Aaron M. Bowman, Felon in Possession of Firearm, NY 2024

Aaron M. Bowman, 33, of Middleburgh, New York, admitted today to illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition — a crime that lands him squarely back in the crosshairs of federal justice.

Bowman pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a Smith & Wesson model 432PD .32 caliber revolver and assorted ammunition for three types of firearms. The catch: he’s barred from owning any weapon due to four prior felony convictions, a detail he ignored — and flaunted.

On March 11, 2016, law enforcement confirmed Bowman was in possession of the loaded revolver. Worse, investigators uncovered that six months earlier, he had posted photos of the same gun on his Facebook page, openly offering it for sale — a digital paper trail that sealed his fate.

The case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and the New York State Police. U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian, ATF Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict, and State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II announced the guilty plea.

Bowman now faces up to 10 years in federal prison and as many as 3 years of supervised release following incarceration. Sentencing is scheduled for March 14, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino, who will weigh statutory guidelines and criminal history in delivering judgment.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett is prosecuting the case, underscoring the federal government’s relentless push to keep firearms out of the hands of violent felons — especially those brazen enough to advertise their crimes online.