Craig Carpenito, Gun-Related Charges, New Jersey 2020

NEWARK, N.J. – In a major crackdown on gun violence, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today that the District of New Jersey has brought 342 cases against defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year 2020.

These cases are part of the federal government’s priority to investigate, prosecute, and combat gun crimes as an important part of its anti-violent crime strategy. The charges are the result of a critical law enforcement partnership between the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo.

‘The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,’ said Attorney General William P. Barr. ‘By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens.’

U.S. Attorney Carpenito emphasized that his office’s most important job is protecting the public, and Project Guardian is one of the best strategies to accomplish that mission. By coordinating with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, they have pursued and prosecuted those who violate firearms laws, and helped to reduce gun violence in the state.

‘Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,’ said ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. ‘Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities.’

The federal government has committed to decreasing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws through Project Guardian. The initiative focuses on close coordination with all law enforcement partners to investigate, prosecute, and prevent gun crimes, including the illegal acquisition or attempted acquisition, possession, use, and trafficking of firearms.

Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories, including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense.

Defendant: U.S. Attorney Carpenito did not disclose the names of the defendants. However, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey brought 342 cases against defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year 2020.

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