Christopher Rivers, Felon in Possession of Shotgun, New York 2019

Christopher Rivers, 22, opened fire with a shotgun outside an apartment in Greece, New York, in the early hours of January 25, 2019 — a violent outburst that ended with him pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The shots rang out at 1221 Affinity Lane, shattering the quiet of the neighborhood and triggering a swift investigation by local and federal authorities.

Rivers admitted in federal court to discharging the weapon multiple times outside the apartment window. The act was not only reckless — it was illegal. He had previously been convicted of Criminal Possession of a Firearm in Orleans County Court, making any contact with a gun a federal offense. His criminal history slammed the door on any legal defense.

On the docket in U.S. District Court, Rivers entered his plea before Judge David G. Larimer. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, prosecuting the case, laid out the facts with precision: Rivers, a prohibited person, had no business near a firearm — let alone pulling the trigger.

The case was pursued under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative — a targeted crackdown on violent offenders in high-crime areas. PSN relies on data, collaboration, and aggressive enforcement to dismantle cycles of violence. Rivers’ prosecution fits squarely within that mission: identify the most dangerous actors and remove them from the streets.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Greece Police Department, led by Chief Patrick D. Phelan, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), under Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito of the New York Field Division. Their combined resources traced the gunfire to Rivers quickly, building a case that left no room for doubt.

Sentencing is set for July 30, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Larimer. With PSN in the background and a guilty plea on the record, the message is clear: felons with firearms don’t get second chances — they get court dates.

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