Charles Harrison, Illegal Firearm Possession, New York 2023

UTICA, N.Y. – Charles Harrison, 34, of Binghamton, New York, is facing a decade behind bars after a federal jury found him guilty Friday of illegally possessing a firearm. The conviction comes after a four-day trial in Utica, revealing a pattern of criminal behavior and evasion of justice.

The evidence presented painted a grim picture: Harrison, already a convicted felon thanks to a 2012 Northern District of New York conviction for conspiracy to possess and distribute controlled substances, had walked away from a Connecticut halfway house while serving the tail end of his sentence. A warrant for his escape was immediately issued, turning Harrison into a fugitive.

The U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force tracked Harrison to a Binghamton apartment on March 29, 2022. He wasn’t easy to find, hiding under a mattress. But the Marshals didn’t just find Harrison; they also discovered a loaded handgun in the bedroom right next to where he was concealed. The prosecution successfully linked Harrison to the weapon, proving he was a prohibited person illegally in possession of a firearm.

U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman and U.S. Marshal David L. McNulty announced the conviction, highlighting the collaborative effort of multiple agencies. The ATF, New York State Police, Broome County Sheriff’s Office, and Binghamton Police Department all contributed to the investigation, demonstrating a unified front against gun crime.

Harrison now awaits sentencing on December 20 before U.S. District Judge David N. Hurd. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, alongside a potential fine of up to $250,000 and a three-year term of supervised release. The final sentence will be determined by Judge Hurd, factoring in federal sentencing guidelines and the specifics of the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica N. Carbone and Thomas R. Sutcliffe prosecuted the case, bringing a successful conclusion to a hunt that spanned years and multiple jurisdictions. This case serves as a stark reminder that those who attempt to evade justice and illegally possess firearms will be pursued and held accountable by federal authorities.

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