In a shocking turn of events, a Rochester felon has been sentenced to 63 months in prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition. Erick Arroyo Cruz, 34, was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a charge that carries serious penalties.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn Hartford, who handled the case, Cruz was stopped by police on March 8, 2018, for an outstanding federal arrest warrant. When officers searched the vehicle, they found a loaded .22 caliber pistol in Cruz’s jacket pocket. The firearm was previously reported stolen during a gun store burglary in Wayne County.
Investigators discovered that Cruz had numerous prior felony convictions, which made him legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. His most recent conviction was less than 24 hours prior to the arrest, adding to his list of offenses. This reckless behavior put innocent lives at risk and has now landed him in federal prison.
The sentencing is the result of a joint investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Simmons, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict, New York Field Division.
Barbara Burns can be reached at (716) 843-5817 for further information regarding this case.
As the city of Rochester continues to grapple with the issue of gun violence, this sentencing serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that come with breaking the law. We will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
In related news, the community is coming together to address the root causes of gun violence and provide support to those affected by it. If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of gun violence, there are resources available to help.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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