ALBANY, NY – Charles E. Williams, 34, is facing serious federal charges after being indicted for illegally possessing a loaded weapon, the Department of Justice announced Wednesday. The Albany resident, already a convicted felon, allegedly had a Smith & Wesson .357 caliber revolver in his possession on November 18, 2021, a clear violation of federal law.
According to the indictment, Williams’ prior felony conviction disqualifies him from owning a firearm. The charges don’t detail the nature of that previous offense, but federal statutes are clear: a history of serious crime means no guns. This isn’t a case of a first-time mistake; it’s a repeat offender allegedly flouting the law.
U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman and U.S. Marshal David L. McNulty are leading the prosecution. The feds aren’t messing around. If convicted, Williams could spend up to 10 years behind bars, along with a hefty fine of up to $250,000 and a three-year stretch of post-release supervision. Sentencing, however, will be up to the judge, considering federal guidelines and the specifics of the case.
Williams was arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart on Wednesday and was immediately ordered held without bail, pending trial. The move suggests authorities see him as a flight risk or a danger to the community. The investigation was a collaborative effort led by the U.S. Marshals Service, with crucial assistance from the North Greenbush Police Department and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is tasked with building the case against Williams. The government will need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Williams knowingly possessed the firearm despite being a prohibited person. The indictment serves as an accusation only; Williams is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops. The ongoing struggle to get illegal firearms off the streets continues, and every conviction, no matter how seemingly small, is a step towards a safer community. The legal proceedings will undoubtedly reveal further details about Williams’ background and the circumstances surrounding the alleged possession of the weapon.
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