of supervised release. The final sentence will be determined by a federal judge, guided by U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutory factors.
The takedown was announced by United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling, Kelly Brady — Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Boston Field Division — and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna Nuzum of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit.
This arrest is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to combat violent crime. PSN relies on data-driven tactics, targeting the most violent offenders while pairing enforcement with community-based prevention and reentry programs aimed at long-term crime reduction.
The charges against Rahshjeem Benson are allegations. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Related Federal Cases
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- Boston Man Cops to Illegal Gun Dealing · Massachusetts
- Connecticut Man Charged in Boston Gun Trafficking Sting · Massachusetts
- Charlestown’s Charles Baker Cuffed in Gun Trafficking Bust · Massachusetts
- Boston Man Sentenced to 3+ Years for Ammunition Possession as Felon · Massachusetts
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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