Tyshawn Babers, Gun Possession, Rochester NY, 2022

ROCHESTER, NY – Tyshawn T. Babers, 29, of Rochester, has confessed to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, a crime that could land him behind bars for up to 15 years. Babers entered a guilty plea before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford, according to federal prosecutors.

The case unfolded in the early hours of August 8, 2022, when Rochester Police responded to a reported domestic dispute at 231 Hudson Avenue. Officers arrived to find a woman claiming her ex-boyfriend, Babers, had brandished a black handgun during an argument. Before officers could locate Babers, he quietly slipped away from the residence.

A search of the home revealed a loaded handgun stashed in an upstairs bedroom. Authorities quickly discovered Babers’ criminal history: a 2012 conviction in Monroe County Court for weapons possession and robbery. This prior conviction legally barred him from owning or possessing any firearms or ammunition.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher is prosecuting the case. The investigation was a joint effort between the Rochester Police Department, led by Chief Michael Smith, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito. The ATF’s involvement underscores the agency’s focus on stemming the flow of illegal weapons onto Rochester streets.

Federal officials say this prosecution is part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a broad initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and local communities. The program emphasizes building trust, supporting community organizations, and strategically targeting enforcement efforts.

Babers faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is currently scheduled for December 12, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Wolford. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it moves towards resolution.

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