Charles E. Williams, Possessing a Firearm, New York 2024

ALBANY, N.Y. – Charles E. Williams, 35, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to 55 months for illegally possessing a firearm. The case, brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, underscores the continued effort to keep guns out of the hands of convicted felons, even as Williams faces a mountain of additional state charges.

The bust went down November 18, 2021, when U.S. Marshals, acting on a tip about a kidnapping, located Williams at a hotel in Albany County. While arresting him for the kidnapping, Deputy Marshals discovered a .357 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver stashed in his room. Williams, already a convicted felon thanks to a prior first-degree assault conviction in New York State, was legally barred from owning any firearms.

U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman and U.S. Marshal David L. McNulty announced the sentencing today, but the firearm charge is just the tip of the iceberg for Williams. Since the initial federal offense, he’s been convicted in state courts for kidnapping, robbery, assault, and witness intimidation in both Albany and Rensselaer Counties. He’s currently facing even more armed robbery charges in Albany County, suggesting a pattern of escalating violence.

Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes didn’t just hand down the 55-month prison sentence; she also tacked on a 3-year term of supervised release, meaning Williams will be watched closely after he eventually gets out. The feds weren’t working alone on this one. The U.S. Marshals Service led the investigation, 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 prosecuted the case, building a solid case against Williams despite the complexity of the overlapping state and federal charges. The investigation highlights the collaborative effort between federal and local law enforcement in targeting repeat offenders and preventing further violence. The question now is whether 55 months will be enough to curb Williams’ criminal behavior, or if he’ll be back on the streets continuing his reign of terror.

The sentencing of Charles E. Williams serves as a grim reminder of the challenges facing law enforcement in Albany and beyond. While convictions are secured, the revolving door of the criminal justice system continues to raise concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing legal battles surrounding Williams’ extensive criminal record.

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